THE DELI

The dance-inducing rhythms of NYC’s Cheap Synths reverberate the style and edge of alternative dance bands like Hot Chip and LCD Soundsystem. The group could easily have been pulled from a DFA Records catalog, and yet their sonic varnish shines brightly and has landed them a publishing deal with Rough Trade. The electronic rock duo has released their first mixtape yes yes yes with its first single “Devastate” flaunting noteworthy grit and glamour. A heavy bassline accompanies a slick guitar riff while synth stabs and pads contribute to a complex aural texture. The accompanying video is the powdered sugar on top of this sweet dance-rock cookie. Check out the video below. – Rene Cobar

Sisters Catherine and Anna Wolk have played music together as Verdigrls for years now, and The Deli once again takes great pride in covering another new release from one of New York’s rising indie pop acts. Verdigrls’ new EP Small Moves comes out on May 17th; the title track, which we’ve featured below, has the Wolks’ voices echoing over a repeating synth, the squeaking of a cello, and a minimal drum track. The track’s detached feeling matches the subject matter of the lyrics, which go into the ennui of being at a party where everyone else is having fun but you. Verdigrls will mark the release of Small Moves at Trans-Pecos on May 18th; Anna Altman and Den-Mate will perform on the bill as well. – Will Sisskind

A big trebly sound with fuzzy edges greets the listener on “Landmine”, the opening track of Spooled Up’s Strange World EP. The name of the game is speed, and it feels like Spooled Up is throwing energy at the listener, providing just a single verse/buildup into a chorus before arriving at an instrumental breakdown. All of this a mere one minute into the track.

The dizzying, engaging twists and turns of the first track are replicated throughout the release, and always seems to be rooted in 90s sounds. Just as the frenetic energy of the first track moved into a heavy instrumental breakdown, the second track, “Scab”, goes from being a straight up Pavement indie lament to fuzzy Guided by Voices bounce pop.

The 90s is strong with this release, and every track is defined by vague emotional detachment and subdued lo-fi effects. In short, a recommended listen for any fans of 90s indie.

-Mike Dranove

At the core of Hangnail, the debut EP by New York multi instrumentalist Shanna Polley (known professionally as Snakeskin) is a feeling of modulation; the way Polley shifts between major and minor keys, how the vocals change from soft-spoken mumble to an explosive falsetto, and how the effort’s instrumentation goes from clean to discordant, all contribute to a feeling of unease throughout the release’s six tracks. In doing so, Snakeskin plays to its strengths in a dynamic quality, balancing tender lyrical attributes against crunchy, lofi production, creating a release that’s both hard and soft, tender and heavy. It’s a defiantly iconic effort that demonstrates Polley’s ability to find balance in the storm. Stream it below, and catch them live at Mercury Lounge on May 13th, performing alongside Hypoluxo and Nanami Ozone. –Connor Beckett McInerney

On June 8th the Fillmore is hosting a benefit concert for The Blue Rose Foundation, started by the Blue Rose Music label. The foundation offers scholarships to socially and economically disadvantaged youth. The night’s host and headliner, Jackie Greene, just released a new single that we’re proud to debut! Cris Jacobs & Bailey Ingle are opening up the night. Please join us, for a great evening and a great cause. – Lucille Faulkner