Dirty Bird's latest single, "Towers," will catch you off-guard.  "Towers" is a juicy, upbeat indie folk tune with a striking, purposeful arrangement and stellar vocal harmonies. Melodically, instrumentally, and vocally, this band is getting everything right. The recording is so delightful that I'm intrigued to hear them bring their music to life on the stage. You can catch them live as part of the #WomenCrush NYC showcase, an organization that provides opportunities for rising female artists in the music industry, at Rockwood Music Hall on January 31st. -Geena Kloeppel

We are here once again at The Deli Philly’s final post of the year. It’s been an honor getting a chance to share new music with all of you this past year (and nearly a decade), and I look forward to continuing to discover the best of Philly’s underground music community with you. And without any further ado, here is my “Best of” year-end list for my favorite Philly albums of 2017. I look forward to seeing you on the other side.

Much love – cheers!

Q.D. Tran

1. Raw Rock Fury (Relapse) – Ecstatic Vision

Ecstatic Vision weren’t joking when they decided to name their latest album, Raw Rock Fury. There are few, if not any Philly releases that can match the pure intensity and glorious shredding found on my favorite local release of 2017. And it also provides you a glimpse into the awesomeness of their live performances.

2. Rocket (Domino) – (Sandy) Alex G

With Rocket, Alex Giannascoli proves that all the adoration from the media for the young songwriter is certainly not unfounded. Using the guise of an Americana framework, he is able to craft wonderfully intimate campfire songs that make left turns at all the right places.

3. Veblen Death Mask (Kill Rock Stars) – Taiwan Housing Project

Veblen Death Mask is music without boundaries – so chaotically beautiful!

4. Need to Feel Your Love (Wilsuns RC) – Sheer Mag

All riffs and vocals – garage-punks Sheer Mag make their retro-fit sound oh so good. Rock ‘n’ roll is not dead.

5. Out in the Storm (Merge) – Waxahatchee

Waxahatchee’s earnest songwriting speaks right to the heart, and it’s hard to ignore.

6. My Idols Are Dead + My Enemies Are In Power (Self-released) – Lushlife

7. Messy (Self-released) – Curtis Cooper

8. Play “The Songs You Like” (Salinas) – Radiator Hospital

9. Oh, My Heart (Lame-O) – Shannen Moser

10. Soft Sound From Another Planet (Dead Oceans) – Japanese Breakfast

11. Movie Was Bad (Self-released) – Sixteen Jackies

12. Spirits (Creep) – Julia Rainer

13. Slacker Paint (Self-released) – The Mary Veils

14. Everything Is Always in the Past (@Self-released) – Blood Sound

15. A Deeper Understanding (Atlantic) – The War on Drugs

16. We Were Babies & We Were Dirtbags (Polyvinyl) – Quiet Slang

17. Tourist in This Town (Merge) – Allison Crutchfield

18. Why Love Now (Sub Pop) – Pissed Jeans

19. Shadow Expert (Carpark) – Palm

20. Let’s Be Nice – b-sides, covers & demos (Self-released) – Pill Friends

21. Birdie (Lame-O) – Slaughter Beach, Dog

22. Wilt (Self-released) – Line Leader

23. You’re So Smart (Self-released) – Joy Riding

24. Pleasure Suck (Tiny Engines) – The Spirit and The Beehive

25. Nothing Special (Honest Face) – Harmony Woods

26. Amuse-oreille, Vol. 1 (Self-released) – American Trappist

27. Grow (Self-released) – Them Jones

28. The Vernes (Self-released) – The Vernes

29. Cool and Fun – Madalean Gauze

30. White Reindeer – Lithuania

31. Tunnels (Self-released) – Vita and the Woolf

32. S/T (Self-released) – Teen Spaceship

33. Good Wind Pt. 1 (Human Kindness Overflowing) – Power Animal

34. Popular Manipulations (Fat Possum) – The Districts

35. Crime Waves – Moor Mother x Mental Jewelry

36. Jumpship (Lame-O) – No Thank You

37. Palisades (Egghunt) – Eric Slick

38. Dark Web (Suicide Bong Tapes) – Dark Web

39. Sadness is a Gesture (Inherent Sounds) – Aphra

40. Motel City Honey (Self-released) – Levee Drivers

Eyes wide open and hands in the air, I, Alexander brings back some of the best parts of numerous Justin Vernon projects in his new song and music video "Sturdy Thoughts." You can hear the Bon Iver and Volcano Choir influences right off the bat, in the sweet, tender vocals and lucid, folksy acoustic guitars. But unexpectedly and impressively, orchestral textures meander in, lifting the song into exquisitely stunning territory. A beautiful string and flute arrangement weaves through the song, helped by a gentle piano. The video itself is mystifying, with a haunting silhouette of the artist projected on top of leaves and sparks flying. I, Alexander's self-titled debut is out January 12th on Susan Records. -Geena Kloeppel

BAERD is a seven piece progressive-folk outfit most known for their expansive arrangements and chilling atmosphere. On their newest single, “Out Of The”, the celestial atmosphere of the song hovers gently above the group’s traditionally Americana foundation, while utilizing breathy orchestral arrangements reminiscent of Radiohead’s In Rainbows. The result is a fresh, transcendent revitalization of new age folk music. Stream the track below. -Charley Ruddell

Those who happen to miss the sense of mystery the holiday season brought with it when they were more religious than they are now, have an opportunity to recover some of that feeling tomorrow (12.20) at Rough Trade, where orchestral band Seasonal Beast will perform live. Led by producer/composer Yuval Semo and singer extraordinaire Yula Beeri, the NYC collective offers uber-intense, atmospheric music that blends droney elements with classical arrangements. The visually stunning (sort of)-live video of single "This is Where" provides the perfect amount of drama and uplifting emotions to help us celebrate a holiday that can still represent an effort towards spiritual rebirth, with or without God in the picture.

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