Download - The Deli

Best
NYC
EmErging
Artists
2012
oF
rootsy
A lmost
perceived as “reactionary” genres,
Country and Americana were shaken in the early
aughts by a NYC movement called anti-folk,
which has caused a sprawl of young artists committed
to bastardize traditional American music.
#7 Big Wilson River
Reaching instant intensity with the dual night and day vocals of Darrin Bradbury
and Emma McLaughlin, Big Wilson River have charged up thrash folk streaming
through their veins. The band released Octopus in 2011, showcasing their
’90s alternative influences and blues sensibilities in a major way. Tunes like
“Hemingway Had a Cat” and “Dandelion” highlight the band’s ability to engage
listeners with screams and punches - both literally and sonically. However,
through their seemingly aggressive sound, true fragility emerges on songs like
“River Boat” and “Backyard Passout Fest” - releasing a powerful combination of
folk and heavy hits. (Devon Antonetti)
#12 Tall Tall Trees
Tall Tall Trees may have long hair, beards, and a natural, earthly charm,
but they also have the musical chops to back it up. With jazz, bluegrass
and world music backgrounds, the band recorded their selftitled
debut in 2008, instantly gaining popularity after getting placed
on MTV, Animal Planet, and several other channels. For their second
offering, the Tall Tall Trees quartet hit the Alaskan wilderness for some
much-needed time with Mother Earth. The experience resulted in what
would become Moment. Recorded in a church, the album conjures the
image of a giant glowing moon over the Alaskan woods that the band
claims as inspiration for much of the record. (Devon Antonetti)
#20 Hurrah! A Bolt of Light!
Fronted by former Paper and Sand leader Wil Farr, Hurrah! A Bolt of
Light! is teeming with anxious anticipation. Farr and Bridget Buscemi
share vocal duties, belting out gushing harmonies over loud alt-folk
guitars and energetic beats. Hurrah! A Bolt of Light! released a selftitled
EP in 2010 to a positive post-Sand and Paper response, followed
by last year’s similarly well-received full-length Hello!, which
was funded by a Kickstarter campaign. Both albums are thick with
Americana roots and infectious melodies. (Devon Antonetti)
#25 Spirit Family Reunion
Spirit Family Reunion is one of those bands seen playing in the subway, in the back
of noisy bars, or on busy street corners, going unnoticed to bright lights and mobs
of listless pedestrians with their earbuds at full blast. Or at least, that’s what their
cracked and weathered sound would make you believe. Their songs are drenched in
soul and the twang of the banjo, taking the Brooklyn band far beyond the ordinary
bluegrass rock group. (Devon Antonetti)
#34 The Bottom Dollars
With not much more than a four-song EP to their name, The Bottom Dollars used their
debut effort The Halcyon Days to launch themselves into an already successful series of
performances at SXSW and CMJ Music showcases, and are now gearing up for their own
Daytrotter session. With heavy blues vocals and an Old West appeal, The Bottom Dollars
(formerly known as ANAL06UE) continue to feed their growing buzz with energetic live
shows and a constant presence in the New York music scene. (Devon Antonetti)
#46 Reverend John DeLore
Originally hailing from Wisconsin, Reverend John DeLore brings his down-home folk melodies
from the heartland, accenting his country sound with poetic prose and pop-infused
hooks. Now based in Brooklyn, the Reverend, who was ordained online “after a night of
whiskey,” released his debut album Ode to an American Urn in 2009, in addition to two
self-published books of poetry. Ode to an American Urn is a focused and poignant exploration
of the past, much like fellow songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen, whom he covers
with “Iodine” on the album. (Devon Antonetti)
the deli_24 Winter 2012
Tall Tall Trees
Big Wilson R iver
H urrah!
A Bolt of light!