NYC

SUSU release new CD, play Glasslands on 02.09

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Brooklyn devastatingly noisy SUSU have a new record and this is what they say about it (from our Open Blog): "R and R and R is the culmination of a year of writing and reaction. Our process was simple and 100% collaborative – mostly forget everything you did the day before, but keep the things that stick. Once we had the bases for songs we fine tuned or de-tuned the mixtures to produce what you will hear. We feel our approach was very visceral but respectful of a traditonal "song". We are very excited with the results and hope you will be too. You may hear echoes of what we have done on our previous release, but for us it feels entirely more cohesive and powerful, as it was done in one big chunk. It is also very true to our live performance. It was recorded and mixed in 7 consecutive days at Machines with Magnets (Battles, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Elvis Perkins in Dearland etc.) in Pawtucket, RI by Keith Souza and Seth Manchester. The guys there (and Lauren!) were amazing to work with, not to mention they let us sleep on the floor. Visit our website to purchase (iTunes, eMusic, Lala, Amazon etc.) Much love. – SUSU" – (as posted in The Deli’s Open Blog – post your band’s entries, videos, and Mp3s here). – Don’t miss their show at Glasslands on 02.12.

 

Chicago

Last Minute Plans: Baron Von Something

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I know you are probably buried in snow and don’t want to dig your way out, but if you can make it down to Empty Bottle tonight you will be rewarded. They are featuring three bands that play various forms of indie rock. The Vindits learn more towards the punk aspects of things, Baron Von Something play something more traditional, and Deadlands (from what I can tell) play alt-country tinged rock. It is three facets coming together for one night. Let’s see if they can melt some of this snow!

Portland

Band of the Month Nominee Spotlight: Echo Helstrom

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Classically trained five-strong group Echo Helstrom is rising into the spotlight of Portland’s eclectic center. This orchestral-driven ensemble is backed by a variety of stringed and melodic instruments, including upright bass, violin and various horns, creating an energy that builds an emotion deeply rooted in a place most musicians never quite reach. Each song seems to unveil a truth that is earnestly stated and summed up from its rising beginning to climactic end.

With lyrics thought to be Bob Dylan-esque, the band’s unusual name was actually taken from one of Dylan’s early girlfriends. While front man Ross Seligman holds an aura similar in sound and passion to that of Coldplay’s Chris Martin, he retains a uniqueness found easily relatable, yet peculiarly original. All the while, Seligman sings with spirit in a clear and resonating voice that transcends most pop or emotionally driven artists of similar vocal orientation.

Building off of the rising commercial and ever-spreading success of their full-length album The Veil, Echo Helstrom is gearing up to release the five-song EP Paper Airplane on Saturday, February 13th at the Aladdin Theatre.

Co-headlining the album release will be jazz-pop solo artist Jake Oken-Berg, who will be releasing his own new album Out the Door.

Doors are at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Get your tickets in advance for $10 and go support the emotional vibrato of Portland’s newest rising act, Echo Helstrom.

Michael Miller

Portland

The Ascetic Junkies Free February Happy Hour Residency at the Laurelthirst

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Havin’ a hard time making it through Wednesdays? Then the last bastion of bluegrass stompin’, country callin’, folky strummin’, and poppy shoutin’ is offering you a remedy.

Yes, ladies and gents, the LaurelThrist Public House is allowing the gal and guys of The Ascetic Junkies to set up shop every Wednesday evening in the month of February for a few rounds of happy drinks for happy hour and a happy time.

But these kids don’t play alone, they’ve brought friends! Each week they’re collaborating with a new artist displaying honeyed originals, twangy, traditional bluegrass, ramblin’ covers, and maybe even a testin’ the pluckiness of new some material.

The Junkies are joined this Wednesday, February 10th by Sam Cooper of Horse Feathers, with guests The Glyptodons on February 17th, and Leigh Marble and Ezra Carey on February 24th to finish out the month.

These sessions guarantee two hours (6 to 8 p.m.) of dosey-do switching of partners, instruments and banter. And this’ll all come to you for free. (Note: The concert is free, not the booze.)

And if that’s not enough to get ya in the door, singer/glockenspieler Kali Giaritta is feeling generous and giving away the Junkies’ latest EP Don’t Wait for the Rescue Squad on Bandcamp. “These songs are like gifts to friends, so we felt silly charging for them. Enjoy!” says Kali.

Have happy music and happy friends at 6 p.m. every Wednesday in February with the Junkies at the LaurelThirst.

Chris Young

L.A.

One-shot pony Juliette Commagere debuts new video, sets date at El Rey

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Juliette Commagere | "The Nature of Things"
Dir. by Michael Graham

With talent like singer/songwriter Juliette Commagere and filmmaker Michael Graham, who needs a second take? This video, shot in one take with only one camera and–we’re not kidding–one candle for lighting simply puts the DIY-ness into an otherwise insanely expensive medium. Commagere gracefully brings down the house (and the ambience) March 5th at the El Rey, sharing the bill with Deli favorites The Bird and the Bee.

L.A.

Music-doc Map The Music set to debut

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After the death of her father, filmmaker, Second City alumna and self-proclaimed "crazy person"  Samantha Hale filmed Map The Music, a road trip documentary explaining the power music has over people. Through interviews with legions of devoted live music fans and the artists who inspire them, she tries to uncover the mystery behind the music while struggling with her loss. Artists include Imogen Heap, Kate Havnevik, Zoe Keating, Rachael Yamagata, Cary Brothers, Charlotte Martin and Jim Bianco, featuring unreleased live performances and behind-the-scenes footage with some of the most unique musicians in independent music. Check back into the official site for release dates and local screenings.

New England

Cover-Up does Neil Young

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young

Perhaps one of the greatest things to happen in the Boston music scene in a while is Brendan Boogie’s Cover-up shows. This weekend at the Lizard Lounge The Blizzard of ’78, Casavettes, Mike Verge, Guilded Splinters, Sodafrog and lots of other special, spontaneous guests will rally and pay homage to one of rock’s greats and a critical influence to many, Neil Young. Keep on rockin’ in the free world, Deli Readers.

Lizard Lounge 1667 Mass Ave Cambridge

21+ $10 adv/$12 door 8:30 doors 

You can get tickets here: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/98649.

–The Deli Staff

NYC

Weekly Feature 189b: Sisters, live at Monster Island, 02.13

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In a world where most ideas have been stolen, borrowed or re-fabricated in one form or another, I have grown to appreciate the Brooklyn-based band Sisters. The two piece—neither of which are girls—consists of Aaron Pfannebecker, who sings and plays guitar, and drummer/keyboardist Matt Conboy. Instead of merely copying things from prior generations, Sisters embrace a wide variety of musical installations while exploring new avenues for creating and distorting sound. While Sisters understand the structural greatness and pop aesthetic of Nirvana, the bursting unpredictability of Wire and the hollowed-out frequencies of a My Bloody Valentine record, they haven’t let that stop them from pushing boundaries on the musical daisy-chain. Dubbed one of the Death By Audio “house bands”, Sisters’ music embraces a collage of noise and garage rock with distorted, reverberated guitars and heavily amplified drums. Aaron switches back and forth between high pitched screeches and boyish screams with the uncertainty of Steven Malkamus as Matt jumps off the drums to orchestrate a childlike melody on the keys and making things danceable. Though there are only two members in this band, their live sound packs a major punch and can be a bit overwhelming. Some of you may wanna bring the plugs! Sisters have just wrapped up recording their first full length record, which is scheduled for release in the spring. The duo played some super awesome gigs at CMJ and I was lucky to seize a moment of singer Aaron Phannebecker’s time… Read Lindsey Lawless interview with the band here.

NYC

Weekly Feature 189a: Home Video, live at Bklyn Bowl on March 1st

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While penciling still lifes in high school art class back in 1997, New Orleans natives Collin Ruffino and David Gross began a friendship that was sparked by a mutual love of music. Twelve years later, the duo calls Brooklyn home as they continue their musical journey with Home Video – an electro/indie rock creation that features a minimalist instrumental approach to music. The band’s debut full length album, No Certain Night or Morning, was released on Defend Music in 2006. The release showcased gloomy symphonic undertones and moody lyrics, which laid the foundation for Home Video’s budding signature sound. It Will Be OK, the twosome’s latest offering, features a new angle in sound and approach for Ruffino and Gross as they ditch their dark, minimalist direction in favor of a lighter sound full of instrumental complexity. Home Video recently spoke to The Deli about being human, winding down with The Wire, and jammin’ on the moon. – Read Cecilia Martinez interview with the band here.

San Francisco

The Deli SF’s Weekend Highlights For 2/11-2/14

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After having gone into a brief period of dormancy, the Deli SF will be resurrecting it’s weekly recommendations of happenings around the Bay Area so you can plan your time accordingly. With that in mind we encourage bands to post their shows on our DIY Live Show Listings as you never know if yours could be the one featured.

Though surely many people’s plans this weekend involve evenings by candlelight and something lacy from Good Vibrations, for those who dare to break the mold and treat their date to a different hot and sweaty environment, or just don’t give a rat’s arse about Hallmark holidays, here are a few show highlights for this weekend.

For a down-tempo night out Il Gato are giving a folky kick off to the weekend at The Blue Macaw in the Mission this Thursday the 11th at 8:30.

On Friday night Grand Lake (who took second place in the reader’s poll this year for the Deli’s best emerging artist) are opening for Alec Ounsworth (of Clap Your Hands a Say Yeah) at Cafe Du Nord.

If an excuse to have a goofy dance party is the impetus you need to get out Saturday night Super Adventure Club will be performing the second show of their four week residency at the Hotel Utah. One the other hand if your looking for something a bit rockier, Paranoids and Tokyo Raid will be playing on the other side of town at Kimo’s somewhere around 10pm.

That’s all for this week. Remember to keep us updated on the calender and we’ll do our best to disseminate the word.

-Ada Lann