DeliMag Spring Print Issue #38 + Features: Whiskey Bitches, Like Herding Cats, Winkie

The Deli Magazine has now published its Spring 2014 Print Issue (No. 38), which includes an in-depth feature interview, as well as other significant reviews written by yours truly. Additional noteworthy writing published on the Deli Mag site included here as well.

Since forming at the beginning of 2013, Bushwick Brooklyn-based Whiskey Bitches have released a mini 2 track EP titled “Wasted” and played numerous local area shows. While their music has a distinct punk rock element to it, a closer listen reveals more than the simple song structures that genre usually provides. There is a noticeable amount of strong rhythmic punctuation and angular changes throughout those two tracks, as well as additional songs heard in the live environment. The two initial tracks were recorded under the guidance of much heralded studio wizard Jeff Berner. Founding members Madge and Kate Black have solidified their current lineup with Eli Lopez on drums, and plan to release new material in the coming months.

The band states that the coolest random press they got was when a Scottish podcast aired them after their Deli poll win.

Read the full interview and the entire Deli Spring Issue No. 38 Print Issue Here

The interview can also be found at The Del Mag Website Here

and a blog about it Here

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Recent Deli Mag Artist of The Month Winners Like Herding Cats

An alternative electronic project created by producer/songwriter Dom P releases music under the amusingly clever name Like Herding Cats. Their self-titled debut EP was released at the end of last year, presenting a uniquely creative sequence of tracks. “Lift” moves at an easy breezy pace, dropping in the kind of minor chord changes popularized by bands like The Cure. While the percussion points towards early New Wave era drum-machine simplicity, the overall spaciousness to the track makes it work to their advantage. Vocals are presented in a deep baritone, evoking Peter Murphy’s work with both Bauhaus and his subsequent solo work. “Touch” pairs warm synth patterns with mechanical cymbals and tinkling descending keyboard lines. The mood is gentle and dreamy, like early Depeche Mode, or even Martin Gore’s solo work. “Rich Girls” builds around a calypso rhythm, putting emphasis on guitar and bright percussive fills most associated with that genre of music. Though a specific date has not been revealed yet, the band states that a live showcase is coming soon here in NYC, and to stay tuned for details

Like Herding Cats on The Deli Mag by Dave Cromwell

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Gothic doom rock is alive and well in New York City. The latest entry into this forever popular genre comes from the band Winkie, who have just released their first video (“Illuminated”). The track is off of their full-length album “One Day We Pretended To Be Ghosts." Filmed by friends of theirs from the band Prima Primo (who recently performed at New Museum in New York), the video features alternating images of muted primary colors (red and blue) to stark black and white. Painted fingernails hold keyboards, while dark, murky images detail hands on guitars. The song itself features female vocals over a descending bass progression with thumping tom toms and clacking rimshot percussion. Sonically reminiscent of The Cure’s darkest period (the “Pornography” era), understanding the lyrics appear less important. This particular track is more about texture and mood. There are plans to release a video for another track (“Arrows") later this month.

Winkie on The Deli Mag by Dave Cromwell

You can also hear and view the video for "Illuminated" on their official site Here

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New York City’s Stargazy have released their second EP "The Fashion" on May 27, and currently preview two tracks from that record on Soundcloud. “Golden Hour” soars with utopian nostalgia, creating a sonic dreamscape that deftly fuses 80’s era romanticism with the 90’s penchant for reverberated shimmer. A modernized hybrid sound that takes the drama of Tears For Fears and incorporates elements more associated with a band like Galaxie 500. “The Fashion” builds around quickly strummed acoustic guitar, adding layers of extended electric notes and soaring passionate vocals. Scathing lyrics accuse how “you got the soul to be what's in fashion, but your soul's for sale.” Their recent shows at Baby's All Right and Rough Trade Nyc continue to draw attention to their unique sound.



Stargazy on The Deli Mag by Dave Cromwell

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Also featured in the Deli Spring Issue No. 38 Print Issue

Golden Animals on The Deli Mag by Dave Cromwell

and

Life Size Maps on The Deli Mag by Dave Cromwell

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Features: The Harrow, Weyes Blood, Golden Animals, Fort Lean, Sacco, Beverly, Young Magic

The early 80’s infancy of analog sine-wave industrial synth pop is alive and well via Brooklyn’s The Harrow.

Vintage brass and flute pad textures soon give way to open note guitar chords on “To A Figure,” the opening track from their self-titled debut EP. Muted mechanized percussive thuds, reverberated snare cracks and long bass guitar pulls all point toward an affinity for the beginnings of a genre that gave us The Cure, Bauhaus and Ministry. Vocals are sung in a falsetto range and drenched in enough reverb to make Liz Fraser of the Cocteau Twins happy.

“The Fall” follows this approach even further, sounding like it could be an outtake from the Cocteau’s seminal debut album “Garlands.” “Milk and Honey” successfully combine the best elements of the aforementioned bands with a bit of Sisters Of Mercy thrown in for good measure. Its automated percussive pulse and driving bass guitar provide solid foundation for the ethereal vocals over top. While epic length track “The River” evokes a similar plaintive quality as The Cure’s “The Same Deep Water As You.”

Listen to more from The Harrow on their Bandcamp

Connect with them on their Facebook Page

As well as their Official Website

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Playing a unique blend of quiet folk and medieval music, Natalie Mering releases her music under the name Weyes Blood (pronounced like "wise blood").

With a voice that echoes masters from the early 1960’s folk scene, Natalie's music has a soulful resonance that at times peaks in religious chanting. Traditional acoustic guitars are offset with distant rattle-chain percussion, echoed thumps and ethereal keyboards. She previously added her rare voice to notable works like Ariel Pink’s 2012 4AD release “Mature Themes,” (singing back up on the song “Early Birds of Babylon”), and she’s also accompanied the Haunted Graffiti live on tour.



Recently signed to the Mexican Summer label, Weyes Blood has a new record in the works for 2014 that promises a further evolution to her uncommon sound.

Weyes Blood on The Deli Mag by Dave Cromwell

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Formed in Brooklyn back in 2006, Tommy Eisner (guitar/lead vocals) and Linda Beecroft (drums/backing vocals) continue to evolve their bluesy psych rock sound as Golden Animals.

With three previous recordings already under their belt, their latest full-length “Hear Eye Go” was released this past fall on Reverberation Appreciation Society, the label imprint closely associated with Austin’s Psych Fest. “All Your Life” emphasizes a big vocal chorus countered with snake charmer descending guitar line verses. “Most My Time” successfully straddles the line between Iggy and The Stooges motor city blues and Jim Morrison’s early Doors output. The accompanying video weaves disquieting images of the duo alongside bizarre amusement park footage shot while on tour in Vienna last year.



The band has joined The Black Angels and Roky Erickson for a 20 plus date U.S. tour, pairing early psychedelic innovators with present day practitioners.

Golden Animals on The Deli Mag by Dave Cromwell

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Once known as a band that often built around heavy drum patterns, single stroked chiming guitar chords and distant synthesizers, vocal-pop band Fort Lean have released new tracks recently that show a decidedly different side.



  “Do You Remember” places emphasis on lead vocals built on top of a rhythm that draws from 50’s do-wop. “The Mall” may still keep guitars out front, however its sing along pop anthem style reigns in previous psych leanings. “Envious” is built around a hand-clap percussion pattern and soaring harmonies that seems to draw inspiration from late 60’s/early 70’s hit radio. “All The Lights” employs dramatic stops and starts, ultimately moving from slow ballad intro to a quicker paced croonercore arrangement.



Sacco is a brand new Brooklyn band that merges ambient atmospherics, relaxed drumming and diverse textural guitar flourishes with an appealing vocal style on their current dark psych track “Driving.”



Fort Lean + Sacco on The Deli Mag by Dave Cromwell

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“Honey Do (Demo)” by Brooklyn duo Beverly presents rough-hewn guitars merged with sugary sweet vocals.

 
Iconic 90’s female-fronted dreamgaze pioneers Lush comes to mind, as creative vocal harmonies establish an appealing minor chord feel on the chorus. Discovering that scene veteran Frankie Rose is involved goes a long way in explaining the superior vocal sound. However it is relative newcomer Drew Citron who takes the lead here, exhibiting an impressive ability at capturing this classic genre.

 

A fuller version of the song will be included on their debut full length to be released this summer. Until then you can get this track on Kanine Records upcoming compilation “Not Violent Femmes,” which features 11 tracks from their roster of female fronted bands. To be released on Record Store Day, the comp will come on pink vinyl in a limited to 1,000 copy edition.

Beverly on The Deli Mag by Dave Cromwell

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Indonesian born Melati Malay and Australian national Isaac Emmanuel have traveled the globe in search of musical inspiration, ending up in New York City as their home base. The sound they make together as Young Magic features ornate percussion and ethereal atmospheres.

Their debut album “Melt” (featured in Deli Issue #32 by Dave Cromwell) incorporated gentle interlocking guitars, celestial vocals, jingling percussion and drone elements. They now return with their sophomore release “Breathing Statues,” scheduled for release May 6th on Carpark Records. Debut single “Fall In” is built around an angular repeating bass pattern, as Melati’s angelic vocals float over Issac’s loose, shuffling percussion. Spacious synth textures and other mysterious studio effects contribute to a dreamlike sense of timelessness. Occasional words can be made out, but similar to genre pioneers The Cocteau Twins, the mood and feeling conveyed takes precedence over literal storytelling.


The band will play Festival NRMAL this March in Monterrey, Mexico, as well as select showcases at Austin's SXSW between March 11th and 16th.

Young Magic "Fall In" feature on The Deli Mag by Dave Cromwell

Young Magic "Melt" feature on The Deli Mag by Dave Cromwell

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