"Hi mom, I'm on drugs." 

This is a sentiment that mothers of yesteryear would've shed a few tears over, but modern ones are probably expecting to hear it at some point or another. We're all on drugs. Drinking, smoking and pill popping are a common modus operandi for the current millenial generation battling with severe depression, anxiety, confusion and a distrust for the world around them. There's also general struggle with self confidence among modern youth. Laid back trio On Drugs have figured out a way to express all of this is an enjoyable, easy-on-the-ears package. That package is their newest song and video called "Chain Smoke."

Basically like a contemporary take on the old Zoloft commercials, the video for "Chain Smoke" displays sadness masked by cute animation. As "You don't really care about me/You're just a pseudo human being" echoes, a lonely introspection rushes over the cartoon character's face. That feeling resonates with the viewer as "I'm gonna chain smoke cigarettes/I'm gonna binge drink my 40/I'm gonna get high with all your pets/They don't ask me questions" goes on to be sang. This is probably one of the most relatable lines of the summertime and we're just getting started.

"Chain Smoke" comes off of On Drugs' upcoming debut full length Stay Yuck on Postmark Records. Catch them next week at Dante's with Malt Lizard and Hands In, or at their record release show later this month with Fire Nuns, Nick Normal and Donkey Lips. 

When it comes to throwing your hands in and being a team player, there isn't a finer group of young gentleman that knows more about this than our own Hands In. Sensual wailer Erick Crosby heads the forefront of this endeavor, backed by Chad Davis and Cody Berger, both of whom are members of two other Portland psych-garage fits, Ah God and Talkative. Hands In have been featured on The Deli Portland before as part of last year's PDX Pop Now! post, but it's due time to give them proper mention. Hands In will provide your ears with the utmost refreshing jam sesh and can be found playing shows around time quite often. Keep up with them via their Facebook page and catch them live!

-Cervante Pope

Portland's annual festival celebrating the local music scene, PDX Pop Now! returns this weekend for three days of all-ages adventure at Audiocinema (under the Hawthorne Bridge). Check out the full schedule here, plus The Deli's top picks for the weekend below:

Balto: Daniel Sheron's psych-Americana project is lyrically driven and big and melodic. His first record Call It By Its Name is a diverse mix of country, folk, and pop that sounds like Blitzen Trapper's love child with a dash of outlaw thrown in for good measure. Catch them at 6:40 p.m. on Friday.



Golden Hour: Portland's tender-hearted garage group Golden Hour are like the younger sibling in a cool band that you never had but always wanted. Their catchy, relatable lyrics and upbeat, declarative songs will linger with you long after you hear them--in the best way possible. Don't miss their set at 4:10 p.m. on Saturday.

 


Hands In: Bedroom psych favorite Erick Crosby brings his dreamy tunes to the stage Saturday evening at 6:50 p.m. Hands In provides the perfect soundtrack to your angst, your dance mood, or general party attitude. 

The Last Arful, Dodgr: A new voice in the Portland hip hop scene, Dodgr brings a fresh sound to the festival and holds it down for lesser-represented genres in the local music scene. Don't miss her breakout set at 6:10 p.m. on Saturday.

The Stops: These self-described "five girls playing punk" do not mess around. Their fast, hard, sorry-not-sorry songs are sure to get the crowd moving at this weekend's festival. Representing the all-ages scene, their debut album Nameless Faces is a dirtier, grittier version of local favorites Summer Cannibals. Get down to Audiocinema early on Saturday, The Stops play at 2:10 p.m.

These and many more perform Friday through Sunday at Audiocinema. The music festival includes a street fair, beer garden, and plenty of opportunities to get immersed in the Portland music scene. 

-Zibby Pillote

Thursday night marks your last chance to catch the explosive live performance of avant indie rockers Sama Dams until the release of their long awaited third album in December. Via Fartbook the trio hinted that they plan to make the show a special one, and if any of their past shows serve as a variable of measure for an "un-special" performance (if that is even a possibility for them), then Thursday night should indeed be a magnificant spectacle. Sharing the stage with them at Bunk Bar are Zula, an experimental pop quartet from Brooklyn, NY, and Hands In, perhaps Portlands most irresistibly dancable one man act. $6 in advance or $8 at the door, the show starts at 9. 

- Travis Leipzig

On June 7th, Noble Firs will release their fourth EP since just 2013. Opening title track "Floating Fortress" is a warm, dancy pop number that gives playfull nods to the ofttimes drabness of reality - I'll likely never own a vacation home in the woods with a big ass tv, and my college debt isn't going to take care of itself. Immediately following, "Elephant Suit" boasts  verbed-out surfy guitar riffs suitable for a summer day on the beach. "Arcane Books" is a strong indy rock number number with powerful drums, harmonizing vocal melodies and a twangy guitar solo finale.

Join in the celebration this Saturday at the Firkin Tavern as Noble Firs release Floating Fortress. Sharing the stage with them are local favorites and friends of the Deli Portland, Hands In, Psychomagic and Cambrian Explosion. The show begins at 9pm and is free, so you'll have more money for tall boys and band merch.   

- Travis Leipzig