Little Racer's jangly guitar hooks and intricate percussive elements sound distantly familiar, as if the band had been making music for decades. Is it Talking Heads? Is it a band from the '60s that opened for The Byrds? The trio's concocts a sonic cauldron of influences that, though inspired by past musical traditions to the point of being downright nostalgic, perfectly represents the current state of indie rock. If you want to understand what I’m talking about, you can catch them in Brooklyn at Lantern Hall this Saturday, May 13th, or at Rough Trade on June 6th. - Andrew Strader

In their new single "Split for the Coast," New York’s Little Racer gives a recipe to pick ourselves up during tough times, with a surf inspired track filled with unpredictable bursts of energy and sudden, soft bossanova-ish breaks (the exotic inclinations are confirmed in b-side track The Town). To let go of all your worries, be sure to check them out at Le Poisson Rouge on August 20th. 

On the weekend of November 22nd, Cameo Gallery, one of the last beloved venues still kicking in Williamsburg post its DIY heyday, gave us a last hurrah. Since 2009 the multi-floored venue and bar has been host to numerous favorite dance parties, indie rock and electronic bands, DJs, make outs, comedy shows — they even fit a few modest demon dimensions in those restrooms. Its stages were notable in the beginning narratives of bands such as Neon Indian, Beach Fossils, Sharon Van Etten, and The War On Drugs. This writer was glad to catch the penultimate show last Friday with a lineup including many local talents: Monograms, Little Racer and SoftSpot opening for Eternal Summers, and a later set by The Juan MacLean. The experience was as dancy, sweaty, and boozy as one could expect. All the acts made for a fantastic show, but in my personal account, Brooklyn’s quartet SoftSpot stole the night.

It wasn’t merely about enjoying the sound, or even getting fixed on lyrics as fabrics fix on burs—It is an intimate thing to watch a woman cast spells, and lead singer Sarah Kinlaw does this in front of everyone gathered. This is most stirring to witness in person, as the power might start in her voice but is controlled as if attached to strings on her expressive hands. SoftSpot is a synthesis of eerie dream-rock with modern dance, and just played one of the most refreshing live sets I’ve seen in a while. A performer caught in a spell of that sort encourages those in the audience itself to follow and ease their steps as into a body of water. Those who desire to, become places for lightening to travel.

At the end of the night, the bright, multicolored display dangling on the ceiling over all of us suddenly seemed in its small way iconic, like the clouds attached to every memory of Glasslands. We wish you adieu Cameo, thanks for all the good times! - Leora Mandel

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

With their breezy songs brimming with surf and dream pop influences, Brooklyn's Little Racer should be in the 'Summer Tunes' playlist of anybody enamored with beach centered lifestyle. Which begs the questions: why are these guys living in NYC? Aware of this contradiction, the band wrote this in the "Short Description" section of their Facebook page: 'NYC Surf rockers that can't swim. ' The trio released their sophomore EP 'Foreign Tongues' in June, and recently unveiled this video for single Montevideo. They'll be playing a free show at tiny Alphabet City venue Niagara tomorrow (August 6th). It's a great opportunity for a night of affordable and easy going fun.

On June 16th, NYC indie surf poppers Little Racer will see the release of their new EP, “Foreign Tongues”. While we wait, we’re listening to the two singles already available for streaming: “Montevideo” (streaming) and “Jack Knife.” The sound here inspires visions of The Shins on a surfing trip to a secret beach. The melodies are sweet and smooth and the vocals spill from early 2000’s indie rock into chillwave. This sincere, relaxed aesthetic brings to mind summer love, beach towels, holding seashells to your ear - or at least dreaming up such things while getting by “on a lousy 9-5”. The band will be performing at The Living Room on June 11th within the Northside Music Festival. - Leora Mandel

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