Philadelphia

Tigerbeats w/Dangerous Ponies at The Barbary May 6

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Dangerous Ponies have certainly put a serious amount of miles on their tour van this spring spreading the goodness that is their latest EP Tenderheart, which was The Deli Philly’s April Album of the Month. With new bassist Andy Black (formerly of Nicos Gun) solidified as part of their happy music family, the band is ready to lay down more of their new material with Headroom’s Joe Reinhart for another release. Well, all that takes time, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy their infectious tunes tonight at The Barbary for Tigerbeats. Feel young foreva, and dance your Monday night away! The Barbary, 951 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $5, 21+ – H.M. Kauffman

Portland

Barbara in the Attic Make Your Ears Feel Groovy and Ecstatic

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Here’s the skinny, Barbara in the Attic (or BITA for short) simply impressed the hell outta’ me. I happened upon this talented group one night and was fixated with what I heard. The first thing that caught my attention was Barbara, the slightly short chick with the microphone belting out unbelievably soulful notes reminiscent of the greats like Aretha and Janis. The rest of the band was no less impressive, each member bringing a unique flavor. From the rhythm section to the violin, it was a seamless exercise in genre blending. Like a master chef, BITA draws on a number of musical ingredients to make something tasty. BITA recently released their first EP (self titled) with four tracks, my favorite being a haunting little number entitled “Anthem”. The band was cool enough to hook me up with a copy of their EP which I promptly listened to repeatedly. Do yourself a favor and look these guys and gals up or, even better, check them out live! – Cory Huennekens

 

NYC

Kayleigh Goldsworthy announces release of ‘Burrower’

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If you remember The Scarlett Ending at all, they were a highly enthusiastic sextet from Syracuse. Around for more than a decade, founding member Kayleigh Goldsworthy has now taken her tell-all personality to her own particular brand of folk/country crooning. Now based in Brooklyn, she’s been working on her solo record the past three years, so it’ll be exciting to see what happens next (she’s already released a couple tracks off ‘Burrower,’ but still mixing the rest). The first single from the upcoming release ‘Where the Summer Goes’ puts everything out there, revealing much of Kayleigh’s troubles over a gentle country acoustic steel string strum. Check it out below and stay tuned for more. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)

This artist submitted her music for review digitally to The Deli here. We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best rootsy songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!

New England

You won’t forget Forget, Forget

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This seven-piece Portland-based indie rock ensemble known as Forget, Forget are known for their big sound and unorthodox lyrics. Their demo Do You Love Me?, released in March, is going to be the perfect playlist as you transition from spring to summer. With upbeat feel-good tunes, it’ll make you feel like you’re riding cross-country with your top down even if you’re just sitting in your bed at home. They’ve got those lyrics that don’t make sense on paper, but you can’t help but vibe to them and sing-along all day. And if you’re into them, check out Kickstarter and give them a hand in recording their debut album! – Sam Hill

Portland

Review of “S.S.D.D.” by Heart Full of Snakes

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Summer is fast approaching and that means BBQ’s, beers and friends. Luckily for you Heart Full of Snakes has the soundtrack for all those events and more. The album is called S.S.D.D and revolves around a smooth bluegrass sound, with a punk spirit making itself evident in the lyrics. Among my favorite tracks are "Bridge Song" and "Dance Card", which indeed made me want to have a few drinks and dance, in that order. The sounds you’ll find on S.S.D.D are rich and have a sort of roadhouse elegance to them giving the album a very "down home" feel. Powerful yet silky vocals bathed in "punkgrass" lyrics and instrumentals drive S.S.D.D like a trusty old pickup truck bouncing down dusty back country roads. If you’re looking for a great album to add to your summer soundtrack, you’ll do well to fire up the grill, ice the beers and put the new Heart Full of Snakes album on the player. – Cory Huennekens

 

New England

The Migs have something to say: Whatever Forever

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Thank God people still know how to play rock n’ roll. That was my first thought when I heard Whatever Forever, the latest release by New Hampshire-based quartet The Migs. After going to college in New Hampshire, I have become accustomed to associating that area of New England with smelly hippies and boring, repetitive jam music (my sincerest apologies to anyone who is a Trey Anastasio fan). Naturally, I was pleasantly surprised with The Migs’ raucous, surfy, 60s-inspired tunes. In fact, the middle of “When She says My Name” immediately conjured-up images of The Kinks playing a basement gig in 1965 (I wasn’t around then, but I’m fairly confident this is what they would have sounded like). The guitars are tight, and the vocals are loud and somewhat muffled, adding to the raw rock-awesomeness of this collection of songs. Weighing in at a modest 7 tracks, this record packs a hell of a lot of rock into such a small amount of time. I thought everything was very well-balanced and the use of organ (most notably on the eerie “Gravestoned” and the dance party that is “Fuzzy Sun”) really helped to add nice depth to the tracks. I’m more than excited to hear original rock tunes sounding so good that are coming from the Northeast. So, if you’re bored at work (and who isn’t), or just looking for some kick-ass tunes to listen to, scroll down and give Whatever Forever a listen. – Dan McMahon

Philadelphia

Lentil Fest! This Weekend at The Fire May 4 & 5

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Ever since the first pictures of one of the cutest dogs ever surfaced throughout several Philly media outlets, the City of Brotherly Love has become impassioned by Lentil, a fighter who has been dealing with a severe cleft hard/soft palate since birth. This inspiring Ambassadog has been helping to change the way that people view clefts in animals and humans, and has even been the inspiration for a festival that benefits French Bulldog Rescue, Street Tails and CCA Kids. Juston Stens & the Get Real Gang and others already rocked the The Blockley as part of it on Thursday, and North Bowl threw a silent auction and celebrity bowling tournament last night. And after everyone hits up Liberties Walk for the flea market portion of the festival today, they’ll be ready to scoot on over to The Fire, which will be hosting a double header of concerts over the weekend. Tonight will feature the dance-rock vibrations of Nicos Gun, as well as the amplified hip-hop hustle of both Reef The Lost Cauze and Kuf Knotz. And tomorrow will be injected with a bit of soulful country rock thanks to The Lawsuits, North Lawrence Midnight Singers, Sean Hoots, and Toy Soldiers, but will also be induced with some sultry, soulful beats from Attia Taylor – all for a good cause. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave, 8pm, $10, 21+ – Bill McThrill
 
Philadelphia

Free Energy Hosting Deap Vally at North Star Bar May 4

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The aptly named Free Energy is bringing their guitar-driven power pop to the North Star Bar tonight. With upbeat rock that makes you want to groove, the band has toured with the likes of Mates of State and Weezer, now in support their latest LP Love Sign, which was released earlier this year via the group’s own label. There’s something about Free Energy’s carefree lyrics and punchy guitar riffs that make the music so much fun and perfect for this gorgeous weather. It doesn’t hurt that they know the cure for rock ‘n’ roll fever is more cowbell. Also featured is the LA-based duo Deap Vally, who Free Energy have been roaming the landscape of America with. These two ladies have their own energy to share with their grungy, blues rock ensuring the night to be a rollicking good time. Also ready to help the crowd freak out will be locals Prowler. North Star Bar, 2369 Poplar St., 9pm, $12, 21+ – Shaylin O’Connell

Philadelphia

Amanda X Opening for Parquet Courts at PhilaMOCA May 4

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The fact that PhilaMOCA is hosting its first R5 Productions show tonight is a pretty big deal all around, especially since it will be headlined by current indie sensations Parquet Courts (note: hopefully you got your tickets early, but if not be prepared because this one will be SUPER packed!!!). And buzz-worthy artists Scott & Charlene’s Wedding and Household should make it even more of a killer show. But the sole hometown band on the lineup, Amanda X, isn’t to be missed either. You might have come across Cat Park when she performs as part of the fast-paced power rock trio Bandname. But her new all-female rock three-piece (which suitably debuted on Halloween) is an impressive act, which channels pleasant memories of Sleater Kinney. And with them set to play bigger shows like Ladyfest Philly over the summer, you’ll definitely be hearing more from them in the future. So consider tonight a refresher course. PhilaMOCA, 531 N. 12th St., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Bill McThrill