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

Schoolhouse Rock once noted that “three is a magic number.” This Wednesday, October 17 at Bar Matchless in Brooklyn, Rocker Stalker, EiPR, and The Outlet Collective present an official CMJ showcase demonstrating the power of three. The “Trios Do it Better” showcase will feature Birmingham-bred indie rockers La Resistance (NYC), electronica-laced outfit  Black Bird White Sky (NYC), the blues-driven sound of Chainwave (NYC), late Deli 'Artist of the Month' Viva Mayday, with the communicative energy of their reggae/r'n'b rock fusions(NYC), psychedelic genre-busters The Gypsy West(NYC), garage band The Phuss (DFW), in town for a few dates, and alt-rockers Lights Resolve (NYC), and you will have a chance to dance, groove, and head bang all in one night. It’s a not-to-be missed event with 21 of the top music makers. Doors are at 7:30pm, 21+, FREE entry with CMJ badge, $10 without. – Meijin Bruttomesso

From a debut EP six years ago to a first album released at the end of July, Viva Mayday may have broadened its palette, but help onto the politically conscious spirit that gives their music a pleasant taste of peaceful protest.. A long road takes us from 100 Years to Consuela, to meet at the end a band that opened its arms wider to its beloved reggae beats, funk or blues, delivering a refreshing cocktail of influences set to tickle the roots of its indie rock. Currently pulling together some new material, the band will be playing its next show during the CMJ marathon, on October 17th at Brooklyn's Bar Matchless. Read Tracy Mamoun's Q&A with the band here. 

This Saturday, July 28, band of three and recent Deli Artist of the Month, Viva Mayday, will be rocking Mercury Lounge in honor of their new full-length record, “Consuela,” named after the band’s beloved mascot. The 10-track album, which has been keeping the group busy for the past two years, highlights the trio’s swaggering and swinging fusion of blues, rock, reggae, and soul. Three tracks are already available to tantalize on the band’s Facebook page, including surf-tinged “Demonic Woman,” funky “Monster,” and gritty “Bay of Pigs” (streaming below). Everyone who attends the show on Saturday will get a copy of “Consuela” upon entry, so don’t miss the chance to get one of the first hard copies. Doors at 7:30pm, 21+. The late show is also feature great line-up, featuring Philly’s Cold Fronts, and NYC favorites, The Click Clack Boom and The Gay Blades. www.vivamayday.com – Meijin Bruttomesso