If it's true that Italians are notoriously late, it's as undeniable that New Yorkers have little patience for lateness. It makes sense then for an Italian band in NYC to name itself Late Guest at the Party - which is a little bit like preventing potential complaints by warning about this built in, genetic flaw. (Please note that this writer also hails from that sunny and charmingly bizarre peninsula, although he is a very punctual person). The band has recently unveiled this video for single "Gravel," from their new, full-length album "Repeater," set to drop late this spring, and that features a brand new lead vocalist: producer Caleb Shreve. The song is a mid tempo, melancholic synth pop tune a la` Grandaddy - but a little more dancy - graced by a lazy, stretched melody. So lazy that, as a matter of fact... it may make you late to the party.

Since the beginning of the big recession, Electronic Music in NYC has been experiencing an unforeseen explosion, also thanks to the fact that electronic projects are cheaper and more efficient even compared to the most basic of power trios (no need for band mates or rehearsal studios...). Since pretty much any genre can be reproduced electronically, rather than a genre, the word Electronic indicates "sonic material" (as in: 'these songs are made with electronic sounds'). Hence the variety of styles included in this category.

Total submissions in this category: 43

Artists Qualified to the Poll's Next Stage (starting around 01.10)

1. Kiss Slash Crooked Smile - 7.66 (out of 10)
1. Clementine & the Galaxy - 7.66
3. AVAN LAVA - 7.50

Honorable Mentions (scores above 6.5)

I Am Lightyear, Loveskills, Mitten, Future Screens, Moon Furies, New Myths, Psychobuildings, Jonka, Late Guest at the Party, Young Heel, Maria Takeuchi.

Jurors: Jason Behrends (Deli Chicago), Jacqueline Caruso (Deli LA), QD Tran (Deli Philly).

The Deli's Staff

Let's not forget why we go to shows in the first place.... we are hoping to witness an event! Late Guest at the Party are exactly that. Their music is catchy, unadorned... it's britpop sent back to us from wherever it's been hiding for all this time - and it's been gone way too long. Listen to the floor-shaking bounce of 'Icebergs' (streaming below) or to the clave-happy rhythms of 'Electric Bongos' (bizarre video here). The band has distilled the pop formula to a confectionary sweetness: this is music that does exactly what it's supposed to, it delivers the show. Don't be late at their Pianos' party on march 23. - Mike Levine @goldnuggets