Category: Deli Girls

Album Review: Deli Girls – Losing State

Rating: 8/10

Five albums deep in their discography, and New York-based band “Deli Girls” still continue to reinvent themselves sonically. On their new album Losing State, it’s hard not to get the feeling that the band are embarking on a new chapter of their sound. This chapter is a departure from their previous self-titled album, an album that found the band trade in their usual Nu-Metal-tinged Digital Hardcore in favor of an abrasive yet dancey mix of Hardstyle and Rave Punk. Losing State harkens back to the anxiety-ridden heaviness of their early records, music that featured pure unadulterated anger toward the establishment, capitalism, and all forms of bigotry, but this time around the band cranks up the Industrial elements with rapid fire percussion, and lead singer Danny Orlowski’s anger is directed at even more specific realities that are a result of this country’s consumer culture, love for war, and reliance on technology. “If you’re gonna sell me, then pay me,” screams Danny on the track “Location,” a song that progressively gets more and more chaotic and sounds like the soundtrack to the end times. That viciousness in the music and vocals is carried throughout the album and never lets up, sounding like a constant state of Hell. However, with how deeply unsettling this album is musically, not once does it come across as pessimistic. This is protest music. This is fight music, and it faces our anxiety-ridden reality head on in an attempt to reach a point of catharsis. This is “Punk” in the modern age, and Deli Girls are the perfect band to lead the charge. 

Written By: Steven Sandoval

https://deligirls.bandcamp.com/album/losing-state

Album Review: Deli Girls – BOSS

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Artist: Deli Girls

Album: BOSS

Genre: Electronic/Industrial/Techno-Punk

Label: Deli Girls Inc.

Rating: 8/10

It feels like this is the ideal time for a new “Deli Girls” album, but then again, I don’t think there’s ever a time when a “Deli Girls” album isn’t appropriate. The anger and frustration that is a reaction to the homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, and other forms of hate that unfortunately plague this country is completely warranted and will continue until things become fair in this country, if that ever happens. The Brooklyn duo wear this anger on their sleeves and use it to fight hate with abrasiveness and aggression. This isn’t your Hot Topic “it’s not a phase mom” teen rebellion oh no, this is  revolutionary music in its purest form. Music that challenges you, confronts you, and antagonizes you, but with that being said, “Deli Girls'” new album BOSS is never overly political or bias. This music is a place where many of us who have felt misfitted or wrongfully judged can call home. The band could have gone in a direction that recycles their earlier work, becoming a predictable gimmick of themselves, but on BOSS it’s evident that the two have the musical vision and knowledge to match their unadulterated rage. Those who have said the band is one-dimensional will quickly eat their words when listening to this album, because along with the band’s simplistic yet impactful instrumentation that draws influence from Industrial, video game inspired synth-lines, and heavy distorted bass that will knock the framed pictures off your wall, the band explore new territory, incorporating even darker atmospherics and even featuring beautifully haunting harp and violin provided by duo “LEYA” on the track “Barriers to Love.” There’s even a cover of “Korn’s” song “Faget” which the band beautifully reinvents and turns into a new anthem. The band really outdid themselves with this one.

Written By: Steven Sandoval

https://deligirls.bandcamp.com/album/boss-2