If you’re feeling depressed, Mark Lanky’s music might sound like an old friend who knows just how you feel, or it might serve as the catalyst that pushes you over the edge. Either way, his earnest, baritone vocals and realist lyrics will stir up something inside you. He’ll be a lone man with his acoustic guitar vulnerably on stage tonight at Ortlieb’s opening for Whitey Morgan and The 78’s. Come experience how Lanky will make you feel! Ortlieb’s, 847 N. 3rd St., 8pm, $10, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman
New England
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Show Announcement: Elephants at O’Brien’s Pub September 13
This Saturday, As Built PResents & O’Brien’s in Allston, MA will play host to an evening of indie-pop bliss. Boston locals Elephants will be taking the stage in support of their upcoming album release, Strange Waves. The record, which will be the group’s second, definitely reflects all of the hard work the group has put into crafting it over the past few months. Lead singer Lauren Garant appears to have mastered the art of the pop hook with the melody on the track “The Turtles Were Right”, which I was fortunate enough to get my hands on and be able to share with the fine readers of The Deli New England. So, without any further adieu, check out the link below and get ready for Saturday night!
Elephants will be joined by bellwire, Everything and Everyone and The Original Cowards. Doors are at 8PM, $8 cover for the bands and it’s 21+ (with proper ID, of course). For more info on Elephants (and to follow updates about the release of Strange Waves), check out their Facebook page.
-Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn)
Philadelphia
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New Mumblr LP Available for Streaming
Fuzz-rock quartet Mumblr just made its forthcoming LP Full of Snakes available for streaming in its entirety over at Impose. The album, whose name is derived from drummer Scott Stitzer’s phrase for how he felt after a heavy night of drinking, is the bands most polished and interesting record to date. Full of Snakes is set to be released on September 16 via Fleeting Youth Records, and the band will be celebrating its release on September 19 at Golden Tea House.
NYC
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Artists on Trial: Admiral of the Red
(Photo by Roshelle Hudson)
In its short time together, Admiral of the Red has quickly evolved from a blues-based garage rock duo into a fully realized, dynamic rock band. The raw roots rock approach of guitarist Matt Hurst and drummer Tom Hudson, coupled with MB Hurst’s visceral vocals and a low-end punch from bassist Chris Reed creates the band’s primal, driving sound, reminiscent of The Dead Weather and Queens of the Stone Age. We talk more with Hudson about the group and what they have coming up.
The Deli: Down and dirty: one sentence to describe your music.
Hudson: Rock and roll with a hint of blues and a tinge of soul. At least that’s what we like to think.
The Deli: Give me some background info on the band.
Hudson: Matt [Hurst] and I met in 2012 and shared the same appreciation for the blues/roots rock sound that Jack White, The Black Keys, and Queens Of The Stone Age do so well. Particularly the sound of The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather—we really wanted to capture that big raw sound. We originally planned to maintain the band as a two-piece, but when Matt’s sister MB showed up at a practice and started singing, it was pretty much a no-brainer to have her take on the lead vocalist role. After spending a good portion of 2013 coming up with a set list and writing songs, we decided we wanted to make a demo. After a 30-minute phone conversation with Joel Nanos at Element Recording, the demo became an EP and we went into the studio in August 2013 to record it, essentially putting out an album before ever playing a show. Over the last year, we have had some great times and have played great shows. About 6 months ago we decided to bring in a bass player to fill out the sound of the band since our songwriting was moving in a direction that needed it. Since then, we’ve been working on tightening up as a band, playing good shows, and just having fun.
The Deli: What have been your greatest accomplishments as a band?
Hudson: Well, we’ve been playing together for about 18 months and even recorded an EP together. While we all have our disagreements at times, we do not hate each other… yet. When you put opinionated people together in one band, it’s a big accomplishment to stick together, grow, and better yourselves as musicians.
The Deli: What can we expect from your EP, Almost Free? Do you plan to record again soon?
Hudson: As mentioned above, Almost Free originally was only supposed to be a demo. The goal was to just have something in our hands to give to promoters, friends, and fellow musicians to get the word out and book shows. However, we’re really glad that we decided to make an EP instead. The feedback on the album has been positive and we’re really happy with the way it turned out. Joel did an outstanding job and provided insight that turned out to be extremely valuable as we started to play shows. Even though it’s been over a year now, it is still a good representation of our sound. As for a new album, the plan is to start recording a full-length by the end of this year. We’re close to having enough new material for it and can’t wait to get back in the studio again.
The Deli: What does supporting local music mean to you?
Hudson: Going to shows, supporting, helping your fellow musicians better themselves. Sort of preaching to the choir here, since the reason our music scene is so great is because so many people already do that.
The Deli: Who are your favorite local musicians right now?
Hudson: This is probably the hardest question to answer. From the more established groups to the newer bands around, there is so much great music happening in KC right now. However, some highlights would definitely be Drop A Grand, The Conquerors, and Katy Guillen and the Girls.
The Deli: Who are your favorite non-local musicians right now?
Hudson: Tok and Bruiser Queen from St. Louis are doing great things these days. We opened up for Leopold and His Fiction from Austin the other night and were just blown away by their live show. Another great Austin band is Not In The Face; they write and play some great rock and roll. Definitely recommend catching any of these guys the next time they come through town.
The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy concert bill to play on?
Hudson: Queens Of The Stone Age, The Dead Weather, and The Kills.
The Deli: A music-themed Mount Rushmore. What four faces are you putting up there and why?
Hudson: Jack White, Dave Grohl, Josh Homme, and Britt Daniel. Each one of them has a great respect for the history of rock and roll, and do a great job carrying the torch.
The Deli: What other goals does Admiral of the Red have for 2014?
Hudson: We’ll be opening for Outsides on Saturday, September 13 at recordBar. This will be our last show for a bit, as we write some new material and get ready to record. Look for us to play again, hopefully with some new material in November/December.
The Deli: Where can we find you on the web?
The Deli: Always go out on a high note. Any last words of wisdom for the Deli audience?
Hudson: Go to shows, go to shows, go to shows! As mentioned earlier, we have a great scene here and the way that scene thrives is by supporting each other. Also, spread the word to others who may not play. I feel there are A LOT of people in this city that don’t quite understand how much talent resides here and would really take notice if they were just made aware. Tell co-workers, friends, family, their friends, and so on. We are our biggest supporter, but that sometimes doesn’t work when we’re all playing different shows on a Saturday night. The mentality should be that there are never enough people listening. Spread the word, but most of all have fun!
You can catch Admiral of the Red this Saturday, September 13, where they will be playing with Outsides and Is Paris Burning at recordBar. The show will be presented by 96.5 The Buzz. Facebook event page.
–Michelle Bacon
Michelle Bacon is editor of The Deli KC and plays in bands.
San Francisco
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John Murry Plays Two Nights at Amnesia
Influential folk musician, John Murry will be playing Amnesia on September 14th and September 21st. This Mississippi transplant is now residing in Oakland and we’re enthusiastic about him bringing his eerie presence and music that sits like a wax coating on your psyche to the Bay Area.
His music resonates and encapsulates musical resemblances to Townes Van Zandt, Pete Yorn and Tom Petty, but Murry’s music a bit more modern and experimental, bringing his dark folk lyrics animation and color.
Make sure you check out his two performances at Amnesia. His music has been featured on the popular television show, Sons of Anarchy…but that’s not why you should see him live. Take a listen to his recordings and you’ll be convinced. –je
San Francisco
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Lords of Sealand Release New Album + Play Benefit Show – 9/20
San Francisco based avant indie rock band Lords of Sealand are releasing a new album entitled, Found Fiction. You can catch their live performance and album release celebration at El Rio on September 20th.
Their new single, Never Disappoint exudes elements of progressive and reggae musical styles. Lords of Sealand’s sound is very unique and the music sucks you in by grabbing your ears with their sensual instrumentation and haunting lyrics and vocal performances.
The bill for their album release show will include Hoxton Mob and Van Damnit, while doubling as a benefit event for Home Away from Homelessness, a non-profit that provides after school care for children of homeless families. Do it for the kids! Don’t miss this show. Bands who help people are cool.
New England
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Photos: Fourth Boston Calling Music Festival is yet another success
Despite heavy rain pausing Saturday’s festivities, this year’s second Boston Calling Music Festival – and the fourth overall – was once again a success. What sets the live showcase apart from other festivals, aside from its unique array of talents, is its location: instead of an open field, Boston Calling takes place on City Hall Plaza, in the heart of downtown and dwarfed by the taller buildings surrounding it.
While Saturday’s storm led to the cancellation of sets by Volcano Choir (the latest project of Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon) and mash-up artist Girl Talk, Lorde and Childish Gambino ended the night on a triumphant note. Each given a 50-minute set, the two boasted the most energetic performances and youngest crowds of the weekend. “What you’ve done here tonight … is pretty special,” the 17-year-old songstress told the audience after they stuck it out to see her perform.
Luckily, the inclement weather steered clear of the festival on Friday and Sunday, with Neutral Milk Hotel and The National closing Friday night each with its own brass section, while Nas and The Roots finished off the festival on Sunday. Sunday’s lineup also included punk legends The Replacements and psychedelic newcomers White Denim.
Check out The Deli New England’s photo album from the weekend over on Flickr and make sure to keep posted at the Boston Calling website so you can be amongst the first to swipe tickets for the festival’s May edition.
-Jake Reed (@jakejreed)
Photos by Monica Kwan
NYC
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Sinkane unveils new video for ‘How We Be’ + tours EU and US
Sinkane is one of the most interesting NYC bands to channel a fluid, sensual blend of soul music, funk and afrobeat, and his recent release ‘Mean Love’ is his most accomplished record so far. Directed by Nick Bentgen, “How We Be” is an ode to our the neighborhoods of New York and a love letter to summer in the city. Sinkane will be spending the next few months touring the US and Europe, don’t miss the NYC show at Baby’s All Right on October 05.
NYC
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More than sleazy: TURBOSLEAZE seen at Shea Stadium
As I geared up to hit Heeney, Big Ups and Fiasco at Shea Stadium the other night I decided to do a quick search for the opening band in order to decide when I should actually show up. It was the title of their first release that made me instantly decide to get to the show on time: ‘Balls Balls Balls Vagina‘ (why three balls?) – but the music confirmed it. Aggressive, whimsical, and unbelievably hilarious, TURBOSLEAZE know how to capture vulgarity. But all of that might be to waste if they didn’t have the instrumental talent to match their comedy. Delivering goofy stage banter and quips at the audience’s lack of participation, Turbosleaze brought a polyrhythmic math-rock mastery to back it all up, as they sang about things like the evils of fast-food including but not limited to the first Baskin Robins in Afghanistan. I soon discovered that three of the four Yankou brothers are behind TURBOSLEAZE, i.e. the four Bronx born natives of No One and the Somebodies, as well as Will Maloney of the criminally underrated band, Old Table. Turbosleaze has a pretty similar vibe to NOATS, but are more upfront about their vulgarity, which I respect; we need more talented bands who take themselves (and anybody else) less seriously. These boys have paid their dues so let’s show ’em a little love, eh? – Jake Saunders
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Kidnap Me” (Single Version) – CRUISR
Earlier today, HillyDilly premiered CRUISR’s (now sans “e”) reinvigorated version of “Kidnap Me,” which you can take a listen to HERE. This new take is a part of their iTunes single that is available September 23rd. With an increased vibrance, this “Kidnap Me” is the type of song that holds on for the last few weeks of warm weather and offers a preview of what to expect from the group now that they are part of the Vagrant Records family. (Photo by Chris Sembrot)
Chicago
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Dawn Golden
Dawn Golden (aka Dexter Tortoriello of Houses) released a remix EP his May release Still Life this week via Downtown Records. The remix EP features contributions from Diplo, Prides, Metome, Fantasy Camp, CREEP, and more.
You can catch Dawn Golden with Metronomy at Lincoln Hall this Friday, Sept. 12th.
L.A.
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Stream: Monogem, “Stay With Me”
Singer/songwriter Jen Hirsh, otherwisde known as MONOGEM, continues to bridge the current surge of eighties-leaning synth pop with nineties R&B with "Stay With Me", a soulful slow-burn with a metallic sheen that’s a sharp contrast to her previous, more dance-oriented single "All We Have". Hirsh follows a measured, more atmospheric tone that brings her delicate, yet robust vocals to the forefront. "Stay With Me" should be part of her upcoming EP, which, according to her official facebook page, should be arriving very, very soon.