NYC's own The Phenomenal Handclap Band recently debuted their video for "Baby" on Stereogum. Likened to a Dario Argento film, this trippy, color-saturated, and beautifully dark video is directed by Steven Agnew, formerly of The Futureheads' "Walking Backwards" video fame. Band member Sean Marquand said about the filming of the video, "we went upstate to our friend Paddy's house, which was incredible, but the surreal serial killer aspect colored everyone's mood. Even when we weren't filming, there seemed to be someone sneaking up on us in the forest. The video reflects some of the highs and lows of our weekend. There's kinship and celebration there but there's also an underlying paranoia attached to being at such a remote location."

The Natch is a new local female fronted trio that plays some kind of deranged garage rock in the best NYC tradition: lots of attitude, big distorted guitars, crooked vibe and a coordinating wardrobe. The band is currently working on their debut CD, scheduled to be released in the summer, but they haven't put their live appearences on hold because of this: you can catch them live at The Delancey on Friday 02.19 and in several other cities in May during their East Coast tour.

Sugar and spice and everything…mischievous! That’s what The Girls at Dawn are made of. The self proclaimed “axis of evil” – featuring Erin (guitar and vocals), Ana (bass guitar and vocals) and Sarah (percussion and vocals) – has been disturbing their neighbors in Brooklyn with their beautiful brand of post punk/French pop/garage since 2008. With tracks already released on record labels HoZac and Captured Tracks, these three lovely ladies are preparing to work on their first full length album, which will surely feature their signature combined vocals (which sound tunefully creepy, yet sweetly hypnotizing), 60s psych-inspired guitar riffs and light drumming. The threesome has also begun playing shows, and hopes to embark on a tour in the future. The Girls at Dawn recently took the time out to speak with The Deli about their favorite lyrics, most memorable show, and…boners! - Read Cecilia Martinez's interview with the band here.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Brooklyn-based band Pearl and the Beard comprised of Jeremy Styles, Emily Hope Price, and Jocelyn Mackenzie, is their innately warm, friendly attitudes and quirky sense of humor that instantly triggers a smile. Don’t be fooled by the simple, happy façade, however, this folk trio creates music drenched with emotional depth and exquisite harmonies. Fresh off of their first national tour and riding high on the success of a clever music video concept, the group is enjoying their time back in NYC promoting their first full-length album, “God Bless Your Weary Soul, Amanda Richardson.” Powerful, haunting melodies, coupled with sweet, soft guitar picking and rhythmic percussion has established “Pearl and the Beard” as one of the hottest acts to emerge from the Brooklyn indie scene, generating fans who love them the way they are, and the way they’ve always been. - Read Christina Morelli's interview with the band here.

Warp Records just announced the release of Jamie Lidell's third full-length album "Compass" on May 18, 2010. The album was recorded in Los Angeles, New York and Canada, and features notable guests like Beck, Feist, Gonzales, Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear and Pat Sansone of Wilco. Peeps who like party music with an eclectic element thrown in should check out this NYC based artist.