Steering clear of layered, feedback heavy chords, DC's Flasher draws on the bouncier side of 80s post-punk to create a commendable, distinctly 21st century indie sound. Chord tones, as opposed to triads, are the preferred method of harmonic progression here, with the guitars playing an ancillary role to the hi-hat heavy drum beat backbone.

The result is an optimistic groove, but behind it all lies some surprisingly dark lyrics. Lines like “No Future, no faith”, and “listless entropy lull me fast asleep” back the otherwise upbeat single “Skim Milk”. This standout track maintains its commitment to chord tones instead of triads until the very end when the full chords burst through to full effect in an exciting finale. Catch Flasher at Black Cat this Saturday, June 23rd.

-Mike Dranove

If there's a turn of phrase we kind of detest here at The Deli is "taking the scene by storm." It's one of those generic prefab sentences that ring insincere. But then again, sometimes, some bands do that - kind of rare, but it happens, right? And sometimes, on a hot day like today, being lazy is kind of inevitable. So... yes! Brooklyn's Bodega are taking the NYC scene by storm with their blend of post-punk and pop and their super-fun live shows. That, and their somewhat familiar name, are the main reasons why they are on the cover of the new, spring 2018 issue of The Deli! 

The issue, our 54th NYC one, is now up online and you can read it here.

It's an issue linked to the biggest event for musicians we've ever organized, which will host a Stompbox Exhibit, a Synth Expo and a Vintage Guitar Exchange in a Bushwick art gallery called Absurd Conclave - hope to see you there!

The Folks at The Deli NYC

The brainchild of accomplished DJs Gerald Watson and DJ 2-Tone Jones, Shaolin Jazz is a fresh look at the sounds of the Wu, mixing their signature flow with chill and jazzhop. Their latest release, Nancy from Shaolin, is a real treat. Starting off with a wonderful chillhop intro and title track, the album hits high points on “Special” and “My M.E.T.H.O.D”.

Aside from making great music, Shaolin Jazz seems committed to celebrating the aesthetics of the Wu, holding a unique film series screening classics like Shogun Assassin. The Next screening is May 29th, 6-10pm at Songbyrd. No cover.

Hoping for more releases, and for this group to put DC on the chillhop map.

-Mike Dranove