Illuminator recently dropped some vowels because there were other bands out there with a similar name. It’s almost certain, however, that these bands sound nothing like Illumntr. In fact, it’s arguable that most bands sound nothing like Illumntr, for they exist, mentally and audibly, on a different planet. Like a tripped out sonic loom, their combination of sounds and ideas produce a multicolored patchwork. Vocals weave in and out, mingling with echoes, bells, and jangles, timpani and synths. These are not songs with hooks, meant to be easily digested and spat back out. Instead they are carefully constructed suites, pieces melding into one another with orchestral grace. – Read Alison Levin’s interview with the band here.

NYC Thee Mast recently released the new single "UpUpUp" which showcases a partial switch in the band’s sound: Haale Gafori dreamy guitar parts have completely disappeared from this track, replaced by buzzy synths lines, which gently integrate with her ethereal vocals and Matt Kilmer’s signature inventive drum style. The duo has enrolled LA professional dancer Pandora Marie for the shooting of the single’s video, streaming below.

Gritty NYC trio Element demonstrate what a well-oiled rock ‘n roll machine should sound like as audible on the group’s four-track sojourn "SOUNDTRACK TO THE END OF THE WORLD." Meshing a freewheeling hard rock bravado with a potpourri of pop-rock sensibilities, Element’s winning songwriting showcases an aptitude for creating grandiose atmospheres that never lose a pounding backbeat (“Tin Man”) as well as wealth of left of center heaviness straight out of Dave Grohl’s playbook (“Beautiful”). Bolstered by a rash of massive hooks with luxurious harmonies akin to King’s X meeting Muse, Element’s attentive musicianship and versatile rock chops allow their songs to span the rock continuum with an exhilarating sense of swagger where hitting the repeat button constantly is encouraged. See them live at Trash Bar on June 22. -Mike SOS

Zoe Sundra, an artist hailing directly from Natalie Merchant’s school of wistful storytelling, takes a playful look at some of romance’s endless games in her sophomore record, ‘The Hunt.’

In her quieter moments, like the forceful ballad ‘Born to Please’ and the genealogical reveal of ‘Force of Love,’ Zoe reveals a country tinge to her contralto that puts her enormous range on display. But she’s at her strongest in larger anthems like album opener ‘Scarlett,’ where Sundra pours her heart out on top of brassy fanfare and glissando winds unafraid to fly the piece up to the heavens. See her when she plays the New Music Seminar show at Cake Shop on June 19 on May 27th. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets) – Zoe Sundra submitted her music for review to The Deli here.

A new KC music compilation has been released by Kill Your TV, a new local music and art blog. Features artists including The ACBs, Deco Auto, Molly Picture Club, Dolls on Fire, and Vitae and the Pale Horse. Check it out here!

When you listen to Kntrlr for the first time, you’ll probably already feel like you’re singing along to them. Swirling loops engulf otherwise driving rhythms, and vocals that shoot for the rafters. It’s like the way campfire jams probably sound on Mars. No matter how the textures differ, from the rapid single string interplay of Kush, to the dark textures running around Velveteen, the duo exudes a glossy sun-worshipping sheen that is always a welcome sight now summer is finally upon us.

Join Charles and Michael when they play Gutter tomorrow evening with HHR. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets) – Kntrlr submit their music to The Deli for review here.

After performing at Chappo’s LP release show at Dominion in early May, Modern Rivals will be hosting a release party of their own in honor of the "Sea Legs" EP – at Pianos on Saturday June 16th. Modern Rivals are five friends who have been playing music together since middle school. The Brooklyn-based quintet weaves whirling keyboard lines, lush loops, and dreamy guitar tones around balladic vocals and a hard-hitting percussive backdrop. – (as posted in The Deli’s Open Blog – post your band’s entries, videos, and Mp3s here). The Deli’s NYC Open Blog is powered by The Music Building.

Sleepless Saints makes note of their resemblance to ’60s britpop in much of their press, but after listening through to their debut LP ‘Sleep on It,’ I’m finding a lot more in common with a genre popular in their home state of New Jersey. There was a time in the ’80s when Bruce, Jovi and Southside Johnny rocked the Heartland just as well as that Australian Rick Springfield, and this quartet picks up right where these rockers left off.

And there’s nothing wrong with that. True, there’s a couple throwback rockers here. ‘The Last Time’ for instance, could have poured out of The Peppermint Lounge’s speaker system back in the day. But otherwise, the majority of these mid-temp rockers, like title-track ‘Meditate On It,’ has the driving momentum and sweet harmonies I usually associate with bands like The Heartbreakers and The Attractions. A powerful blend to be sure, and a task these guys are more than up to delivering – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)

(above: The Doo-Dads)

 …and if you have more releases we need to know about, email us here.

The Brannock Device: Into the Witness Chamber, 5.15.12

Antennas Up: The Awkward Phase, 5.15.12

The Doo-Dads: Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!, 5.11.12

The Rumblejetts: Motor Honey, 5.9.12

Jason Vivone and the Billy Bats: Lather Rinse Repeat, 5.4.12

Dr. Wizard: Dr. Wizard, 5.4.12

 Genessee: Genessee, 5.4.12 

 In Back of a Black Car has released its newest song, "Lips," and it’s available on CDBaby. This sexy, dancey new wave track comes from a band with former members of Lovers in Transit, Five Star Crush, and Monta At Odds.