We continue our "Best of NYC Countdown", covering every day one of the artists that made our Year End Best of NYC list (a chart compiled by a jury comprised of local bloggers, music writers, promoters, record store personnel and DJs).

Decidedly dubstep, FaltyDL (Drew Lustman) seems to have created his own brand of NY garage, experimenting with and interbreeding a diverse set of influences and sounds. Hip-hop, UK garage, jazz, and funk awash his tracks. Beats range from impressively regular to strategically patchy, usually with a sweet swing rhythm — most tracks pulsate forward with a lounge-esque coolness and certain elegance, even when they’re more aggressive. Clear Portishead and Aphex Twins influence here. Though crisp and tight, Lustman’s experimental style lends itself to casual beat and synth placement throughout, one of the many aspects that make FaltyDL’s sound fresh and interesting. – Paul Dunn

In 2009, Brassland co-founders Aaron & Bryce Dessner of The National discovered Buke & Gass when they played Sycamore, the basement venue down the street from The National’s home studio in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn. They were blown away by how much noise and rhythm was emerging from this two-piece band. Deli Editor Paolo De Gregorio was there too, and shortly after the show decided to put the band on the cover of the Summer issue 2009 of The Deli. The band and the label are now announcing a full length for September 2010 – there’s already a full song for stream and download here.

ABOUT: "It’s music that, upon first listen, makes you want to say, ‘Hey Patrick Bower, cheer up. Life ain’t that bad.’ But inevitably, upon second listen, you realize that it is that bad." PRESS: "Stylishly moody indie folk" – Time Out New York "Beach Closed finds Bower at long last stretching his legs and fleshing out the songs by stripping them down and in turn, whispering them loudly into your ear." – Alarm Magazine "lush, bearded folk" – Brooklyn Vegan – (as posted in The Deli’s Open Blog – post your band’s entries, videos, and Mp3s here).

Brooklyn’s Sensual Harassment call themselves "Reptilian Humanoids," and with good reason: there’s certainly something mutant about their music. As we speak, the trio are reinventing the dance floor with their disco-meets-’80s new wave hybrid of electronica. From propulsive beats to saccharine sing-a-longs, their tracks — many of which were done with seasoned engineer Jesse Cannon (The Cure, Animal Collective) — are slick enough to make the casual listener instantly bust a move even in the kitchen. While one song, "Daddy Long Legs," features explosive bits that Daft Punk might want to cop, their latest single "Fever" is the gem of them all. The shimmery synth-propelled tune is a sweet, body-moving anthem complete with a climactic "la la la" chorus. Revel in these hot summer nights by blasting it at loud decibels and knocking back some cold ones. – Michelle Geslani

Catchy, upbeat tunes infused with a 60s pop style and ragtime piano makes Craig Chesler’s latest CD the perfect addition to your summer music collection. A great blend of simple but poignant lyrics and smooth vocals resonate with listeners who will eagerly tap their toes to fun songs like “At First Sight” and “All In All,” and be treated to the light sound of the ukulele, banjo, and various other instruments on the 12-track album. Chesler’s music is a step back in time to an era where easy living and easy loving was part of the day-to-day, and music was simply made to be pleasing to the ears. Craig can also be found playing with Tom Clark and the High Action Boys throughout New York City, as well as solo at Brooklyn haunts like Bar 4. The album features the talent of local artists like Len Monachello, Tom Clark, Jeff Jacobson, Sal Maida, Marni Rice, Casey Shea, and more. –CM

We continue our "Best of NYC Countdown", covering every day one of the artists that made our Year End Best of NYC list (a chart compiled by a jury comprised of local bloggers, music writers, promoters, record store personnel and DJs).

New York quartet, The Shake, have been quaking the city’s music scene in recent months, landing a top spot on The Deli’s “Best of NYC” poll. Their December record release, “The Shake Go Crazy,” is nothing short of pure rock ‘n roll with catching riffs, singable choruses, and spirited guitar solos that embody the youthful rebelliousness that is missing from many acts today. Distinguishing themselves from the typical rock outfit with Jon Merkin’s unmistakable vocals and Eliad Shapiro’s gripping choices in guitar progressions, The Shake also adopt a heavy blues swagger and metal attitude on highlighted tracks, “Got No Soul,” “Merry Musket” and “Galleries,” open “Your Idols” with a cappella flair, and demonstrate great musicianship by collaborating with Matt Butler (Reckless Sons) on “Time Bomb,” Ezra Huleatt (Black Taxi) on “Pop Goes the…,” and Tash Neal (The London Souls) on “Merry Musket (Reprise).” Invigorating on record and on stage, The Shake are ones to watch on the rock ‘n roll Richter scale. www.wearetheshake.com – Meijin Bruttomesso

Make Music New York  is a unique festival of free concerts in public spaces throughout the five boroughs of New York City, all on Monday, June 21st, the first day of summer. MMNY takes place simultaneously with similar festivities in more than 327 cities around the world — a global celebration of music making.

There will be a bunch of outdoors concerts in Williamsburg with local artists who deserved to be checked out. In the middle of Bedford Avenue, Spike Hill will host an outdoors show The Deli helped book with The Courtesy Tier @ 9pm, The Twees @ 10pm, Black Taxi @ 11pm, and The Binary Marketing Show (in the picture above) @ midnight. On North 6 Street, Cameo will host an all day similar event involving a very interesting lineup of NYC artists including Turkuaz, The Yellow Dogs, Hank and Cupcakes, Hollis Brown, Daddy Long Legs, Shilpa Ray, Fredericks Brown, The London Souls, and Fall on your Sword (in the picture below).

Thursday night at The Cake Shop, while listening to Ava Luna‘s song "Won’t You Be Mine", we experienced an inner time travel that took us back to a 1950s soda shop – were a jukebox was playing… that song. This was probably triggered by the band’s three female vocalists, who reeled the audience in with their velvety doo wop style vocals, feet stomping and hand clapping. That trip was shattered about a minute into the song when frontman Carlos Hernandez’s Prince-esque falsettos combined with some heavy synth and bass impacteded our confused eardrums. This unlikely melding of synth rock/pop and doo wop is a little like those chocolate and bacon bars you see around these days: sweet and funky, but pretty damn yummy. The band has a series of shows scheduled in the NYC area in June and July, make sure to check them out. – Abigail Devora

The EP from Brooklyn’s own ARMS is another FTW from the "nu-gaze" wave. It is an album as sophisticated as Sufjan Stevenes and as spirited as Sonic Youth. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Todd Goldstein began writing music under the name ARMS in 2004. After releasing a solo album "Kids Aflame" in 2008, Todd recruited Tlacael Esparza to play drums and Matty Fasano to play bass and sing along under the same name. The trio’s new EP is made up of five refreshing, romantic tracks filled with droning rifts, introspective lyrics and echoy vocals that will be a part of their upcoming full-length album tentatively called "Summer Skills." The lovely lo-fi songs are non-confrontational but holistically downbeat. The kind of complex and inspiring tunes you’d want to play in your room on a rainy day when you’re tired of listening to the Donnie Darko soundtrack. Download their EP for free, here (http://www.armsarms.com/songs/arms_ep.zip) and turn the volume up on Heat & Hot Water. – CBM

We continue our "Best of NYC Countdown", covering every day one of the artists that made our Year End Best of NYC list (a chart compiled by a jury comprised of local bloggers, music writers, promoters, record store personnel and DJs).

Maybe it’s the southern twang of Heather Christian’s soprano that absolutely sucks you in. Or maybe it’s the beautifully arranged balance of edgy guitars and strategic piano. Either way, Cavalier Rose is a masterpiece to add to your collection. Be impressed with the rowdy, “Lie to Me” or fall in love with “Lamplight,” a stunning almost romantic track that transports you to a secluded cabin in the country. Intimate and seductive, Christian’s killer voice tugs at your heart strings. Cavalier Rose’s own charming signature sound adds to its bone-chilling live performance that mirrors a Janis Joplin, “rock with me” intensity. Absolutely addicting. – Melissa Wong

The Pains have been very productive as of late – didn’t they release a new video like a month ago? Anyway, this one comes with some fresh news: the band will be making their next live NYC appearance at the 10th Annual Siren Festival in Coney Island precisely on the hottest day of the year (which always conicides with the Siren Fest, did you notice?). They’ll be sharing the stage with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Matt & Kim and recent tour buddies, Surfer Blood. Immediately after their performance the Pains travel to the UK and Europe to complete a mini tour.

Oh You Devil is Yuri Velez (drums/vocals), Marc Berger (guitar), Ari Brand (keyboard), and Reinhardt Schuhmann (bass). A relatively new band, the group seems poised for a bright future. After just a few short months of gigging, they’ve already gained a reputation for their live shows and have played to packed crowds at Pianos, Bar Matchless, Fontanas, and Sycamore. Reminiscent of Radiohead and Blonde Redhead, their music is expansive, moody, and deeply expressive. Rich, textured harmonies and gripping arrangements fused with lead singer Velez’s emotive vocals create a truly mesmerizing sound. Check out a recording of Receive Me with guest vocalist Leah Hayes from Scary Mansion/La Laque on their Myspace page. They are playing a Rooftop Films show on Friday, June 18th on the roof of New Design High School (350 Grand Street @ Essex). – Danielle Kourtesis