The music video for Havania Whaal’s “Supermoon” was released this past week. It follows the protagonist as they fall asleep underneath a glowing full moon stuck to the wall. As happens in any good dream, everything in the video is out of place yet exactly where it’s supposed to be. It has the snarky attitude of indie-darlings like Ghost World and Juno, encased in the style of silent films. Havania Whaal’s distorted, buzzing music follows the protagonist as they attempt to navigate the romantically campy dreamscape. The characters in the video may be out of sync with their bodies, but they’re perfectly in tune with the music. It’s a playful house of horrors, one you’ll enjoy getting lost in.

  -By Avril Carrillo

Halloweekend is finally upon us, and it’s important you start your wicked weekend off on the right foot. Luckily the Deli is around to hook you up with the creepiest content around. Awhile back B.R.U.C.E. played a show at the Peculiarium Oddities Shop. They’ve released a video just in time for all the monsters and creeps looking for something freaky to entertain themselves with! Filmed by Nathan Backous, it shows the band in all their grungey glory. 

True to form, each member completely throws themselves into the music. It’s impressive that B.R.U.C.E. can become the most entertaining spectacle in the midst of a shop literally dedicated to freaky things that are fun to look at. As they thrash around with their instruments and howl in agony, the intensity of the music is almost overwhelming. The rumbling, synthesized vocals are even more sinister than the voice of the ghoul sitting on your chest when you get hit with sleep paralysis. It’s viscerally disturbing, which makes it incredibly delightful.

Make sure you watch the video below. Bruce will be playing next at The Firkin Tavern November 4th, along with Adult School and Dead Coyote. 

  -By Avril Carrillo, Photo by @glittertrash (ig)

Y La Bamba has announced a new album, Mujeres, which will be out February 8th via Tender Loving Empire. The band has provided an early release of the titular song "Mujeres". In the announcement accompanying the release, vocalist Luz Elena Mendoza stated, “This song is for my mother and for all of us women who have and still battle the fight to be heard.” Mendoza herself wages a fierce battle with her breakneck pace and nuanced vocals. The urgency thrumming underneath her confidence plays well with the muted bass and heavy beats. If every song is as good as this, the album is sure to be one for the ages. 

Check out a live performance of the song below, provided by KEXP. Y La Bamba is kicking off their fall tour tonight, October 25th at Mississippi Studios.

  -By Nick Hartman, Photo by Corbin Corbin

Pool Boys have released their debut single, “Millennial Morse Code”. While Pool Boys have spent most of the past year as a popular opening act, listening to the single it's clear that playing live shows hasn’t been the only thing the band’s been up to. The song is incredibly refreshing. It has notes so clear and smooth listening to the song is akin to drinking a tall glass of ice water. The undertones of the bass intermixed with guitar riffs that strike like lightning give the song a darker edge. It’s clearly a finessed final product, but it still has the earnest heart of a young band looking to make their mark.

You can catch Pool Boys at Bunk Bar November 23rd alongside Kulululu and Sheers. 

-By Avril Carrillo, Photo by Steve Montague

Mope Grooves released their third LP, The Waves, this past week. Listening to The Waves, you can’t help but feel as if you’re listening to the sort of Christmas music that would get made in a post-apocalyptic underground bunker. Which is to say, the music is disjointed and eerie, but still oddly cheerful. The album’s blend of new wave, lo-fi, and drone rock results in some delightfully gloomy, subtly jazzy tunes. “Repulsive Music”, one of the more upbeat songs, is the best example of this. The steady pace of the drums helps lead along the mellow notes emanating from the synth. Each word sung feels as if it is being teased out of the lead vocals. It's ideal for the slow and rainy days we have coming up ahead. 

The Waves can be purchased for 10 dollars on the band's Bandcamp, and 7 dollars if you are low-income, disabled, or not a cis white male. You can catch Mope Grooves next on November 6th at Polaris Hall, along with The Goon Sax and Honey Bucket. 

  -By Avril Carrillo