The lyricially insightful, thinking-persons rock of Brooklyn's Modern Diet returns with their latest single “Post Grad” premiering here on the Deli in time for Valentine's Day. However, the sentiment expressed here focuses on an existential crisis of being, rather than traditional romantic notions. Chiming open note guitar chords, soulful keyboards, bright tambourine percussion and a progression defining bassline immediately establish wistful sentimentality for the lyrics that follow. “Sticking to the script I used to know. Making plans and standing up to go. All my old tricks slip into places as we carry on. It's a three piece suit made of stone and it weighs a ton. Take it off for me won't you?” These vocals are delivered with clarity touched by just the right amount of contemporary studio enhancements. Open spaces are provided in the mix for click-clack percussion and celestial rising ambiance. While the title implies what is learned after basic formal schooling, the emphasis focuses on it's struggle. “Meanwhile I keep getting older. Go uphill, pushing my boulder – to fall down, back to the bottom and up once more,” is how the defining chorus goes. The track is available now and can be had (along with their other work) via the band's linktree here. - Dave Cromwell

You're wondering what you can call "the sound of the 2020s". The Paranoyds seem to have their finger on the pulse in their prog-rock, new New Wave, punk-tinged melange, which powers their energetic live shows. The band have taken their set on the run through the last few weeks; they'll close out their whirlwind nationwide Global Warming Tour with a show at Alex's Bar in Long Beach on February 16th. On this tour, the band have pledged to donate one dollar of every merch purchase to helping end the Australian brushfires. The show at Alex's Bar will be your last chance to help the band help others, as well as for you to get some sweet merch from them in person for a while.

The Paranoyds put out their latest album Carnage Bargain last fall, and on it you can hear them dabble with sounds influenced by The B-52s, Blondie, and other proto-punk pioneers. Take a listen to the album below, and catch The Paranoyds when they come home on February 16th. - Will Sisskind

In another lifetime these 4 four fellas were known as The Kents. It was an important move to make the switch according to lead singer Warren Frank “Heaps is necessary change. A process of determining that. A space. A freedom to create without inhibition.” Their new single “Softly” has an uplifting feel to it. The consummate mix of 80’s synth pop and 2010’s indie rock. Hear this powerful track live in Toronto on April 3^rd at The Horseshoe. – Kris Gies

If you recall the dust-up at the Atwater Bar last year, you may have written off the space -- as well as the Griffin -- as a place to catch live music in LA for good. But never fear, because the Moon Room has opened its doors on that site, and shoegaze alt-rockers Moaning will play a free show there on February 13th. The trio have a new album called Uneasy Laughter dropping in March, on which they'll debut their more synth-friendly sound. While the usual doom-tinged drum & bass and abrasive guitars aren't going anywhere, Moaning have brought a few new instruments into the mix to add a little texture to their tracks. It'll make you laugh, it'll make you dance, and it'll make you want more. Take a look at the video for the album's first track "Ego" below, and catch Moaning at the Moon Room on 2/13. - Will Sisskind