Philadelphia

Truck North Bringing the Heat at The Fire June15

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Rapper-on-the-rise Truck North has his name across the top of tonight’s show flyer at The Fire, which is going to be a heated display of Philly’s rap talent. Truck North’s list of accomplishments and credits is quite long; to name a few, he’s in the title song to video game ESPN NBA 2K5, is in a number of Roots album credits, performed at numerous Hurricane Katrina benefit concerts, and collaborated with Black Thought and Asher Roth on a track from his recent Our American Cousin EP. Now that his credentials are out on the table, more importantly is his sound – you can expect raw and passionate vocals over easy-listening, groovy beats, which as a whole, definitely delivers acknowledgment to the original sound of hip-hop. Opening for Truck North is Curly Castro, another Philly native, who does an exceptional job at presenting dynamic sounds from track-to-track. One more notable characteristic of Curly Castro is his spoken verses and sung choruses over EDM-like beats. The Fire’s roster also includes Philly’s Quon Logic (who I happen to think has a hella-smooth voice), with DJ Bear One opening the night. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Brandi Lukas

Austin

The Harms Video Release, “Take the Elevator”, Show 6/27/13 @ The Annex w/ Water District, Geography, & Semi Helix

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The only disappointing thing about The Harms is that after streaming their two songs, as with anything great, I needed more. Their psychedelic sound mixed with Chase Frank’s hypnotizing, melodic voice redefines the standard of (mostly) girl bands. Even a modern day Odysseus wouldn’t stand a chance against these self-proclaimed “Femme Fatale Siren Songs”. Not only will their music entrance you, it’ll make you dance. While awaiting the release of The Harms first full-length album, we can all get our fix with their first music video, “Take the Elevator” released June 3 and their next show June 27 at The Annex. —Written by Courtney Pierce

NYC

Artists on Trial: St. Dallas & the Sinners

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Every now and then, you just want to hear some raucous, boisterous rock ‘n roll. Though few bands can pull it off effectively and get a crowd on its feet, St. Dallas & the Sinners can. We talk with the group and find out more about the mark they’re making on the Kansas City music scene, their influences, and their belief that the Internet is a passing thing.
 
The Deli: Down and dirty: 1 sentence to describe your music. What is it?

St. Dallas and the Sinners: Filthy Dirty Rock ’n Roll!
 
The Deli: What should we expect from a St. Dallas & the Sinners show?
 
St. Dallas: You can expect our live show to be a spectacle. There’s really no other word for it.
 
The Deli: Tell us about what you have coming up this year. What can we expect?
 
St. Dallas: I think for the near future we’re really focused on introducing ourselves to the Kansas City scene and the region surrounding. We’ve also got a full-length out called Hail Mary that’s available on Spotify,  iTunes, or whatever else the kids are using nowadays. We’re pushing through a bunch of new material at the same time. Not sure when we’ll lay that down though. We’re looking to bring our music and live show to as many people as we can (and party with them!).
 
The Deli: What does supporting local music mean to you?

St. Dallas: It means supporting the community, and I’m not just talking about the music scene. Stop shopping at Wal-Mart, buy local. Kansas City has such an awesome palette of arts, music, food, and culture, there’s no reason not to. There are always opportunities to get involved, and when you do, it opens your mind, and allows you to see and hear in a new way.
 
It also means getting off your ass and doing something. Learn an instrument, start a band, go to shows, buy band merch, help touring bands. I hate it when you go to a "hardcore" city or a "punk" town, where the only thing anyone wants to do is sit around and pontificate to each other about how the scene is "dead" or how so and so’s band is just a bunch of posers. If you don’t fit in their narrow idea of what "good music" is, you’re completely ignored. The reason the scene died is because no one went to shows, and no one wanted to do the work to keep the scene alive. For any "scene" to thrive there needs to be diversity, people need to be encouraged and businesses need to be supported. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to eat the same regurgitated shit every day. Luckily for us and everyone else in KC, we don’t have that. We have a great community of open-minded people who are willing to step up and support each other.
 
The Deli: Who are your favorite local musicians right now?

St. Dallas: A.J. Gaither, Cherokee Rock Rifle, Rumblejetts.
 
The Deli: Who are your favorite not-so-local musicians right now?
 
St. Dallas: AC/DC, Ernie Locke, Jim Jones Revue, Legendary Shack Shakers.
 
The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy concert bill to play on?

St. Dallas: St. Dallas & the Sinners, AC/DC, Chuck Berry, and Iggy Pop.
 
The Deli: Would you rather spend the rest of your life on stage or in the recording studio?
 
St. Dallas: That’s a loud unanimous STAGE from all of us.
 
The Deli: A music-themed Mount Rushmore. What four faces are you putting up there and why?
 
St. Dallas: Chuck Berry, Angus Young, Howlin’ Wolf, Hank Williams Sr… cuz they dont give a fuck!!!
 
The Deli: All right, give us the rundown. Where all on this big crazy web can you be found?
 
St. Dallas: All over. We’re balls deep. Facebook, Youtube, Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp. I hear the Internet is just a fad though.
 
The Deli: Always go out on a high note. Any last words of wisdom for the Deli audience?

St. Dallas: 1,4,5…KEEP IT ALIVE!
 
St. Dallas & the Sinners are:
St. Dallas – harps, vocals
Manila – guitfiddle, vocals
Rabbit – bass
Nick – drums/percussion
 
 
The guys will be bringing their brand of filthy, dirty rock ‘n roll to The Brick on Saturday, June 15. They’ll be playing with Jason and the Punknecks from Nashville at 10:00. Show up for what’s sure to be a rowdy, exciting evening.
 
 
 

–Michelle Bacon
 

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NYC

Some emerging NYC bands playing Northside on Friday

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Tonight things get rather interesting at Northside, with a bunch of bands I’ve been meaning to see live for a while but always missed.

My night will start at The Grand Victory, where I’m curious to see Supercute! (pictured and streaming). Teenager girl playing Syd Barrett-influenced pop sounds just too intriguing to be missed!

After that, Brooklyn Bowl around 7pm: Xenia Rubinos will open the show (we booked her for our Best of NYC show last year, and we were glad to see Pitchfork reward her explosive musical imagination with a review approaching the 8 mark), but I’ll be there mostly for Sinkane (streaming below), who has been doing interesting things in the NYC scene. I think he should tour with Delicate Steve.

Cameo will host a show with two artists I definitely want to check out, Vensaire and in particular Ludwig Persik, whose first EP was our Record of the Month late last year. Two great bands who graced our cover (Snowmine and Bear Hands) will follow but we’ll be gone by then, maybe to see our psych rock friends Tempers (streaming below) if we can get there on time, who feature ex Seasick singer Jasmine Golestaneh, of whom we’ve been long time fans.

To keep things dreamy we might check out Phonetag, an interesting electro-dream-pop one man act (streaming below) playing Muchmore’s at 10.30, or maybe Butchers & Bakers, who’ll be playing The Gutter at 11pm between Shilpa Ray and Lazyeyes

Later at night I’ll have to make a choice between punk (at Public Assembly with Shapes and The So So Glos) or Electro (Brooklyn Bowl with Computer Magic and Chrome Canyon).

There are lots of other bands I’d love to check out but I haven’t figured out how to break the space and time constrictions (just yet). – PDG

 

NYC

Album review: Red Velvet Crush: Smoke & Mirrors (EP)

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I am a sucker for a good rock song and a catchy hook. Those seem to be top priorities for Red Velvet Crush on its new EP Smoke and Mirrors. The band spent the first part of 2013 traveling back and forth to Austin to record at yellowDOGstudios with resident producer Dave Percefull, whose credits include such recognizable names as Green Day, Bowling for Soup and KC area Idol David Cook. All songwriting duties were split between lead singer Jillian Riscoe and guitarist Daniel Mendala on this four-song introduction to the rock pop outfit. 
 
Riscoe reminds me a little of one of my favorite female rock vocalists, Eleanor Whitledge, of the punk band The Goops. Riscoe and Mendala recorded all the vocals, guitar, and bass tracks with studio drummer Josh Center. Percefull took care of some of the drums as well as the key and synth tracks.
 
The opening track starts with a hard electronic feel and a 1/16th-note driving bass line that pushes the verses. Chugging muted guitars give way to Riscoe’s declaration of the chorus, “You Didn’t Lose.” Hard-hitting rock with pop sensibilities continues into track two, "Contents: Under Pressure.” It’s a slow and steady emotional one that keeps the vocals in the forefront—that one stayed in my head for awhile. The penultimate track begins with a soft voice and haunting piano riff, then kicks in quick with a tale of being "in love with a monster, devil in disguise… hiding behind blue eyes.” This rocker pulsates through 3 minutes and you don’t want it to end. Smoke and Mirrors closes with the positive, uptempo message of grrrl power with "Girls Rock TOO" that will have your head bobbing and your feet stomping. 
 
Red Velvet Crush has been honored with accolades from the 2013 Project Backstage Midwest Rock Awards, including Female Vocalist of the Year and Best Acoustic Performance of the Year. The vocalist award doesn’t surprise me, Riscoe has got pipes and knows how to control them. And there are plenty of YouTube videos of Red Velvet Crush online to back up the best acoustic award.

You can get your copy of Smoke & Mirrors this Saturday, June 15, at Czar. Doors at 5:30, show at 6:00. Red Velvet Crush will be playing with I Am Nation, Fight The Quiet (Nashville), The Amends (Colorado), and Root & Stem. Presale tickets are $5 for general admission and $10 at the door. You can also order a $15 presale ticket, which comes with a limited edition autographed copy of the new EP and a vinyl sticker. Order tickets here. Facebook event page. 

–Gavin Mac
 

Gavin Mac is a local musician, avid consumer of whiskey, and has a penchant for mischief. He may be lured to dark alleys with grape soda and has a plethora of socks.

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San Francisco

Painted Palms Release Free EP

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Popular San Francisco based duo, Painted Palms has released a new EP entitled, "Nothing Lasts Long" via Soundcloud. You can listen to the entire 6 track EP which is available for download on the band’s Bandcamp. This electronic psych EP sounds like a cool lofi bedroom recording that is out of the box and enjoyable to listen to.

NYC

Album review: Betse Ellis – High Moon Order

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(Photo by Paul Andrews)
 
High Moon Order slips on like an old flannel shirt or a broken in pair of jeans. If comfort food were thirteen tracks of down-home musical cooking, it would sound a lot like this. The introduction to Betse Ellis’s solo album is “The Traveler.” I was surprised by the lush pop writing elements. It is a warm handshake with earthy acoustic instruments. This is a departure from the feel of Ellis’s band The Wilders. There are also some obscure fiddle songs that round out the album.
 
“The Golden Road” delivers what I expect from Ellis: a solid mix of bluegrass, folk, and country elements. The lap steel playing is űber tasty. Next is “Long Time To Get There.” Bluegrass enthusiasts will genuinely love this track. Her playing is exquisite. Fans will rejoice that there are five instrumentals in total. “Dry and Dusty” is a front porch bottled up in a little digital cocktail. The musicianship on this track is outstanding. It’s simplicity in arrangement and construction will pull the listener in for two minutes and fifty-one seconds of daydream immersion.
 
“Straight To Hell” is a cover of a Clash song and easily won as my favorite song. The vocals are mesmerizing. The drums sound reminiscent to something you would hear from Florence and the Machine. The chorus left me singing for hours after my first listen. I enjoyed the bigger production and effects. After the third instrumental “Elk River Blues” and its fantastic melody line comes “Twilight is Stealing.” A more traditional song, the voices of Ellis and Roy Andrade (who also plays banjo on the album) meld magically together. Traditionalists of American bluegrass and roots music will appreciate Ellis’s attention to detail in song delivery.
 
The eighth track is “The Complainer.” Versatility, delivered. This track reminded me of a mesh of Public Image Ltd (PiL), The Clash and about 40 tons of Hillbilly Riot. Even though I love the tradition songs, this ended up being my second favorite. Any rock band would love to have it in its portfolio. The record settles in with “When Sorrow Encompass Me ‘Round” and “The Collector,” both being solid additions. The last two instrumentals “Stamper” and “Queen of the Earth and Child of the Skies” are a continuation of the stellar performance standard. At this point, I should acknowledge the engineering, mixing and mastering work on the album. There is great consistency across the recordings. Overall, the album art and production are splendid.
 
Lastly, there is a big embracing hug to say, “…so long friend until next time” in the song “Question to Lay Your Burden Down.” Here again, are the pop kisses added to cement the fact that you will anxiously awaiting this founding member of The Wilders next solo effort. High Moon Order is a fantastic choice for your summer 2013 music additions.
 
Editor’s Note: High Moon Order is being released on Free Dirt Records and was produced and engineered by Mike West. The accompanying musicians on the album were Roy Andrade (banjo, guitar, vox), Jason Beers (bass), J.J. “Yukon Jimijon” Hanson (upright bass), Mike Horan (guitar), Jonathan Kraft (drums), Josh Mobley (keys), Mark Smeltzer (vox), Michael Stover (electric/acoustic/steel guitar), Mike West (percussion, vox), and Phil Wade (vox).
 
Tonight’s the night! Ellis and friends will celebrate the release of High Moon Order at The Brick. Music starts at 9:00 with an acoustic set, featuring Ellis playing solo, with combinations of others, and with a special string segment. Adam Lee and the Dead Horse Sound Company will play around 10:15. The full band from High Moon Order will perform around 11:30 with other special guests. Local artist Héctor Casanova will be doing live art in response to the performances. Facebook event page.
 
–William Saunders 
 

William is a local record producer, singer/songwriter, and guitarist/singer for The Walltalkers. He is also the head monkey at Saunders Street Records and still likes movies with giant robots.

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Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, June 14 – 16

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After braving the thunder, venture out, there’s plenty of other sounds to hear that don’t just go, “boom.” Like those of Little Big League, a mix of deconstructed drums and catchy guitar riffs reminiscent of the pop-punk emergence two decades ago (pause to feel old). They’re readying the release of their upcoming debut full-length album, These Are Good People, due out in mid-July via Tiny Engines. Each member has their own background in previous bands, lending to their experienced ability to toy with different genres and eras. It’s that craft as well as the endearingly charming vocals of Michelle Zauner that puts the band in a league of their own. (BTW: Check out the band’s Daytrotter session that was just posted earlier today HERE.) They’ll be opening for Titus Andronicus, who Little Big League member Ian Dykstra spent a stint with on drums. The Jersey indie-punk crew is known for their explosive live performances. Both bands prove that there’s always sun after the storm. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., 8pm, $15, All Ages – Shaylin O’Connell 
 
Other things to keep you entertained before more rain comes next week…
 
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Marc Silver, Pete Donnelly, Ross Bellenoit, SAT West Philadelpiha Orchestra, SUN The New Heaven and The New Earth
 
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI (Downstairs) The Chairman Dances, Goodnight Lights, The Quelle Source, (Upstairs) Party Cops, Grime Status, SAT The Rise of Because, SUN (Early) Cassavetes, (Late) Boom Room Presents Music Church
 
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St. Philadelphia) SUN Heavy Medical
 
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI eu.Reca, Twelve Twenty, Family Business, SAT Shane Henderson and The Future Perfect
 
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI Kingsnake, Screaming Rattler, 91s, The Unknowns, SAT Morning River Band, Brethren
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI The People, The Gallerist, Pine Barons, Dirty Cartoons, SAT Truck North, Quon Logic, Curly Castro
 
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Liz & The Lost Boys, Anjuli Josephine, Son Step, SAT Phantasm
 
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) SUN (Early) Mohican, Abilities, (Late) Jackie Paper, Hippie Cult
 
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) FRI SUN Josh Schurr
 
TLA (334 South St.) SAT Ashley Leone, Dry Reef, Alex B, The Burgeoning
 
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) SUN The Escape, Modern Suits
 
The Blockley (3801 Chestnut St.) SAT New Sound Brass Band
 
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI Daniel White, The Donuts, SAT Chelsea Reed & The Fair Weather Five, SUN (Early) John Byrne, (Late) Rusty Cadillac
 
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) FRI Aul Purp, SAT The Matt Lyons Band
 
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) SUN Big Twig
 
First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) FRI Fruit Punch, Mainline Cocksuckers
 
Michael Jordan (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Secret Plot, The Hundred Acre Woods
 
Hausu (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Roman Holiday, Decade
 
NYC

Heliotropes release album + play Glasslands on 6.18

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We hope you won’t think we are chauvinistic if we say that Heliotropes‘ brand of rock doesn’t often come from the fairer sex. Yeah because we are not just talking about ‘punchy’ stuff here, it’s more like… fury! The Brooklyn female foursome has an explosive debut record on the way, and a release show to celebrate it in one of the finest NYC venues. Glasslands will be abuzz with excitement for A Constant Sea’s release on 6/18, and with support from Bad Cop and Fan-Tan, the night promises to be interesting from the first act to the last. You don’t want to miss this one, but if you do, they’re playing at 4Knots this summer, so you’ll have another chance. – Zack Kraimer

Philadelphia

Heart & Soul: The University City Public Piano Project Ends This Sunday!

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We love when music and visual art come together for something that is simply rad. Heart & Soul, an interactive public art installation that was unveiled last week in West Philly’s Clark Park, invites folks to sit down at any one of their four pianos decorated by paper cutout artist/musician Joe Boruchow and “share their creativity through impromptu public performances.” The exhibit will be up until this Sunday, June 16 so you still have time to be part of art happening. (Photo by Joe Boruchow)
 
NYC

Verses Narrow plays Pianos on 6.14 (tonight)

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The grungy, hardcore post-punk trio that is Verses Narrow hits your eardrums with rich, piercing guitar riffs, precisely driven drum work, and passionate indie vocals that all come together nicely to make for a well-executed sound that we think you should check out. Formed in Brooklyn in October of 2011, Bryan Louie, Sal DellAquila and Aaron Nice seem to borrow separate elements from the styles of their 90s band influences like The Jesus Lizard, Shellac and Quicksand to make a their own sound that they claim through their well-rounded execution. If you liked At The Drive In, check out Verses Narrow. They are set to play Pianos on 6/14 with Strangers, Lord Classic and The Gorgeous Hands. Listen to “Boredom” below. –Michael Haskoor (@Tweetskoor)

Philadelphia

Liz & the Lost Boys Record Release Show at MilkBoy Philly June 14

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Listening to Liz & the Lost Boys is like sitting down to lunch with a good friend.  It’s the complete openness and honesty that shines in Liz Ciavolino’s lyrics, carried on gentle harp strings. The music does not overpower, despite the layered and varying sounds coming from not only Ciavolino – who’s accomplished on both the harp and piano – but from her Lost Boys, who provide the melodic breeze her vocals float on. The night is a celebration of the band’s new album, their eponymous debut. Prior to their performance, local acts Anjuli Josephine, a soulful bluesy-pop crooner, and Son Step, multi-styled experimental rock, will take the stage. MilkBoy Philly, 1100 Chestnut St., 8:30pm, $8, 21+ (Photo by William Lukas) – Shaylin O’Connell