Austin quartet Wonderbitch has been getting crowds and critics pumped about their brand of music since SXSW, which is not surprising since the indie rock outfit’s music is the equivalent of a swanky post-punk 3-piece suit fitted to perfection then adorned with psychedelic cufflinks and new wave attitude. In fact, they were the Deli’s Artist of the Month for July for their impressive EP, ‘WBlovesyou”- six tracks of snarky pop rock released earlier in the year in the vain of bands such as The Killers and Neon Trees.

Wonderbitch tends to build tracks around a philosophy that energetic upbeat music can be crafted just as artistically and meticulously as their drearier post-prog and alt-rock contemporaries. Songs on the EP range from the Genesis version 2.0 sounding ‘Little Tiger’, to songs like ‘Josanna ‘, which summons up nostalgia of The Clash. The band plays with an infectious energy that jolts the senses, and this factor keeps the music rolling along easily from song to song. The talent the group possesses is obvious, from the groove inducing rhythm section of Evan Wade and Corey Fitzgerald Spears to the new wave crooning of vocalist Alex Chod and the licks of guitarist Colton Hardin — this is a band on the rise. 

You can checkout Wonderbitch's new EP below as well as the first music video from said EP, and you can catch the boys performing at Cheer Up Charlie’s in Austin on Aug. 28 and at Spider House on Sept. 16, and check back with The Deli for the latest news on the group.

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Tavon Perkins

@tavonperkins

The Oakland based songwriter, Ezra Furman has released a new music video for the band's new single, Lousy Connection. Ezra's new song is their commentary on the human connection and how complicated it has become to communicate clearly with others. The video gives its starring role to a number of raw eggs, making the video a bit odd, but that's to be expected from such an out-of-the-box artist like Furman! The artist's latest album, Perpetual Motion People is now out on Bella Union.

Perpetual Motion People, Ezra Furman's first album for Bella Union delivers a cascade of memorably bristling hooks driven by a unique splicing of timeless influences, delivered with a restless urgency and combative spirit that shines through the American's vocals and lyrics. Having taken his time to work his way into the public consciousness, Furman's time is unquestionably now, as he finally faces an expectant audience hungry for the next stage of his thrilling approach, on record and on stage.

Enjoy the new music video and head out to Bender's in San Francisco to see Ezra Furman share a line up with Buzzmutt and Midgetmen on August 29th. By the way, if you're super boring or very politically correct, this may not be the show for you, but if you're looking for a unique line up and live music experience this is definitely a show to check out!

‘Aguas Frescas (Part I)’ is the latest superb EP from Austin indie alt-rock band, Wildfires, The Deli's March 2015 Band of the Month (check our EP preview from a while back right here). This newest offering takes listeners on a surreal journey of textured soundscapes and ethereal vocals summoning up memories of shoegazing bands of yesteryears such as Sonic Youth or My Bloody Valentine. The understated vocal delivery and dreamy guitar effects present on the tracks takes audiences to familiar psychedelic terrain along with melodies that are charming, yet laconic, Wildfires draw you into their breezy hippie-fueled wall of sound slowly and effortlessly leave the indelible mark of a band acutely aware of what they are. Imagine floating down the river into the fading sunset with a cold beer in one hand and one of those wacky tobacco cigarettes in the other, and you’ll get the feel for the serene and dreamy music the group creates. Check out Wildfires’ EP, ‘Aguas Frescas (Part I), below and come back for updates on upcoming music from the band.

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Tavon Perkins

@tavonperkins

This 4 piece band from Ottawa really are the kings and The Cardboard Crowns have got the crowns to prove it. That makes their music royalty. So take a long listen to their latest record "Global Citizen". The opening track "Pulling Teeth" has some Atlantic Canadian rock vibes to it. Borderline celtic rhythm mixed with some straight ahead punk rock. They call themselves a blend of ska/reggae/punk and this comes flying out at ya in the title track of the album. These guys have got a killer fusion of genres, paired with nice groovy basslines, and a drummer who does an outstanding job of keepin it real. It's still summer, so throw the crowns on the ol' pod while you're cruising in your Jeep YJ, roof down, and enjoy. Or better yet go check out the Cardboard Crowns at the Garrison 08/21 - Kris 'Big City' Gies

 Formed here in Portland in 2008, Just Lions is a pop, rock, and jazz trio consisting of brothers Chandler and Brady Strutz, and their longtime friend Andrew Shepherd. Over the course of their time together, the group has managed to put out three EPs (currently available on Bandcamp and Noisetrade), and with influences ranging from The Beatles to The Strokes to Elliot Smith, its no surprise that they're able to combine a satisfying variety of musical elements into their songwriting. The title track from their latest EP, "Great. Okay." (streaming below), is a radio-friendly indie-pop gem rife with infectious whistling and catchy melodies, while the final track, "On the Road," showcases the group's ability to employ more complicated rhythmic and melodic work, as well as to combine elements across various genres (in this case, rock & roll intensity, jazz complexity, and bluesy guitar play). The trio just recently signed with Randm Records out of San Diego and they've begun work on their first full-length album. In the meantime, you can catch them tomorrow night, August 21, at Mississippi Studios. - Patrick Wolff