‘Aguas Frescas (Part I)’ is the latest superb EP from Austin indie alt-rock band, Wildfires, The Deli's March 2015 Band of the Month (check our EP preview from a while back right here). This newest offering takes listeners on a surreal journey of textured soundscapes and ethereal vocals summoning up memories of shoegazing bands of yesteryears such as Sonic Youth or My Bloody Valentine. The understated vocal delivery and dreamy guitar effects present on the tracks takes audiences to familiar psychedelic terrain along with melodies that are charming, yet laconic, Wildfires draw you into their breezy hippie-fueled wall of sound slowly and effortlessly leave the indelible mark of a band acutely aware of what they are. Imagine floating down the river into the fading sunset with a cold beer in one hand and one of those wacky tobacco cigarettes in the other, and you’ll get the feel for the serene and dreamy music the group creates. Check out Wildfires’ EP, ‘Aguas Frescas (Part I), below and come back for updates on upcoming music from the band.

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Tavon Perkins

@tavonperkins

This 4 piece band from Ottawa really are the kings and The Cardboard Crowns have got the crowns to prove it. That makes their music royalty. So take a long listen to their latest record "Global Citizen". The opening track "Pulling Teeth" has some Atlantic Canadian rock vibes to it. Borderline celtic rhythm mixed with some straight ahead punk rock. They call themselves a blend of ska/reggae/punk and this comes flying out at ya in the title track of the album. These guys have got a killer fusion of genres, paired with nice groovy basslines, and a drummer who does an outstanding job of keepin it real. It's still summer, so throw the crowns on the ol' pod while you're cruising in your Jeep YJ, roof down, and enjoy. Or better yet go check out the Cardboard Crowns at the Garrison 08/21 - Kris 'Big City' Gies

 Formed here in Portland in 2008, Just Lions is a pop, rock, and jazz trio consisting of brothers Chandler and Brady Strutz, and their longtime friend Andrew Shepherd. Over the course of their time together, the group has managed to put out three EPs (currently available on Bandcamp and Noisetrade), and with influences ranging from The Beatles to The Strokes to Elliot Smith, its no surprise that they're able to combine a satisfying variety of musical elements into their songwriting. The title track from their latest EP, "Great. Okay." (streaming below), is a radio-friendly indie-pop gem rife with infectious whistling and catchy melodies, while the final track, "On the Road," showcases the group's ability to employ more complicated rhythmic and melodic work, as well as to combine elements across various genres (in this case, rock & roll intensity, jazz complexity, and bluesy guitar play). The trio just recently signed with Randm Records out of San Diego and they've begun work on their first full-length album. In the meantime, you can catch them tomorrow night, August 21, at Mississippi Studios. - Patrick Wolff

 Northern Youth, the solo project of Portland-by-way-of-California musician Luke Messimer, released a 4-song EP, "Color," this past June on Astro Lizard Records. The songs on "Color" are an assortment of folk-influenced indie-pop tracks that are reminiscent of such popular acts as Delta Spirit or Dr. Dog. "Hide You Away," the third track on the EP (streaming below), is a glistening, 6-minute composition of nostalgic melodies and lyrics fit for cruising along coastal highways, while the opening track, "Misunderstood," offers a glimpse into the darker side of Messimer's indie influences, even including some elements of punk rock. Overall, the EP offers 4, well-crafted examples of what this artist is capable of, and it warrants at least a couple of listens. As of today, Northern Youth has announced a number of upcoming shows, including one on September 26th at The Foggy Notion, so be sure to check them out! - Patrick Wolff

If you're into checking out a couple of folk rock bands this weekend, you'll have a great opportunity to see the San Francisco based band, Miles Read & the Trip support folk singer/songwriter, Steven Roth at Neck of the Woods in San Francisco this Saturday.

Since releasing his 2013 solo debut, Let It In, Roth had the honor of opening numerous shows for The Who-at the personal request of the band-playing with them at LA's Staples Center and NYC's Madison Square Garden. He also has opening gigs for artists including Audioslave, Robert Plant, Dave Grohl and Elvis Costello under his belt - as well as a headlining showcase hosted by Counting Crows' frontman Adam Duritz and recording sessions with Devo's Jerry Casale.

Head to the show early to check out some great local music and stay to see Steven Roth headline the show. It's going to be a great night!