Philosophical Zombie delivers moody, post-punk vibes that feel as dark as they do danceable. The group is set to drop an album this month entitled Cotard's, but if the already released single "Dream On" is anything to judge by, listeners can expect interesting chord progressions, spacey sounds, and weirdly infectious hooks from the new release. Check out their album release party 10/14 at Great Scott with Babydriver, but in the meantime, stream "Dream On" below.-Olivia Sisinni

 Philosophical Zombie delivers moody, post-punk vibes that feel as dark as they do danceable. The group is set to drop an album this month entitled Cotard's, but if the already released single "Dream On" is anything to judge by, listeners can expect interesting chord progressions, spacey sounds, and weirdly infectious hooks from the band. Check out their album release party 10/14 at Great Scott with Babydriver, but in the meantime, stream "Dream On" below.-Olivia Sisinni

Rock and Folk mingle on stage tonight at O’brien’s Pub with Boston bands All Talk and Babydriver. All Talk, whose new album upstairs/downstairs is set to come out in May, sits at the bluesier folk end of the spectrum with a few songs here and there clearly influenced by heavier guitar rock. Their gem “Locomotive” (streaming below) off their album Juno is one of those songs. It’s a slow burner, searing longing and heartbreak carefully into our minds with every deliberate strum of the guitar, with every wistful stray chord. The song builds up until the end when the guitar erupts into a reverbed solo before fading off. Babydriver on the other hand is more upbeat, with songs shifting from heavier rock to frazzled pop pieces. “I Don’t Want To Be Your Dad” (streaming below) kicks off with franticly melodious guitars and rhythmic shakers in the background. Palmer’s vocals float effortlessly over the track, lending an air of nonchalance to it. It’s a song that would have fit in perfectly in any indie film soundtrack. Catch them tonight at O’Brien’s Pub alongside Painted Zeros and Izzy True. -Adriana S Ballester

By now, you've probably seen every kind of "Year-End" or "[insert name here]'s Year-in-Review" list imagineable, but this one is way more exciting than anything the mainstream media gods have to say, so listen-up. Near the end of 2015, The Deli invited artsts from every corner of New England to submit their work for our annual year-end poll. After tallying our editors' ratings for the Open Submissions stage, we're delighted to announce the results. Please note: To avoid conflicts, no local editor was allowed to vote for bands in their own scene. 

Editors: Jonathan (The Deli DC area); Jason (The Deli Chicago)

Total submissions from New England: 26

Big Big Buildings Score: 7.83/10


Squirrel Flower Score: 7.33/10


Gavage Score: 7.16/10 

Gang of Thieves Score: 7.16/10 


The Tsunamibots Score: 7.16/10 


Babydriver Score: 7.16/10 


Able Days Score: 7/10 


Carissa Johnson Score: 7/10 


Honorable mentions (scored above 6/10):
blindspot; The Silver Mirrors; Aloud; Art Thieves; Weekend Greg; Black Rabbit; I Was Awake; Liz Frame and the Kickers

WHAT’S NEXT: These results conclude the first phase of the poll. We will soon unveil the artists nominated by our local jurors, and then let our readers and our writers influence the poll with their vote. After all of those votes have been taken into consideration, we'll announce the final overall winners.

Keep creating, keep supporting, and stay-tuned for your chance to vote!  

-The Deli New England staff