Philadelphia

Debut of EBTT Film Night at International House Nov. 20

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England Belongs to Twee resident DJs go cinematic with the first ever EBTT Film Night. Taking indie pop and punk rock aesthetics from the dance floor to the big screen, tonight’s double feature further confirms EBTT as “first-tier”. Appealing to cinephiles and twee fiends alike, post-punk Brits Dolly Mixture take center stage in Paul Kelly’s documentary Take Three Girls: The Dolly Mixture Story. One of only two US screenings, Take Three Girls will easily inspire fans to get their hands on the trio’s recent boxset reissue of Everything and More (if they haven’t already). Obscure gritty rock-doc Rough Cut and Ready Dubbed gives a 8mm glance into the world of the UK’s post-punk scene at its peak. Along with footage of gigs by seminal acts like Stiff Little Fingers and interviews with key figures like the late John Peel, viewings of this punk friendly film are rare. Followed by a Q&A with Three Girls’ director Paul Kelly, EBTT’s Film Night is all win. Give the pub a break! Grab your mates, and catch post-punk and oi! on screen. Ibrahim Theater at the International House, 3701 Chestnut Street, 9:30pm, FREE, All Ages – Dianca Potts
 
L.A.

Pierce The Veil back on tour

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San Diego’s Pierce The Veil is on tour after the release of their sophmore LP "Selfish Machines", and they’re coming to a town near you! The band took a break for the writing and recording process of their new record after touring non stop since their debut "A Flair For The Dramatic" in 2007, but they are back on the road. From angst-ridden, in-your-face songs like "Caraphernelia" and "The Boy Who Could Fly" to deeper, more personal ballads like "She Makes Dirty Words Sound Pretty" and "Stay Away From My Friends", the band never ceases to surprise or entertain. Their live shows are always cinematic with the Fuentes’ screaming and slamming on stage alongside Tony and Jaime, who kill it on the guitar and the bass. They will be playing House of Blues in Hollywood on the 24th, and their precious home venue, Soma, on the 27th.

–Jenna Putnam

L.A.

Delta Spirit’s “The Waits Room” EP is a must have!

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As aforementioned, Delta Spirit‘s "The Waits Room" EP came out earlier this week. They recorded all 5 tracks in Tom Waits’ favorite room at Prarie Sun Studios up north. They just released a video of the live, slowed down acoustic version of "Bushwick Blues", with an intimate view of the legendary "Waits room". The room itself seems to tell a story, from the sounds ricocheting off of the stained wooden walls, to the antique piano, to the old lampshades  providing a dim-lit haven for making musical history.

This studio album is a must-have. The songs definitely have a bluesy, Western feel to them. The first song, "The Flood" is a lullaby sounding track,  with the chanting vocals of Matt Vasquez and Kelly Winrich harmonizing to a tee. "Bushwick Blues" is acoustic, as well as the healing tune "Devil Knows You’re Dead", that starts out with the words of an old Irish blessing. What really makes the EP is the boot-stomping, energetic blues track "John Henry". The album wraps up with the slow, sensual and heart-wrenching melody "My Dream". These 5 tracks show a different side of Delta Spirit and how they are growing as musicians; it will surely take them places. They will be selling limited edition vinyl of "The Waits Room" at their show on December 8th at The Music Box. 

–Jenna Putnam

Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, November 19 – 21

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Does it seem like there is a rootsy vibe in the Philly air? Must be the cool autumn breeze or all the like-minded down home acts invading the local music venues. Well, we hope that World Café Live have reinforced their stage recently, because the rompin’ and stompin’ Hoots and Hellmouth are returning home tonight to beat it into submission. And they aren’t comin’ home from any old shoehorn route around the country. Nah, they have been bringing it to farms and barns, like Hoots and Hellmouth should. While out on tour, the boys have been writing, demoing and trickling out some of the new material that they are hoping to record soon. Check a few of them out at their blog here. They also are raising money via Kickstarted to record an EP, and have already surpassed the amount they wanted for that, but now are merely hundreds away from turning that EP into an LP, so all the Hoots and Hellmouth fans who really want to watch your money be put to use – get out those wallets. While Sean Hoots and gang are known for kicking up dust with their roots rock, the new songs also show a delicacy reminiscent of M. Ward’s “alone in an abandoned mansion with just an acoustic guitar” kind of feel. And that beard! We know, we live vicariously through the musical beards we cover, but this one must be admired. Hoots and Hellmouth will be joined by World Café Live darling Birdie Busch who will be opening the evening with her airy and adorable catalogue. Sorry, if you don’t have tickets yet, this one is sold out. If you absolutely need to get in, we suggest hangin’ by the backstage door that leads to the parking lot. Maybe someone grabbin’ a cigarette might be able to help (and it might not hurt to have a bowl packed too :o). World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 9pm, SOLD OUT, All Ages
 
More things to do…
 
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI The Josh Olmstead Band, North Lawrence Midnight Singers and Joseph Arnold Release Party w/Steve & Krista from the Swimmers, SAT Johnny Miles & The Waywards CD Release Party Liz Fullerton, Joshua Park, Psalmships
 
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) SAT No! Go! Tell!, SUN Loafass
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Cowmuddy and Hidden River Construction, SAT Swift Technique
 
M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) FRI The Successful Failures and Late Night Television
 
Tritone (1508 South St.) SAT Music for Headphones and Stellarscope
 
Millcreek Tavern (4200 Chester Ave.) FRI Vent
 
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) FRI Philadelphia Ukulele Orchestra
 
The Ox (you should know by now or ask a friend) SUN The Sea Around Us and Corey Duncan of Oh! Pears
 
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SAT Holcolmb Family and The Winterlings
 
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) SAT The Knife & Fork Band
 
The Barbary (951 N. Frankford St.) SUN Wrong Answer and Wisdom in Chains
 
Danger Danger Gallery (5013 Baltimore Ave.) FRI Lux Perpetua and Snow Caps, SAT Mose Giganticus and Kill You in the Face
 
The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St.) SUN Sun Ra Arkestra and West Philadelphia Orchestra
 
The El Bar (1356 N. Front St.) SAT Bandname Album Release w/Conversation with Enemies and Cowpals
 
Voyeur (1221 St. James St.) FRI Making Time – Hypercage Record Club Launch
 
Philadelphia

NLMS Have Plenty to Celebrate at JB’s Nov. 19

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North Lawrence Midnight Singers will be celebrating the release of Last Great Saturday Night, which is available for free here, tonight at Johnny Brenda’s. I know. It would’ve been nice to have the show tomorrow, but if anyone has booked a show before at JB’s, their schedule can be pretty tight for openings so you grab what you can. No worries – I don’t think that they’ll be skimping on the heartfelt energy from performing pieces of their latest work for the audience. They’ll be sharing the bill with a couple of local acts who have their own reason to party down tonight. The Josh Olmstead Band and Joseph Arnold are also celebrating the release of their albums, Purple Mountain Majesty In the Antlers Hotel and Discomedusae this evening. Rounding out the lineup will be Steve and Krista Yutzy-Burkey from The Swimmers. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – H.M. Kauffman
 
NYC

Upcoming NYC band to check out: Ambassadors

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Ambassadors are taking their indie soul to a new level with the new "Unconsolable" demo on their myspace page (by the way, this "demo" sounds better than most DIY records out there, so… what’s the point of using the word "demo" these days?). We like many things in this track, the original percussive pattern, the sax section, the distorted bass, the developing melody, and how everything is slowly building without really adding any new element to the arrangement. Vaguely reminiscent of TV on the Radio before they became overly produced. Check these guys out live at Mercury Lounge on 11.30

Chicago

From our Open Blog: Shalloboi

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Shalloboi are playing a somewhat holiday-themed show at Martyrs’ (3855 n lincoln) with Friends Having Fun (an off-shoot of Essex Chanel) and the pawns on Monday, December 13th. They will play their four-song ‘Christmas Suite’ in its entirety. The strings trio will be present at this show as well.

They’ve also completed an animated video for ‘Falling Stars’ off of their latest release ‘All Hope is Blind.’

NYC

Earl Greyhound and Cavalier Rose live at Bowery on 11.20

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Besides being based in NYC, Earl Greyhound (in the picture) and Cavalier Rose have in common a sound that references to the roots of rock’n’roll, an inclination to flirt with blue notes, and and a sublime rocking live show. Admittedly Earl Greyhound rock slightly harder, mostly because of the undeniable Led Zeppelin influences, which imply faster BPMs, while Cavalier Rose’s repertoire features more mid tempo tracks. But no matter what, if you are up for a night of pur rock’n’roll bliss, you shouldn’t miss the show at Bowery Ballroom on 11.20 featuring both bands.

NYC

NYC Artists on the rise: Guards

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Guards is the new project of Richie James Follin, the man who brought us the great NYC Rock’n’Roll band The Willowz. This new effort sounds like crooner music from the 50s, backed by a bunch of Williamsburg hipsters and produced in DIY fashion in a Brooklyn bedroom. As it happens, this is actually true as Richie himself produced, mixed and recorded all the tracks – we can safely assume he’s a hipster. The overall result is very enjoyable. The first Guards release (a multi-colored 7 inch) will se the light on October 22 on Small Plates Records and can be pre-ordered here.

Chicago

California Wives’ Purple

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California Wives have released another track from their debut EP Affair. The band created a lot of buzz around the track "Blood Red Youth" when they released it last month. With "Purple" you get a look a pop-filled but driving side of the band.

California Wives will be performing at Schubas on December 22nd.

NYC

Trumans Water release new album, re-release back catalog + Tour Europe

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After a period of going dark, the noise-rock guitar stranglers Trumans Water have resurfaced with a ripping new album (O Zeta Zunis), a string of live dates in both the US and Europe, and now the official re-release of much of the band’s sought after back catalog this November through their new label home, the venerable Asthmatic Kitty. The bands first 6 albums are also about to be re-released on Sufjan Steven’s label, which has made a sampler of all the reissues on Bandcamp, appropriately titled Schists and Schisms, which you can nab as a FREE download. You can also browse through the re-issues and stream them there for free.