NYC scene mainstays ARMS (a band we love and booked several times, also at CMJ and SXSW) announced a new EP (called "EP2") for a September release, and unveiled single "Comfort" - streaming below. See the band live at Glasslands on 07.27.

We added this song to The Deli's playlist of Best NYC songs by emerging NYC artists - check it out!

Indie, indie... what an exquisite word! These days so many bands call themselves "indie rock" even if they sound nothing like indie rock (before we ranked this category we had to filter out all the songwriters and straight rock bands who tried to re-brand themselves as "indie" - WE CAUGHT YOU!). Of course, the word originates from "independent" - not "Indian" like your clueless friends often assume - but it's been used since the 80's to describe "non-mainstream" rock music (and record labels). Think tense and/or dark and/or experimental-ish mostly guitar based rock. Needless to say, in the late aughts Indie became huge, and many NYC bands (paradoxically signed to majors) like Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Interpol had a crucial role in bringing this genre to the masses.

Total submissions in this category: 45

Artists Qualified to the Poll's Next Stage (starting around 01.10):

1. Conveyor - 7.83 (out of 10)
2. ARMS - 7.66 
2. Modern Rivals - 7.66 

Honorable Mentions (above 7 out of 10):

Stone Cold Fox, These Animals, Wild International, Ballroom Jacks, No Shoes, Dear Comrade, ILLUMNTR, Their Planes Will Block Out The Sun

Jurors: Gracie Gutman (Deli SF), Jason Behrends (Deli Chicago), Lucy Sherman (Deli Seattle)

The Deli's Staff

Starting as a side project and blooming into a full band, ARMS makes for a refreshing take on the indie rock genre. The band takes pop melodies and gives them a rock edge with noisy guitars, distorted backup vocals, and a grooving bass line. Check out the new version of their title track off their latest album "Summer Skills" streaming below.

For years, ARMS’ Todd Goldstein has been a mainstay of the Brooklyn music scene, releasing gorgeous and dark pop songs. ARMS’ 2011 release "Summer Skills" was in Goldstein’s words “a magical realism break-up record” full of nostalgic tunes and bittersweet endings.

One of ARMS’ most loved tracks, “Heat and Hot Water” finally received the video treatment last week with an unveiling courtesy of IFC (streaming below).The video portrays a young relationship at the brink of its boiling point, featuring a cameo from Goldstein himself as “the devil .” Directed by White Rabbits’ video director Andrew Droz Palermo, the video shows two lovers about to explode and visually captures the slightly unsettling sound of the album.  "Summer Skills," produced by Shane Stoneback (Sleigh Bells, Fucked Up, Vampire Weekend) is now out on vinyl on the band’s bandcamp.

Also, check out the band’s magnetic live show this Friday November 30th at Union Hall with performances from Neighbors, KNTRLR, and Fasano (featuring former ARMS bassist Matty Fasano!) - Amanda Dissinger

ARMS - Heat & Hot Water (Official Video) from ARMSvideos on Vimeo.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The musical menu for The Deli's 4th NYC B.E.A.F. (Best of Emerging Artists Fest) is right in front of you - I know, the font is a little small there (too many bands!!!) check out the details here, you'll find all the bands links under the poster).

This festival is linked to our latest year end Best of NYC Emerging Artists Poll, a contest influenced by many NYC scene makers, bloggers and venue promoters, and to our Spring 2012 "Best of NYC" printed issue of The Deli, which highlights all the bands in the "Best of 2012" list.

Today is the last day of the fest, with our flagship show at Cameo, check out this outrageous lineup:

CAMEO - $8/10
MIXED INDIE STAGE

10:50 Lucius
10:00 Snowmine
9:10 Arms
8:20 Starlight Girls
7:30 New Myths

The Deli's Staff