Aside from having a clever name, Mufassa knows how to make some throw-back thrashing rock and roll. Their raw sound is developed by influences in the garage rock revival as well waves of early psychedelic tones that trap the listener into their songs. There is a Zeppelin-esque driving force behind the rhythms they produce that crash into the chorus filled with spacey and dreamy vocals. Mufassa also has the ability to slow things down and harmonize the singing and echoing guitar without losing their stone cold classic rock sound. If you were one to believe you belonged in the 70s, then you should join them tonight at Kelly’s Olympian. - Colin Hudson

There’s a vicious edge to Summer Cannibals’ enticing brand of garage rock. Their songs bait the listener with ethereal vocals and fluid bass lines to establish a sense of security which sharp guitar tones and aggressive rhythms prove to be false. The dynamics shift and swell though kinetic attacks of distortion and eerie waves of vocal melody that serve to tie the tracks together with sublime dexterity as can be heard on their self-titled release. I’m not sure if they change their cannibalistic behavior in the winter, but if you’re willing to risk it I’d highly recommend being at Mississippi Studios on Thursday night to experience their lively performance for yourself. - Benjamin Toledo

If Portland’s music city is known for taking vintage sounds and making them contemporary, then the Parson Red Heads should be crowned as royalty. Rarely do you see songs executed based purely on phenomenal songwriting through the traditional sounds of folk, country, and pop. But the result from what the Parson Red Heads bring to the music world is a timeless quality with the ability to rock out like there’s no tomorrow. The Parson Red Heads will be releasing a deluxe version of 2011’s Yearling at Mississippi Studios on Thursday. This is an album that brings together the very best elements within a spectrum of genres. The slide guitar makes it country, the vocal harmonies make it pop the way it was meant to, and their easy going chord progressions are the essence of folk. Top this off with lyrics that represent that the message that the band wants to bring; to grow old and have fun doing so, and you've got the All-American band. - Colin Hudson

Pure Bathing Culture and their dreamy pop ballads have earned praise from the Portland music community over the past year and it’s no wonder as to why. Their hazy, lighthearted songs perpetuate feelings of exuberance through warm guitar tones and endearing vocal melodies that can bring warmth to the dreariest overcast day. Congratulations on placing second in our Band of the Year poll, your soothing sounds deserve the recognition. – Benjamin Toledo

I don’t think there’s a band in town with as much groove and electronic sensibility as Onuinu. His songs are rich with driving rhythms, synthesized melodies and contagious vocal hooks that could bring most anyone to dance with a complete loss of inhibition. He’s garnered a significant amount of attention over the course of the past year, and with beats like his it’s obvious that his audience will continue to expand in 2013. Congrats on placing third in the polls, Onuinu, keep up the great work. – Benjamin Toledo  

1939 Ensemble’s intricate compositions and unique arrangement have brought them the most nominations from our local jurors and in doing so awarded them the title of The Deli Portland’s Best Emerging Artist of 2012. Their fluid melodies, dynamic percussion and electronic ambiance entranced listeners over the course of the past year with hypnotic performances and the release of Howl and Bite. The debut showcases their distinct style and experimental drive which is seen through volatile vibraphone leads, blistering drum beats and dissonant background noise. The final results of the poll are posted below. Thanks to everyone involved with the voting process and congratulations to 1939 Ensemble. I hope that 2013 is a paramount year for you. – Benjamin Toledo

ARTIST J W R OS TOT   1 1939 Ensemble 6 1 0.009   7.009 2 Pure Bathing Culture 6   0.003   6.003 3 Onuinu 5 1 0.002   6.002 4 A Happy Death 4   1.5   5.5 5 Eidolons   1 0.070 3 4.07 6 Sons of Huns 4   0.049   4.049 7 Alialujah Choir 3 1 0.017   4.017 8 When the Broken Bow 3   0.065   3.065 9 Nasalrod 3   0.015   3.015 10 And And And 3   0.009   3.009   WL 3   0.009   3.009 12 Reynosa 3   0.008   3.008 13 Aan 3   0.006   3.006   The We Shared Milk 3   0.006   3.006 15 Radiation City 3   0.004   3.004 16 The Woolen Men 3   0.003   3.003 17 Hellokopter 3   0.002   3.002   The Shivas 2 1 0.002   3.002 19 Lost Lander 3   0.001   3.001 20 Brooks Robertson 1   2   3 21 The Mormon Trannys 2   1   3 22 Unicorn Domination   1 0.014 1.5 2.514 23 Catherine Feeny     0.5 2 2.5 24 Appendixes 2   0.045   2.045 25 Fanno Creek 2   0.031   2.031 26 TheGoodSons 2   0.015   2.015 27 The Lower 48     0.004 2 2.004   Hausu 2   0.004   2.004 29 Neakahnie 2   0.003   2.003 30 Nice Shootin' Tex 2   0.002   2.002 31 Your Rival 2   0.001   2.001 32 Ancient Heat 1   0.50   1.5 33 No More Parachutes 1   0.072   1.072 34 Bloodroot Kids     0.039 1 1.039 35 Shy Girls 1   0.023   1.023 36 Wild Ones 1   0.008   1.008 37 Aviel     0.006 1 1.006 38 Shadows on Stars 1   0.003   1.003 39 Federale 1   0.001   1.001 Legend: J = Jurors, W = Deli Writers, R = Deli Readers, OS = Open Submissions

As a part of the band Eskimo & Sons the clear, chiming voice of Danielle Sullivan was front and center. After the group disbanded, bandmate Thomas Himes didn't want to give up making music and must have believed that Sullivan’s voice should be heard. He persuaded Sullivan to find the words to sing over new material and they continued on. They invited back another E&S member, Clayton Knapp, who took an electronic approach to the situation after playing bass for the former. Soon, old friends from bands that had toured with E&S came to play. The product of the group, eventually dubbed Wild Ones, is described as "math pop".  "Do the Right Thing" adds ultra-harmonized vocals, tight drums, and computerized whirls over perfectly metered keys and guitars. Sullivan hits the high notes on tracks like "Forever Jam", playing innocently inside of calculated boops and rhythmic complexity. Whatever they are doing, the equation works out. - Brandy Crowe

Deli Readers,

The Deli Portland's Best of 2012 Readers and Fans' Poll for local emerging artists is over, thanks to all those who cast their vote in support of the emerging local bands and artists in our list of nominees. Congrats to Brooks Robertson  for being The Deli's Readers Best Portland Artist of 2012. Here's this poll's top 10 chart.

Stay tuned for the composite chart, to be released soon, which will include the point nominees accumulated from the jurors and Deli writers' votes, and will crown The Deli's Best Emerging Portland Artist of 2012.

The Deli's Staff

ARTIST VOTES   1 Brooks Robertson 360 2 A Happy Death 228 3 The Mormon Trannys 150 4 Catherine Feeny  94 5 Ancient Heat 88 6 No More Parachutes 72 7 Eidolons 70 8 When the Broken Bow 65 9 Sons of Huns 49 10 Appendixes 45

Brooks Robertson’s mastery of the guitar is apparent to anyone who listens to his music. He plays fluid, complex compositions that entrance the listener and have garnered him the support to come out on top of the viewer’s choice poll. He surely has a successful career ahead of him, and with the dedication he has shown to his craft he surely deserves it. – Benjamin Toledo

A Happy Death’s relentless gigging, unrestrained energy and vintage style has catapulted them through the past year and brought them some well-deserved attention in the Portland scene. Their songs are both catchy and chaotic; their style dark and riotous with a touch of noir. Keep an eye on these guys, their psychedelic sounds aren’t showing any signs of slowing down in 2013. – Benjamin Toledo