The lead singer of Lesands has an amazing presence. He’s got this effortless dance thing going that seems neither contrived or rehearsed – there’s a spontaneity that can’t be denied. This guy might be a superstar. It’s my opinion this bands needs a bigger stage. The approach the drummer takes to filling the space with a wash of dark crash just really fills up the room – I can see this happening in an arena, with the lead singer dancing all over a much, much larger stage. I really want to see what kind of moves he could perform without so much constraint. They are showmen, but demure. The spotlight is on the singer for sure. Although there is a weird dynamic between him and the drummer, who, judging by his skill, is probably one of the stronger influences in the group. This is worth checking out! It sounds like Morrisey fronting a dubstep chill wave group. And that’s pretty cool. - Alex W. Eisinger - More CMJ Coverage on our NYC site here.
I’m not really into the whole folky-southern-soft rock thing but decided, in the spirit of good music and CMJ, I would check out the Chapin Sister. Just to give a little back up story, the two lead singers, AKA the sisters themselves, are the beautiful, waify offspring of three time Grammy winner singer-songwriter, Tom Chapin (if that’s any indication of their musical chops). Their sound is soothing, subtle and ethereally sincere. Though there were points in which the songs came off just a little country for my liking, I really enjoyed their short set, which was infused with soft textures and very pretty vocals. - Alex Vann
LA based No Sleep Records will be hosting this fancy shindig tonight at the CMJ Music Marathon. Bands slated to play tonight include the aforementioned Into It.Over It. and Atlantic/Pacific -- both highly recommended by the Deli, and you can't really beat Into It.Over It.'s beard -- as well as rock and punk acts all over the place including Problems, O'Pioneers, Such Gold, Aficionado, My Heart To Joy, Former Thieves, Junior Battlesand more.
If you're lucky enough to be in NY tonight, doors open at 5pm, and it's $10 or free with your CMJ pass.
A bit darkwave and a bit lo-fi electro, Wazu has been making a name for themselves in LA. These Australian transplants take anyting and everything -- computers, hardware, software, underwear -- and piece it together while songwriting. After one listen, you'll understand why Wazu has worked their way up to #6 on the Deli's lo-fi chart.
October has been busy for the band, playing 6 shows at Canadian Music Week, and a spot tonight in NY for the CMJ Music Marathon. Once they return to LA, they'll be hard at work on their debut EP, due early 2011.
You can take a listen to some of their demos on their MySpace. Lets wish them luck tonight at CMJ, and the Deli will be keeping an eye out for these two.
Julian Shah-Tayler is no stranger to writing and producing pop music. His career has lent itself to collaborations with Joaquin Phoenix, Siobhan Fahey (Bananarama), Kerli, and Whitey to name just a few. You may have even seen him DJing sets at the Standard Hotel here in town. With a schedule like his, it's a wonder that he even has time for a solo career. Well he does and his first proper release, Coito Ergo Sum, is due later this year.
Shah-Tayler's solo material falls somewhere in-between rock and new wave with synth and drum machine feeling just as cozy on the recording as his guitar work. The Deli was passed along a copy of the upcoming album to take a listen to, and there is definately some stand out work. The track "Wetter" is reminiscent of the tongue-in-cheek sexual lyrics made famous by Prince and recently resurrected by bands like She Wants Revenge. "Beautiful World" and "Roman Tower" are two delicate tracks that throws in a hint of piano ballad into the album. Things pick up with the driving rhythm and slightly more industrial feel of "Say What You Want", but Shah-Tayler doesn't stray too far from his 80's influences by sticking in some brass samples in as well.
If you're trying to lure your friends to the dark side that is indie music, or maybe you're trying to fill a spot in your collection next to David Bowie's work from the 80s, then Julian Shah-Tayler is accessible, intelligent, and skilled. You'll have to wait a bit longer for Coito Ergo Sum, but his two previous EPs, Un Ange Passe and Blah Blah Blahnik, are available on BandCamp.com for free download or donation.
It's that time of year everyone -- no not Halloween -- but New York's annual CMJ Music Marathon, held over Oct. 19-23. You've seen some posts about it, but what does that have to do with us here in Los Angeles? This 30 year old festival shines a light on some of the hottest signed and unsigned talent around, including some of our home town favorites, 'cause LA has got to represent!
Speaking of New York, I know we're all about local music, but there is one band that has the whole Deli network buzzing and I can't let good music go unnoticed. The clock nears towards New York's Atlantic/Pacific's debut album, Meet Your New Love, out Oct. 26th thanks to a recent deal with our friends here in LA, No Sleep Records. The band's music is expertly layered, with brushed drums, light bass, keys, and folk guitar work drawing you in before their delicate and sincere vocals can deliver the final blow. Two tracks from Meet Your New Love, "Patterns" and "Some Weary Valentine", can be spotted on the band's MySpace page. Take a mental trip to the Big Apple for a few moments and enjoy these tunes.
Jail Weddings, one of bands worthy of your votes in this month's poll, is gearing up for the release of Love is Lawless by playing their release party at the Bootleg Theater Oct. 22nd and following up with Alex's Bar in Long Beach Oct. 28th.
This 10 piece powerhouse sounds like the sweet lovechild born from a night of passion betwee a Vegas lounge lizard and a 60s girls group do-wopper. Phil Spector's wall of sound philosophy rings true through their sneak peek track "I Thought You Were Someone I Knew" with up-stroked guitars, xylophone, piano, and fiddle crafting their vintage pop sound. You can grab the track for free from the band's website.
Along with their Bootleg Theater show, Jail Weddings will be having a listening party at Origami Vinyl the preceeding night, Oct. 21st. The album, Love is Lawless, will be officially available on Oct. 26th.
The24rd issue of The Deliwas delivered to the most rocking NYC neighborhoods yesterday.
If you don't live in NYC, don't dispair, because now YOU CAN NOW ALSO SEE IT ONLINE HERE!!! With interactive liks, dudes! Enjoy!
Sultry vocals, twanging folk guitar, booming bass drum, plucked cello, and the pitter patter of tap shoes. What does it all add up to? The vaudeville folk of He's My Brother, She's My Sister. The gang recently played a packed show at the Bootleg Theater for the release of their self titled EP and as the send off for their US tour. Appearances from friends Featherbeard, Amanda Jo Williams, Adanowsky, and Las Cafeteras rounded out the night with stellar performances from all.
If you've never been exposed to He's My Brother, She's My Sister, I think it's a fair warning so say their mojo have the power to heal the afflicted. "Tales That I Tell" has vocalist Rachel Kolar paint the laments of a lover done wrong in all of her dusty western glory, while Lauren Brown taps out the beat. Rachel's brother, guitarist Rob Kolar picks up the vocal duties on "How'm I Gunna Get Back Home" with cellist Satya Bhabha filling in the breaks. "Lazy Daze" fits somewhere nicely in the crack between 60's folk and 70's psychedelics while "Moonage Daydream" continues the down tempo theme with a hint of David Bowie's "Space Oddity". Haunting falsetto and acoustic guitar ring through regret on "The House That Isn't Mine". "Coattails" picks the pace up again with a little ditty about those people who just can't seem to achieve anything for themselves. "Wilted Rose" closes up shop with a simple, lo-fi chorus about a worthless girl's quest for love.
The group will be on tour for a while, but you can grab their EP on Bandcamp.
