Formed by members of Brooklyn’s drunk folk-punk icons Wild Yaks and Austin based indie rock’n’roll darlings Harlem, DAYTONA is a new band that delivers a less energized sound, but more complex and as drenched in ethilic atmospheres. The band’s debut EP could be filed under the chill wave (or glo-fi) wave, but we also hear a fair amount of post rock influences, traceable in the guitars’ textural patterns and elegant melodies. The vocals bring in the alcoholic element, with their lazy cadence and crooked melodies, at times reminiscent of early Pavement and early Modest Mouse, but more… intoxhicated. If you are in NYC, check DAYTONA out live at She Stadium on march 2nd – it’s an EP release party!

We sung the praises of Leah Siegel‘s new project Firehorse quite a bit lately – and we weren’t the only ones, since NPR and Paste declared the project "Next Big Band from NYC," and "Best of What’s Next," respectively. We are really happy to report that Leah also found a capable and inspired team of video-makers to shoo the video for the stunning single "Our Hearts" – check it out below. – Read Nancy Chow’s interview with Leah Siegel here.

Originally a Michigan native, Erin Rioux apparently discovered electronic music through a study abroad opportunity in Germany. He seems to be making the most of his education now that he’s been living and performing here in Brooklyn over the past three years.
While most producers dig through crates and twirl Yamaha DX7 knobs for their textures, Rioux takes an organic approach to sound sourcing. A recent mix, like the colorful ”Unison (feat. Bjork)," might include washes of color that strip apart the singer’s voice, revealing layers of meaning extracted and tweaked line by line from her voicebox.
As the artist says: "…I sketch out a soundscape and layer it with organic instruments such as guitar, drums, trumpet, kalimba, and my voice. One day a neighbor suggested we make a music video together. We did, and have been collaborating on audiovisual music ever since."
The neighbor referred to here is local Brooklyn artist Cabrido, himself a rising star of NY’s gallery circuit. Rioux’s most recent record ‘Everything You Need is Right Here,’ (Speaker Jam Music) is an audiovisual full-length that includes a Cabrido-directed video to match each of it’s ten tracks. Opening with the celebratory ‘Breakthrough’, this is a warm and appreciative album, whose videos of earthy visuals match the scope of Rioux’s kaleidoscopic tapestries.
For an artist that’s come far in a very short time, it can be difficult to keep up with his various proclivities. From joining up with artist collective Dissolve, to recording ‘Lost Hold’ for the first episode of MTV’s ‘Skins,’ Rioux’s experimentalism doesn’t exist outside of immediate, dance-able accessibility. But after globetrotting solo for the past couple years, he’s back from a recent trip to Berlin with a live band, and plans on releasing and touring shortly with this group throughout the states. See, and hear him play live at Glasslands Gallery on Feb. 26.

Blues music seems to need a savior all the time, and the current anointed one hails from Austin. Gary Clark Jr. was born and raised in Austin — practically raised up in the famous blues club Antone’s — and has already shared bills and stages with a zillion big names, from B.B. King to Sheryl Crow. He’s acclaimed by stars and locals, and he’s a monster on stage. The music Clark plays, while certainly leaning on the tradition of blues, is entirely Gary Clark Jr. style. There’s a little bit of everything in there, a kitchen sink full of wild and charismatic tools. Blues is quick to claim but will be unlikely to contain him.

Indie rock Brooklinites The Veda Rays, who were recently Deli NYC artist of the month, are about to release a new EP entitled "Jack Rabid Sessions", which consists in a collection of songs recorded during their recent appearence at the show hosted by Jack Rabid of The Big Takeover on BreakThruRadio.com at Thump Studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (you can see a video from that session here). Also on the bill nu-grunge-done-well trio Dead Stars. The show is at Bowery Electric on February 23

Reminiscent of the late Elliot Smith, Big Phony is a New York City/LA based singer-songwriter who cantors with the somber vibrations of an angel in need of a hug. Gentle phrasing and stripped arrangements graced with melancholy lyrics about Jesus, drugs, and bullies paint the picture of his 2010 release of "Kicking Punching Bags." The religious imagery in several songs reflects his strong devotion to the church (he almost became a pastor). Realizing that was not the life for him, he turned back to music and wrote a collection of 15 songs (several which were re-recorded) that became his first release in 2008, "Straight to Bootleg Vol. 1." Although we do not recommend this album to those who get easily depressed, Big Phony’s music is peaceful, contemplative, and rich with fresh words to new ears. – Christina La Rocca

Milagres played a polished, assured set to a packed house this Thursday night at Mercury Lounge. The last time I saw this Brooklyn five-piece (about a year ago at the same venue) their stage demeanor was entirely different. Now, seasoned by months of tour including an overseas stint, the band plays with bolstered confidence. The common factor? Mercury Lounge was pretty darn full up for both shows. Milagres has and clearly has had a devoted following for quite some time – fans sang along, cheered for favs like “Here to Stay,” and vied to claim their stakes towards the front of the stage. Buoyant vocals and a precise but many-chambered sound, along with the occasional Downton Abbey reference, made for some foot-tapping good times. Milagres’ characteristic plinky, carrying keys in repeated measures lent the floaty indie pop a semi-danceable quality at points. A performance of new track, former UK iTunes exclusive “Quiet Street,” (stream it here) kept it interesting for those who have been there for the whole journey. – Corinne Bagish

Last weekend on the Studio at Webster Hall featured a string of "aggro" bands. We were expecting a bit of an edge from a band who changes a Z-word to an X-word… certainly the case for Xombie, who splits their sound between hip hop and metal. High energy and highly aggressive, the quintet features elements of both genres, flying V’s, crotch grabbing, hair flinging, and hand gesturing. Hey, can we call this this "Nu-Luddism wave"? (If you don’t get the reference, Luddism was a movement that preached to rage against technology, or… machines). – Meijin Bruttomesso

Cult of Youth is a post-industrial folk outfit whose grizzly vocals and complex instrumentation sets them apart from a lot of bands right now. The group consists of Sean Ragon, on lead vocals and multi-instruments, drummer Glenn Maryanski, bassist Micki Pellerano, and violinist Christiana Key. The combination of these multi-talented artists is a successful one, their overall sound showing underlying tones of western folk music, with their east-coast roots (the band originates in Brooklyn) still shining through. Because of their unique sound, Cult of Youth was recognized as a ‘Band to Watch’ by Stereogum in 2011. – Christine Cauthen

Brooklyn band Clouder (christened by our own Dave Cromwell as “bad boys of NYC indie rock”) will be performing a show at Knitting Factory in Brooklyn with Il Abanico, y/y and Spanish Prisoners.  Originally from Columbia, five piece band Il Abanico (pictured) recently moved to Brooklyn after residing in LA for the past year. They released first EP “Crossing Colors” in February 2011, a colorful example of multifaceted and unusual indie pop – stream the single "Keep Calling" below". y/y has been playing their brand of ambient psychedelia throughout Brooklyn and will be touring down to Austin during SXSW. Their first album “Peel and Shudder” was released in December. – Amanda Dissinger