NYC Scene Report – Puzzled Panther, MONTE, & Late Slip

This week’s NYC Scene Report features Puzzled Panther showing some leg, MONTE knowing they’re not a “Dysfunctional Mess,” and Late Slip looking for a little love.

* The pieces of NYC’s Puzzled Panther fit together to form a perfect picture of indie rock power.

The band is led by (photo: L to R), Kay Bon Tempo (guitar/vocals), and Victoria Espinoza (lead vocals), who are joined by Brian Chase of Yeah Yeah Yeahs (drums), Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello (electric guitar/beats), and (not photographed) Alex Ryaboy (bass).

Their self-titled debut EP was produced by Hütz, and is out now via his Casa Gogol Records.

Espinoza describes the Puzzled Panther sound as “post-punk Renai-Dance,” with Hütz adding, “There are a multitude of influences here, but what brings it all together is the love for a smashing rock song with noisy transitions.”

Personally, I hear everything from Veruca Salt, to The Breeders in the band’s lead single, “Legs Long,” which I’ve been continually clicking play on. The song is an absolute winner with an infectious chorus I’ll probably be thinking of the next time I’m walking to a venue in the city. Hopefully, Puzzled Panther will be on the bill!

* Keeping things loud, and fast, up next is Brooklyn-based punk rock trio MONTE, and their blistering post-breakup anthem “Dysfunctional Mess.”

The second single from their forthcoming full-length album due out this summer, MONTE frontperson Caitlin Montclare explained the inspiration for the song in a statement, saying, “‘Dysfunctional Mess’ rose from the ashes of a bad break-up, but don’t get it twisted, this is more than your typical ex-lover diss track. It’s about taking yourself back, knowing who you are, and coming out of a toxic situation more knowledgeable, and grown.”

With in-your-face vocals, a killer guitar solo, and a moment to breathe beginning at around the three minute mark, “Dysfunctional Mess” is a punk rock roller coaster you’ll thoroughly enjoy. Click play, and get on the ride.

* Closing things out by going a little old school, we have Late Slip, which is the retro-pop project of Chelsea Nenni.

Late Slip combines elements of classic pop, with an occasional dash of country, to create a sound that’s both warm, and familiar. That sound will be on display with the release of Late Slip’s first full-length album, I Love You, due out June 7th via Nenni’s own Party Mermaid Records (if you’re gonna hang out with mermaids, the partying kind really are the best).

Check out the recently released single “Love Me True.” It feels like a wonderful blast from the past, with a ‘50s vibe that still works today, proving once again that great music is truly timeless.

For more of the best of NYC’s indie music scene, come back next Wednesday, and check out the archives for previous columns.