Multiple Features-November 2011 Edition

I've recently written a number of features for The Deli Magazine that are worthy of a second look (and listen) and so are now presented here.

This is music being made by bands that have found their way onto my radar this year, and who I feel are leading a creative underground that certainly deserves more exposure.



Clinical Trials

http://nyc.thedelimagazine.com/7739/nyc-cd-month-clinical-trials-live-studio-on-1111

With their new EP "Bleed Me" the guitar/vocalist and drummer grrrl tandem Clinical Trials steps up the noise-rock formula through the addition of orchestral and industrial elements, boosted by confident performances and songwriting.

In the record's highlight track, the suspenseful and almost scary "Whip It", the band takes the bold step of adding an unnerving brass section to the more traditional harsh guitar and rumble-crash drum sound. The soaring female vocals start out in a controlled manner but by song's end have progressed to throat shredding screams, in an ever-growing, cathartic tension buildup. That's what rock'n'roll is all about right there... The second track "American Girl" - as tense as the previous one - touches on middle-eastern rhythms for the verses, adding alienating low-toned synth bends to the mix. "Sweet Machine" is more bass guitar heavy, with a clean lively drum sound positioned against breathy come-hither vocals. References to "beauty queens" and "satisfaction guaranteed" completes the sex-for-whatever scenario. "White Fence" makes use of found audio vocal snippets (made to sound like radio transmissions) leading into a vocal delivery that pays homage to Kurt Cobain's more confessional moments. Rich organ textures pad the sonic space as lyrical points are made about "cyanide moments." If only Frances Bean would make up with Courtney – they would probably enjoy checking out this band together.




Indian Rebound
http://nyc.thedelimagazine.com/node/7760



Exploring the dimensions of New York City band Indian Rebound transports you to a world of timeless creativity. Drawing on influences that point towards the original 1960’s English invasion, there is a classic, yet still modern feel to it all. Not content to simply rework already established ideas, the band is now working on a new collection of songs that promise more creativity and a deeper lyrical imagery. Songwriter Ethan Levenson answered a few questions on just what makes this band tick.
http://www.thedelimagazine.com/FeatureView.php?artist=indianrebound



The Ice Choir


http://nyc.thedelimagazine.com/node/7819

Layers of vintage synths and buzzy analog bass lines are the new background to the smooth soulful voice of Kurt Feldman in his post-Depreciation Guild project The Ice Choir. More "passionate" than songs from the previous now defunct act, the just released new track “Two Rings” presents lyrical references to “obsidian” and “black rain”, keeping everything just mysterious enough for the dream pop genre. Kurt has masterfully encompassed the influences of New Order’s “Every-time-I-see-you-falling” bits of their classic song "Bizarre Love Triangle" (take me back to my swirling alternative rock disco dance music days!), but he is actually a much better singer than Bernard Sumner ever was. Not completely rejecting guitars, there is a sweet and slithery solo that emerges just past the three minute mark and runs under the final bits of vocals up to the end. With this new direction coming out of the NY music scene, one has to wonder if a “Dead or Alive” or “Haysi Fantaysee” revival will be next? The new 7" single is out via Shelflife joined by the b-side track "The Ice Choir."




Invisible Days

http://nyc.thedelimagazine.com/node/7444



http://thedelimagazine.com/FeatureView.php?artist=invisibledays

Invisible Days successfully blend gentle atmospherics, FX laden guitars, slithering basslines and appropriate rackety-tackety percussion with a vocal harmony that sets them apart from many other bands attempting the shoegazer genre. Combining that with songwriting that shows thought and precision, and it becomes clear (or less invisible) as to why they've grabbed The Deli's attention soon after releasing their debut single. On their song "Stewards" the vocals are placed far back in the mix, echo tinged, with strummed guitars more out front. It continues to build cathedral-like, while the drums stay routed in the here and now. "Daysleeping" takes the superior vocal harmonies even higher, bringing to mind the unforgettable gold age of "gaze" bands like Ride. The dream textures are still there, just not overpowering.






All the above = choice listening for modern times!

Invisible Days/Crawl Babies/Shana Falana/Heaven - Live in Concert

A record release show is always a special occasion for an artist. It serves as a celebration for all the hard work and creative drive that goes into producing recorded works. On Thursday October 6, 2011 singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Shana Falana threw just such an event at Brooklyn's Shea Stadium. Joining her on this night to help mark this achievement were friends and colleagues. Specifically the bands Invisible Days, Crawlbabies and Heaven.



Opening the show was the wonderful dream pop band Invisible Days.

I had been enjoying their song "Daysleeping" for a few months now.



This band successfully blend gentle atmospherics, FX laden guitars, slithering basslines and appropriate rackety-tackety percussion with a vocal harmony that sets them apart from many other bands attempting this genre. Combine that with songwriting that shows thought and precision and its becomes clear (or less invisible) as to why their sound resonates so well with me. On their song "Stewards" the vocals are placed far back in the mix, echo tinged, with strummed guitars more out front. It continues to build cathedral-like, while the drums stay routed in the here and now.



The aforementioned "Daysleeping" takes the superior vocal harmonies even higher, bringing to mind the gold age of "gaze" bands like, Ride for example.



I had also been enjoying their track "Solitary Time" for a while now - ever since picking up their CD at a previously attended show of theirs.


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Good News! The band is now offering this track as a free download, which can be gotten here:

http://www.invisibledaysmusic.com/media

Next up was the trio Crawl Babies

Their psych rock sound and visual presentation gave them a bit of a Jesus & Mary Chain feel.

Especially their drummer who played in the stand up style of Mo Tucker and Bobby Gillespie.

Listen in:



Their 60’s tinged sound points to a band like The Raveonettes as possible sonic reference point.

Finally it was time for the headliner.

Shana put on her typcially dazzling light and sound spectacular.

As expected, the set relied heavily on material from the "In The Light" EP

Listen in to this night's performance of "Tragic"



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One more from the EP, a live performance of "U.R. Everything"


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Following Shana's wonderful performance, was another band that presents a blended dual male vocal front - Heaven

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Listen in to the single "Mountains Move"

The song is moody, dark and dreamy (all rolled into one). Of note is guitarist Matt Sumrow's outstanding guitar work, which alternates between clean-note arpeggios and wah-wah effected chorusing.

Essential Links:

Invisible Days
http://www.invisibledaysmusic.com/

Crawl Babies
http://crawlbabies.bandcamp.com/

Shana Falana
http://www.shanafalana.com/

Heaven

http://www.youareheaven.com/