Born of a phonetically pleasing phrase rather than an idealized meaning, Deli Kings tread lightly in the unexplained.

Setting forth they cut their teeth on high-energy DIY shows where nothing is hidden, and with a bare naked rawness, carved their own path in Richmond Virginia’s local music scene. The presence the band commanded drew more attention from concert goers, and would see them opening the night for the likes of Daniel Romano, White Reaper, Frankie & The Witch Fingers, Bones Owens, and The Psychedelic Furs.

The trials of 2020 found the band left to their devices, with no choice but to hone their sound and determine which lane they were driving in. Within the wood paneled walls and carpeted floors of a 70’s concrete slab of a house, the rock outfit felt right at home. With no outside influence, the band set up microphones and delivered a gamut of original tracks the old fashioned way: live in the room, with no excuses.

With Nathan Kidd on drums, Jake Shank on bass, Gray Stephenson and Nicky Michon on guitars, and Nick Morrison on vocals, Deli Kings tie in the elements of classic rock that serve to be timeless, along with the taste of new wave and contemporary pop, while still holding onto that punk/alternative spirit. “Foolin’ (In July)” embodies this sound and swagger, woven guitar melodies and ambient slide work, in-the-pocket bass, and authoritative drums; all the perfect groundwork for the message Morrison sings. It’s the result of a group of musicians and friends having a living room conversation, a band forged in fire and pressure and heat, yet still keeping it cool.