L.A.

Stream: Busy Living, “Let You Down”

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We’ve all been there. No two people love each other equally, which is the theme trio Busy Living explore on their latest track "Let You Down". "I don’t want to let you down/ but it’s gonna happen", goes Mike Moonves’s sprightly chorus as a smattering of propulsive synths wash over the track’s anthemic pull. Produced by Spoon’s Jim Eno, "Let You Down" is a slight departure from their more streamlined guitar pop. It’s a joyful moment marked with some sadness, and they bring a potent reason to celebrate the beauty of oneself when the love we invest on so fully may go unrequited. 

NYC

Booked at CMJ: Bowmont unveils video for Hovering + plays Glasslands on 11.13

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Bowmont ended up on our CMJ 2014 Electronic Stage at Pianos at the last minute, and we couldn’t have been happier to have them, since their put on a great show. The band has coined a very personal, moody brand of pop that could be defined impressionistic, if not pointillistic: it’s as if their songs emerged from silence like a sonic mosaic created by the combination of many tiny fragments of sound. The quartet just unveiled this video for their song "Hovering," featuring Shilpa Ray (who also played at Pianos that night on our Indie Stage). Check it out below and don’t miss them when they play live at (soon to be closing) Glasslands on 11.13 with like minded Brooklynites Mon Khmer. –  Photo by Fabrizio Del Rincon

Austin

Floridians

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The Floridians play modern alt rock mixed with bro pop punk of the previous decade. Lots of boppy rhythms mixed with a bit of angst. Think of Jimmy Eat World but more pop energy than downbeat emo vibes. The Austin trio comprised of Travis Nottingham, Reid Drapp, Nick Serino recently released their debut album, Settle Down. They successfully started a Kickstarter to press the debut to vinyl. Hear them play cuts from their debut and maybe pick up a vinyl this Wednesday at Holy Mountain. 

Chicago

Ego

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Ego has released a video for their track "Can’t Shut It Off" which is taken from their new 7" "cant shut it off/sunlight" out november 10th 2014 via Maximum Pelt.

As we mentioned yesterday, Ego will be celebrating the release on Nov. 10th at Empty Bottle with Lil Tits, Perfume, and Foul Tips.

Philadelphia

The Deli Philly’s November Record of the Month: 7″ – Sheer Mag

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Relatively new outfit, South Philly’s Sheer Mag, fronted by The Shakes’ Christina Halladay, wastes no time with filler on their debut 7”. The four-track release is equal parts garage and punk bravado.
 
“What You Want” kick-starts the record with jangly percussion and pristinely fuzzed-out riffs. As the song’s melody unfolds, Halladay’s screamed-out, heartfelt vocals recount and flawlessly capture the dissonance of romantic antics and their aftermath. Guitar-drenched interludes and buzzing drums reminiscent of Colleen Green, circa Cujo, and early demos by Bleached render the piece memorable, while noisy shreds near the three-minute mark bring to mind the lo-fi glory of the Useless Eaters’ Daily Commute.
 
Sheer Mag’s “Sit and Cry” is bittersweet and abrasive. Opening with crisply executed riffage, the second track off the band’s EP audibly embodies the malaise of its namesake. Halladay’s vocals, coupled with trippy distortion, amplify the emotional nuance of the release as a whole. As “Sit and Cry” nears its end, chords morph into reverb as she croons “cry, cry.” Soon after, the satisfyingly moody “Point Breeze” begins. Starting off with a rhythmic drive evocative of Cousin Brian or Throwing Up, the undertone of “Point Breeze” captivates listeners nostalgic for Slutever’s Pretend to Be Nice. Crisp with caustic yet earnest diction by Halladay, the song is energetically catching from start to end.
 
The album’s closer, “Hard Lovin,” is gritty, like a mellowed-out Bobbyteens’ B-side. Shaking tambourine and whining guitar lines perfectly compliment her rowdy vocals as the song progresses. Thematically, “Hard Lovin” is a kindred spirit to acts like No Bunny or Hunx and His Punx. It’s a song for romantics with a penchant for rock ‘n’ roll. It’s an anthem.
 
Overall, Sheer Mag’s debut release is brief. Despite this, the four-song EP is more than enough to wet the appetites of their soon-to-be adoring fans. – Dianca Potts

NYC

Booked at CMJ: Anthony D’Amato tours EU + plays 3 NYC shows in 2 weeks

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Anthony D’Amato is best known for soft-spoken, sepia-toned folk tunes. More recently, though, he’s added a few vibrant hues to this sonic palette. From the facepaint gobs flecked onto his suit for the cover of the upcoming "The Shipwreck from the Shore," to an unexpected symphonic vision on several new cuts, D’Amato is determined this time to add everything, including the kitchen sink. The Jersey artist comes closest to Springsteen’s anthemic reach on "Was a Time," but manages elsewhere to keep things intimate on sleepers like "If It Don’t Work Out." With a little help from friends like Matt McCaughan (Bon Iver) and Sam Kassirer (Langhorne Slim), he’s brought in all the the hard artillery. (Jeepers! That’s a lot of metaphors!). We had the chance to see him at our recent Deli Roots’ CMJ Stage at Rockwood on Stage 1 in a stripped down set that charmed and lulled us. He recently signed a touring deal with a major agency, which should bode well for the future. You’ll have plenty of chances to see him live before he lives for a EU tour, since he’s playing Rockwood tomorrow (11.04), City Winery on 11.13 ands Bowery Ballroom on 11.16.

We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best NYC songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!

Chicago

Jiggawatts

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Jiggawatts recently released their debut ep Strawberry Jacuzzi on their bandcamp. Any ep with a 7 minute track called "Cookie Magic" is worth checking out, but Jiggawatts have an inventive blend of styles that make this an enjoyable listen.

Chicago

The Howl “Sputter”

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The Howl have released a new single called "Sputter". The track is energetic and pure rock for all 2 minutes and 45 seconds.

Nashville

Hotel War Album Release Show at The 5 Spot 11.8

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The upside to this recent cold snap is the realization that it is officially Leather Weather. Now the jacket that would have made you look like you were trying too hard in August becomes a perfectly acceptable utility piece. And what pairs well with a leather jacket? Motorcycles? Cigarettes? Broads? How about Hotel War’s brand spanking new EP "Nashville Nights?" Equal parts grit and sleaze, the trio’s down and dirty follow-up to their "Rebel Out of Time" EP is a spin through the screaming, 70’s-flavored RAWK that they do so well.  The EP drops November 7th, with a release show on November 8th at The 5-Spot. Below is their most recent video for "Casino Nights" for a little Hotel War appetizer. With a lineup including sax-driven party rock from Diamond Carter and barn burners from perennial crowd pleasers Blackfoot Gypsies, this is probably one of those nights that will include a fistfight with your future best friend. Or spouse. -Terra James-Jura

Toronto

The Mounties- 11/3 @ the Casbah

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Can’t get you outta my head!  Hey, Mounties! These guys are impressive, what a creative collection. Each track on their self tiltled album has a unique theme. It ranges from smooth rock n’roll riffs, killer synths, digital tones to catchy beats and clapping hands, the Mounties do it all! Check out the video for Tokyo Summer, it’s an ironic take of the tracks title, I think you will enjoy! Right from the start the keys pull you in with an unforgettable melody and catchy vocals that take off with flyin’ guitars. See them tonight @ the Casbah, be there by 7:30pm! It’s gonna be an outstanding performance!