A busy year of touring has taken NYC based “future rock” quintet Outernational through Europe, South America, and most recently SXSW and Mexico for the Vive Latino Festival. Before their Mexican debut, Outernational impressed at SXSW in Austin, TX, garnering attention with their Latin-infused heavy hitting rock ‘n roll, interspersed with Spanish lyrics amongst trumpet fanfare, shredding guitar solos, and fiery revolutionary lyrics. Back in their home territory, the five-piece celebrates the most radical of holidays, May Day (May 1) at Mercury Lounge - presented by TJO Presents, Rocker Stalker, and Rockass Producciones. This is the only New York show before this band without borders heads to Europe again this summer. Check out Outernational in all their “Spanglish” glory in “Todos Somos Illegales,” (streaming, we discourage the view to those affiliated with the Tea Party) and don’t miss their show at Mercury - they have a powerful presence on stage! The band just announced that it will spend most of June touring Europe.

Last week New York-based Outernational released their four track EP “'Here Is The Rose” in honor of International Women’s Day. Produced by Tom Morello it features a litany of special guests, including Lindi Ortega, Chad Smith, Bridget Barkan, Gil Sharone, Joe Tomino, Trevor Welch and Sonny Singh. Known for their politically charged message and fiery rock sound, Outernational takes a more celebratory approach for this special occasion. Upbeat dancy number “Here Is the Rose” kicks off the record and is followed by “We Own the Night” which swings with infectious guitar/trumpet riff interplay. “She Craves Spring” slinks along with seductive beats and romantic flair in the form of crisp guitar solos Closing out the record, “Ladies of the Number” showcases the band’s masterful multi-part harmonies and acoustic roots. The EP is available for FREE download here. The band is in the midst of a March residency at Arlene’s Grocery, and will be performing March 13, 20, and 27, then at Bowery Electric on May 10. – Meijin Bruttomesso

The entire universe often wonders what the difference is between Alt Rock and Indie Rock. Here at The Deli we call "Alt" that kind of Rock music that's inspired to a more classic concept of Rock'n'Roll or Pop-Rock, or any rock genre that was commercially successful before the aughts - think about bands reminiscent of anything from Led Zeppeling to Aerosmith, Weezer or Nirvana. While Indie Rock tends to be a little more experimental and dark, Alt Rock is (at least in our vocabulary) more traditional and a little more accessible - without being just "pop".

Total submissions in this category: 38

Artists Qualified to the Poll's Next Stage (starting around 01.15):

1. Apollo Run - 7.66 (out of 10)
2. BLACK TAXI - 7.33

Honorable Mentions (scores above 6.5):

Outernational, Late Cambrian, Viva Mayday, Wyldlife, Only Living Boy, Von Shakes, Raccoon Fighter, The Clox, Noble Hunter.

Jurors: Michelle Turner (Deli Nashville), Brandi Lukas (Deli Contributor), QD Tran (Deli Philly) 

The Deli's Staff

It’s time to pump up the enjambment! Are you starved of syllables? Vacant of verbiage? Bereft of that Boom-Bap? Fret not, lovers of lyrics and revelers in rhyme, a collection of some of New York’s most potent wordsmiths is set to take the stage at the Knitting Factory Brooklyn this Thursday Nov. 29th. Headlined by Outernational, whose new EP was produced by RATM Tom Morello (can you tell?), and featuring support by the likes of Beans (formerly of Anti-pop Consortium), Mike Ladd, and MINDSpray's Prop Anon, it promises to pack more syllables per measure than a Micro-Machines commercial. Seriously, though, these guys are dope. Stream the EP titletrack below, and watch a video here.  - BrokeMC

After six weeks on the road and their third coast-to-coast tour, Brooklyn-based Outernational is back on their home turf. This Friday, September 14, the five-piece will not only be marking their homecoming but also celebrating the release of their latest EP, “Future Rock,” with an intimate show at 92YTribeca. Joining them will be youthful and precocious soulful rockers, The Skins. Outernational’s Future Rock can be streamed here. The band recently received coverage on NY1’s Sound Advice segment back-to-back with Madonna and Bob Mould, announcing this Friday's gig and showcasing the “We Are All Illegal’s” video. Come “future rock” with Outernational at 10pm; all ages welcome! – Meijin Bruttomesso