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

1939 Ensemble have one of the most unique set ups I’ve heard in recent years. The group consists of a drummer, a vibraphone player and droning noise which provides an ominous backdrop for the percussive duo. The two create instrumental songs that range from passive, ambient soundscapes to violent crescendos and use the spaces in between to build and deconstruct transient melodies within each piece. Their first release, Howl & Bite, was released last April is an assault of spacey compositions that are as enticing as they are eerie. See the two perform at PDX Pop Now on Friday night for what’s sure to be a memorable show- Benjamin Toledo