San Francisco

NewVillager: On Tour

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Fresh from its performance at Make Music Pasadena, SF/NYC’s art pop stars NewVillager will continue its rare LA appearances through June 20-23, culminating with a performance at The Wiltern supporting Okkervil River and Titus Andronicus.
NewVillager is too big for one city or genre. The project of multi-media artists Ben Bromley and Ross Simonini, NewVillager is an attempt to illustrate and understand the process of change. The duo’s mythology is documented within its pop music, symbols, drawings, photographs, film and installations.
Read more from the Deli’s Nancy Chow when she chatted with Bromley and Simonini following their celebrated CMJ performance.
Look out this year for another NewVillager album, new video for single “LightHouse,” an interactive art installation in New York City, and a 1000-page book. Additional cities on the tour include Tucson, AZ, Lubbock, TX, Norman, OK, St. Louis, MO, Des Moines, IO, Columbus, OH and New York, NY. –-Whitney Phaneuf

Philadelphia

Wild Flag Scheduled to Perform at New Music Venue Union Transfer!

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It looks like things are moving forward or at least expected to be sorted out by the fall for Union Transfer (formerly Spaghetti Warehouse), the new music venue from Bowery Presents (the New York-based club operator and concert promoter run by former Live Nation exec Jim Glancy) with help from R5’s Sean Agnew. Wild Flag, the punk rock supergroup that includes former Sleater-Kinney bandmates Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss, Helium’s Mary Timony, and former Minders member Rebecca Cole, recently announced their upcoming tour schedule (in support of their new self-titled debut album) which includes a stop in Philly on Wednesday, October 19 at Union Transfer. Niiiiice! (Photo by Philadelphia Ghost Sign Project) – The Deli Staff
 
Philadelphia

Prowler & Illinois Open for Eastern Conference Champions at JB’s June 20

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It’s been pretty quiet in the Illinois camp since they made the heavy push behind their multimedia project The Adventures of Kid Catastrophe which also consisted of hopping from city to city for monthly regional residencies and a national tour. But I’m sure that it didn’t take much to get them out to support their old Bucks County pals Eastern Conference Champions who will be headlining tonight at Johnny Brenda’s. ECC is a great indie/alt rock band who transplanted themselves to LA-LA Land (which seems to be luring more of our fine local artists lately). After signing to Suretone Records and getting caught up in the mess that is the major label world, ECC found themselves in a big new city without a label, but unlike many similar artists’ stories, they managed to fight back as an unsigned band and landed their song “A Million Miles An Hour” in the highly-coveted third installment of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Well, ECC are back in town with a new album, SPEAK-AHH, but hopefully we’ll still get to hear oldies but goodies like “Navy Man” and “The Box.” They’ll also be joined by the hyped-up dance grooves of Philly’s own Prowler so this will surely be a Monday night worth nursing a hangover for most of the week. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Q.D. Tran  
 
L.A.

Miracle Parade Celebrates Debut Record Release at Origami Vinyl

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Miracle Parade may not be Christopher Pappas’ first venture into the world of music-making, but this alter ego of sorts is quite a distinguishable one. With his finger on the pulse of what it means to be considered a singer-songwriter today, he takes the core ideals of crafting music and puts his own sweet flavor onto it. His debut album as Miracle Parade, "Hark!…and Other Lost Transmissions", will be released on the Little Record Company label on June 20th. To celebrate this release, he held an in-store record release party at Origami Vinyl on June 17th. Also, Miracle Parade will be doing a Tuesday residency for the Little Record Company at the Satellite starting on July 5th, so if you didn’t make it this past Friday, you’ll have a chance to make it up. – Taylor Lampela

Sweet Tooth by Miracle Parade

 

Philadelphia

Eat Your Birthday Cake & Gypsy Death and You at KFN June 19

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Fishtown fellows Eat Your Birthday Cake will open the stage at Kung Fu Necktie this evening. The band formed in 2008 and will be supporting their newly released album Enemies. This compilation of idiosyncratic indie rock is infused with playful drum beats and electro-dance breakdowns which elevate the moody melodies of singer Marc Neibauer. Take the quirky vocals of mewithoutYou, subtract the godliness, and insert the youthful subject matter of early Brand New (circa Your Favorite Weapon). This band extends the matter-of-factness of Adam Green but hints at that late 90s yucky punk lightheartedness. Angsty teens would have trouble brooding to this refreshing indie rock, hold the bullshit. Headlining tonight will be Drexel-formed duo Gypsy Death and You. Emily Cahill and Alex Wilson who met in a freshman music class play impressively mature and expertly composed shoegaze peppered with dreamy classic rock. The pair’s vocals, ranging from the timeless tone of Velvet Underground to the girly surf rock of Best Coast, form a perfect fusion with their edgy Mogwai-inspired instrumentals. The two bands will also be joined by Tampa’s Sleepy Vikings. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 8pm, $8, 21+ – Jules Friedland
 


Philadelphia

Leather Open Puerto Rico Flowers Release Party w/Iceage at The Barbary June 19

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Leather, a Philly-based hardcore act with a grimy and evocative sound that’s been whispered about for months now, will be taking the Barbary stage tonight. After releasing a cassette demo and a seven-inch that has since sold out, the four-piece are on their way to turning themselves into underground living legends within a short period of time. They recently release their 7” Sterile via Jade Tree (which you can purchase HERE). Leather will be opening the release party for Puerto Rico Flowers, the new project from infamous former Clockcleaner frontman John Sharkey III. Originally started as a solo effort while living in Australia, Sharkey just released his album 7 via Fan Death Records (which you can purchase HERE) leaving behind his past work in noise-rock and delving into gothic bass-heavy, 80s synth-pop. Also on the bill will be a rare appearance by Danish hardcore band Iceage. The Barbary, 951 Frankford Ave., 7pm, $10, All Ages (Puerto Rico Flowers Photo by Josh Sisk) – Emma Branson
 

 

L.A.

Diva Dompe Releases The Glitter End on August

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Rather than explaining the majestic swoop of now-defunct L.A. psych troupe Pocahaunted, it’s best to experience the improvisational execution behind their throbbing, freeform drone in a stream-of-consciousness mode. One of their main contributors was bassist/vocalist Diva Dompe, who recently said goodbye to the notion of tagging herself in bands to follow the solo route with last year’s cassette-only release The Glitter End. After turning curious heads with her reconstructed world music sensibilities on a smaller scale, now she’s ready to expose those retrofied, wobbly compositions to a larger audience with a wider release on August 2nd via Critical Heights. – Juan Rodríguez


 

Philadelphia

Amateur Party ONE NITE ONLY at Cha-Cha’Razzi June 18

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With the 3rd Annual Block Party Summer Style going on today in South Philly, it should be easy for you to find your way to Cha-Cha’Razzi this evening for the ONE NITE ONLY performance of Amateur Party. Led by “The Mayor of Phildaelphia Punk” Mike McKee (Armalite, Kill the Man Who Questions), the socially conscious crew are back to share some angst with friends and fans at the unassuming DIY art/garage space. They’ll be joined by Kanine Records’ (and Reading Rainbow besties) Eternal Summers and Slumberland’s noise-pop trio Brilliant Colors as well as locals United Kingdom. It’s the perfect way to cap off an already fun day of boozing and BBQing. Cha-Cha’Razzi, (Please contact nowavelength@gmail.com for details.), 8pm, $7, All Ages (Video by seanwestwispy) – Alexis V.
 

Philadelphia

Ropeadope Presents: What Is Jazz? What Is Hip-Hop? – Hosted by Schoolly D at The Blockley June 18

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Schoolly D is hosting the debut showcase of What Is Jazz? What Is Hip-Hop? at The Blockley tonight, which is presented by Ropeadope. The showcase aims to continue to blur the lines of musical genres while introducing like-minded up-and-coming artists to the masses. This evening’s performers will feature local emcees Noesis from Philadelphia Slick, MH The Verb, Apuat, Chess, Ty Ward and Poole from WyldLyfe, and others backed by the house band for the night Denton, Texas’ Snarky Puppy, who will also be performing their own set. Jedi Mind Tricks’ DJ Stoupe will be on the wheels of steel to keep things lively. The Blockley, 3801 Chestnut St., 8pm, $12 adv/$15 door, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman
 
Philadelphia

Norwegian Arms Open for Architecture in Helsinki and Hooray for Earth at WCL June 18

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Norwegian Arms , the Philly freak-folk outfit led by Keith Birthday, a.k.a. Brendan Mulvihill, and trusty partner in crime Dr. Awkward, a.k.a. Eric Slick of Dr. Dog, with occasional help from other talented buddies like Dominic Angelella and Andy Molholt, will be opening for Architecture in Helsinki and Hooray for Earth at World Café Live tonight. The project began when Mulvihill, one of the founders of the beloved DIY space the OX, moved to Tomsk, Russia after receiving a fellowship to teach English. An old mandolin was the only musical instrument that made the journey with Mulvihill, which became a catalyst in Norwegian Arms’ unique sound. Nowadays, many “folk” bands are turning electric, but Norwegian Arms stick to a minimalist combination of acoustic mandolin and rhythmically intricate percussion. Mulvihill and company are offering their latest EP, Trimmings Of Hides, for free download HERE so you have no excuse not to join in the folky sing-along this evening. They are also working on a new full-length planned for release in 2012 so you may get a taste of it too. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut Street, $15, 7pm, All Ages – Dan Brightcliffe
 

Philadelphia

3rd Annual Block Party Summer Style Presented by Larry!

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At most block parties you’re lucky to find tasty barbecue and some slammin’ potato salad, let alone any decent form of entertainment. But when South Lawrence Street hosts its annual block party today, the Shakes is fully prepared to ensure that it’s one for the ages before they get ready to say goodbye to the ol’ homestead and move on to a new street. And in doing so, the band has arranged a 13 band mega show that will feature plenty of art, beer, food and fun. While Far-Out Fangtooth and Tough Shits will be keeping it loose with their lo-fi garage vibes, Arrah & the Ferns will be delivering some cheery indie pop to keep the clouds away. The festivities will be a warm-up for Norwegian Arms before they open for Architecture in Helsinki this evening at World Café Live. Add in the post punk quirkiness of Bad Doctor, the chaotic thrash punk of the Trowels, the all-around craziness of Ugh God, and the dance party fabulousness of Club Lyfestile (plus so much more), and you have one helluva end to a bad-ass era. 3rd Annual Block Party Summer Style, 1600 S. Lawrence St., FREE, 2pm-9pm, All Ages (Photo by Omer Kreso)- Bill McThrill