Despite technical difficulties, which led to Yohsuke Araki canning his acoustic guitar, The Interest Group put on an electrifying psych-pop set. May Cote gave the quintet’s performance a delicate branding with her fluttery vox, while PhilaMOCA projected tie-dye backdrops to visualize the band’s dreamlike presence. Following The Interest Group were The So So Glos, who had the whole crowd pogoing to their punk rock-inspired anthems. (BTW: There is no need to tell us again that the members of the band run Brooklyn DIY space Shea Stadium – we know! ;o) Portland, Oregon’s Parenthetical Girls closed the evening with a performance that was literally all over the place. Frontman Zac Pennington tested PhilaMOCA’s need for insurance by singing atop the less-than-sturdy speakers, scaling the walls to close out the show from the venue’s balcony, and at one point, bringing the performance outside onto 12th Street. Perhaps his most hilarious act of the night was tossing his lone cymbal at the ceiling, which caused a storm of black dust to rain from the building’s oversized antique air vent on top of his head (we’re guessing that he definitely needed a shower after the show). The different genres and sounds on Saturday night’s bill made for a very unique outing for all in attendance. You can check out our photos from the evening HERE. (Photo by Brandi Lukas)
Weekly Feature: Lazyeyes plays Glasslands on April 5
Brooklyn dream-pop quartet Lazyeyes show a lot of promise, even if they haven’t put out a full-length album yet. With a freshly released debut EP under their belt and a 13th place in The Deli’s list of the best NYC Emerging Artists of 2012, this year could be one of growth for the band. Their music calls for the long summer days ahead even more than the Manhattan wind tunnels, and as warm weather approaches their songs will resonate more and more with the many dreamers out there (and in here). Lucy Sherman had the chance to ask Abrishami a few questions about Lazyeyes and their music.
Oakland’s Disappearing People and Yogurt Brain Play KUSF Benefit Show at The Lab 3/29
Oakland based avant lofi rock bands, Disappearing People and Yogurt Brain will be performing live this weekend at local community radio station, KUSF radio’s second benefit show at The Lab in San Francisco on March 29th. Psychedellic rocker, Carlton Meltion and DJs Irwin and The Mixed Bag will round out the bill at this annual event entitled, KUSF-In-Exile’s Blown-Out, Blowout Benefit Show II. Help KUSF stay alive so they can continue to play weird psych and experimental stoner rock for the Bay Area!
This show offers an enticing and strong line up, and this is an event that’s worth attending. There is a suggested sliding scale donation of $5-10 at the door. For more information on how to save KUSF, click here.
Weekly Feature: Chrome Canyon, live at Cameo on 03.28
The work of Morgan Z. Whirledge, an architect of dense, multi-layered instrumental soundscapes who releases music under the moniker Chrome Canyon, is often said to resonate as though it was intended to soundtrack a piece of cinema – his soaring arrangements boasting the grand sweep of a Hollywood epic. A surprising addition to the Stones Throw family, Morgan not only offers the great soul, funk and hip-hop label something different, but even in the multi-tiered world of the NYC music scene, Chrome Canyon is a wholly unique entity. – Read Dean Van Nguyen’s interview with Chrome Canyon here, see it live at Cameo Gallery on March 28 with Brother Tiger, Pictureplane, and Psychic Twin.
New Video: “Cocaine Sandwich” (Live) – Johnny Showcase
Check out a raucous live version of Johnny Showcase‘s funkalicious song "Cocaine Sandwich" off his album Love Is the Message! It was recorded by Jamie Moffett and Scott Armstrong on March 16, 2013 at Johnny Brenda’s during The Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret. Hopefully this video will pickup your mood on this dreary Monday morning.
New Track: “Cost of Living” – Satellite Hearts
Retro rockers Satellite Hearts just released a rad new single welcoming in spring called "Cost of Living." If your into good ol’ classic rock and bands like Foxygen, then this track should definitely be added to your rotation. The former trio now four-piece took to the road this weekend on a mini-tour in support of their latest single. You can catch them tonight at World Cafe Live opening for Early Ape and Black Stars. Enjoy!
Jolliff at the White Eagle Saloon 3.25
The spirit of Jolliff rings volumes in a city known for it’s secular nature. That factor never stopped the faithful indie rock of Jolliff from writing powerful songs to lift your outlook. The harmonic choruses and lively lyrics create positivity and the slow grooving bass lines behind a clean, electric guitar make powerful melodies that are easy on the listener. Jolliff is a band that was crafted by four friends who all resided in the upstairs of a Lutheran Church and began writing music inspired by contemporary folk musicians such as Andrew Bird. This combined with their local attitudes results in well-crafted guitar driven, joyful anthems. Jolliff is holding this month’s residency at the White Eagle, with this Monday night being the last show. – Colin Hudson
The Joint Chiefs of Math & Pill Friends Pop the Cherry at New Unnamed Space March 23
New Years 2009: dressed in my Sunday’s finest, I exited my friend Mike’s vehicle somewhere in the streets of North Philadelphia. Fumbling with a case of Miller High Life, I tried checking my iPhone for the address of what was only described to me as a “kick-ass party.” The faint sound of live music led me to the nondescript warehouse door. Kids were paying their admissions and piling in. It was at the Ox that I arrived to see a now defunct Algernon Cadwallader, but this was also the first time that I was ever exposed to The Joint Chiefs of Math. Since then, the duo has further established themselves as deeply rooted members of the Philly DIY scene. Guitarist Kevin Keenan’s use of multi-layered noise blends a brand of beautifully atmospheric ambience with most righteous shredding while drummer Marcus Denke provides the driving precision of epileptic, time-changing rhythms. Their debut full-length, Wires, has become a staple in my musical diet. Due for a summer EP release via their own label, Associated Sounds, Ltd., The Joint Chiefs will be heading on a two-week tour in April, and then a second waves of dates will occur in June. In tow this evening at a yet-to-be-named DIY space will be macabre lo-fi act Pill Friends. This past January, the band released their sophomore demo titled Murder Me for My Sins, and is currently juggling performances while writing more new material. New Unnamed Space, (Please contact one of the acts for more info.), 9pm, $5, All Ages – Ed Newton
The Interest Group Opening for Parenthetical Girls & The So So Glos at PhilaMOCA March 23
The Interest Group has gone through a bit of a lineup change since they first took the stage last year with May Cote taking over vocal duties from Marissa Lessnick. However, frontman Yohsuke Araki continues to keep the psych-pop train on its rails as they pull into PhilaMOCA tonight. The Interest Group will be opening for Portland, Oregon experimental pop quartet Parenthetical Girls, who are on tour in support of their new release Privilege (Abridged), and Brooklyn indie rock outfit The So So Glos, who are on their way back home from SXSW. Don’t miss out on this sweet evening of music! PhilaMOCA, 531 N. 12th St., 8pm, $7 – $10 Donation, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman
Last Popular Science w/Grimace Federation, A Life Once Lost and More at Kung Fu Necktie March 23
Popular Science, the experimental music series organized by Grimace Federation and Brooklyn dubstep maestro Sonkin, comes to an end tonight at Kung Fu Necktie. And it ends in a loud way as the local electronic trio is joined by metal psychpaths A Life Once Lost. The band has been grinding away since 1999, and returned last year with their latest full-length album Ecstatic Trance. So expect a rager, especially since Grimace Federation could be previewing some new tracks from their most recent recording session. Add in the industrial doom of Author & Punisher and the electronic cello of Helen Money, and you have an eclectic evening of music that is sure to expand your musical taste. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 8pm, $5, 21+ – Bill McThrill
Album review: Claire and the Crowded Stage – Technicolor (EP)
Technicolor opens with the quirky and cleverly written “Tower of Babel,” which sets an intriguing backdrop for the EP. And two things are immediately made clear about Claire and the Crowded Stage. First, the band’s handler, Claire Adams, does not need a crowded stage to capture an audience’s attention—her voice alone will do the job. And, second, nothing about this band is superficial. Its music is a unique combination of raw emotion and refined sound. The nine-piece, coupled with Adams’s knack for songwriting and compelling vocals, radiates with talent and versatility.
Adams’ vocals haunt the heart-wrenching “Tower of Babel” [and “Tower of Babel (minimal mix)”] as she sings: “I never lost you / You were never mine.” The strong piano, clarinet, and accordion parts make the ballad memorable and unique. The album’s title track, “Technicolor,” is perhaps the most danceable track on the EP. It carries a rolling-‘20s-esque feel—breaking out into the jitterbug certainly wouldn’t be inappropriate. “Songbird” starts slow and instrumental with an exotic sound unlike any other on the EP. About halfway through the track, however, the tempo, chords and mood change completely and the song becomes very upbeat. It’s another example of the group’s ambidextrous abilities.
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Alex Peak is a magazine designer by day and a music listener by night. To her, stumbling across great new music is even better than finding a $10 bill floating around in the laundry. |
Weekend Warrior, March 22 – 24
Philly hip-hop heads, the hip-hop gods have blessed you with a must-see show this Sunday at The Blockley. The University City venue and Mecca for local hip-hop shows lately is hosting The Gold Rush Tour featuring (wait for it) STS (a.k.a. Sugar Tongue Slim) with special guests Reef The Lost Cauze, Truck North, Grande Marshall, Saudi Money (a.k.a. Asaad), The Wurxs & Mz. Lynx, and DJ sets by AfroDJiak and Chaisley Lussier. Ah…yeah, you know where you need to be this weekend! The Blockley, 3801 Chestnut St., 9pm, $12, 21+ – Q.D. Tran