New Music, Emerging from your Local Scene
Joel Midden (aka Bastardgeist) released his sophomore album, Infinite Lives, digitally late last month. The album will be released on vinyl in a limited run of 500 on July 23rd.
Infinite Lives is filled with rich textured and dense sonic landscapes as Midden moves one step further on his sonic journey.
You can catch Bastardgeist on June 15th at The Hideout and on June 26th at Quenchers.
The Levine brothers, and step brother Zach Staggers who formed the Bay Ridge punk band known as The So So Glos, have have been a staple of the NYC scene for a few years now not only because of their music, but also because of their active involvement in the Brooklyn DIY scene (they were involved in Market Hotel during its brief existence, and are now part of the people behind Shea Stadium). Raging since 1991 (when Alex Levine was only 3 years old) with a self-made band name that mocks overly fake and vain people, they took to the punk genre with ease with their naturally rough turns and vocals. Operating out of Shea Stadium, the band recently self-released a new record on April 23rd titled Blowout. The band is set to play Public Assembly on June 14th as part of the Northside Fest: 1.21 Gigawatts Showcase with Shapes and Le Rug. Listen to “Lost Weekend” from the new record below! – Michael Haskoor (@Tweetskoor)
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!
After first grabbing our attention with their former band The Tweeds, Derek and Nic Sheehan are back with their latest incarnation Weekender, which also includes Tom Anthony and Emily Cahill (Gypsy Death and You). Derek and Nic were one of the five runner-ups chosen in our studio time giveaway contest with producer Kyle “Slick” Johnson. Continuing their exploration of shoegaze-y psych rock, the Sheehans recorded Weekender’s debut EP Spanish Peaks at Johnson’s Fancy Time Studio. You can get lost in their jams tonight at Johnny Brenda’s when they open for Birmingham, UK’s Peace and Brooklyn’s Team Spirit. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $12, 21+ – H.M. Kauffman
Below is the second single and opening track from Little Big League‘s upcoming album These Are Good People called "Lindsey," which you can download for free HERE. "It’s a narrative about a man who wants to take care of a homeless woman." The LP will be released later this summer via indie label Tiny Engines. They’ll be opening for Titus Andonicus this Friday, June 14 at Union Transfer.
PDX Pop Now! is the culmination of the best aspects of Portland’s music scene. For the past ten years this free, three day festival has sought out our city’s most promising local acts and put them in front of an enthusiastic and diverse crowd of all ages. There isn’t a stage in town that can bring as much attention to a local band. You’ll have to wait until July 19th to enjoy this year’s festival, but you can get a taste of what’s to come on Friday, June 14th at Backspace to celebrate the release of the 2013 PDX Pop Now! compilation album. This forty-three track, two disc release might be the best representation of the Portland music scene, featuring the sounds of Sama Dams, The Woolen Men, NTNT and many more. The release party will include performances by Sapient, Summer Cannibals, Sean Flinn and the Royal We, and Wishyunu. Be there to be the first to get your hands on the compilation and find out who’s going to be playing the festival this year. I’ll see you there. -Benjamin Toledo
Last summer Panoramic & True released their sophomore album, Wonderlust, and this summer they will be releasing a new 7" single, "Bells".
You can catch Panoramic & True at Township with Videotape and Kangaroo on June 21st.
The sun was shining bright on the Dock Street 5th Annual Music Fest this past Sunday afternoon with On the Water, Norwegian Arms, Bomple and Post Sun Times – a perfect time to enjoy a craft beer and listen to some great jams while celebrating the end of Philly Beer Week. With an eclectic mix that took the crowd throughout the day from world music beats to weirdo folk wails, there was plenty of fun to be had, and you can check out our photos from West Philly fest HERE. (Photo by Rachel Barrish)
Besides being stuck in my head in a good way, Exit‘s music evoked many musical memories in me. Listening to "Looking Glass", I think of the dark, breathy lyrics of Smile Empty Soul. Then, in their song "Alicia Marie", the perfectly harmonized guy/girl duo reminds me of Lydia’s music. Whether it’s a demonstration of darkwave, alternative, or indie rock influences, they come together to form Exit’s glorious gothic sound that, as I said, gets stuck in your head in a good way. Check out Exit June 15 at Frank with Love Hate Affair and Shiny Empire! —Written by Katy Glass
Philly Beer Week closes out in style once again this year with Dock Street’s Fifth Annual Music Fest. The festivities kick off with a scavenger run throughout University City and Baltimore Avenue in the afternoon, and once the runners file their way towards Dock Street’s Firehouse, the usual pizzas, food trucks, fresh brewed beers, music and merriment will ensue. Headlining the event will be West Philly’s own merry band of psych-folk gypsy misfits On The Water. And they’ll have the perfect band to co-headline with them in our most recent Best Emerging Artist Poll Winner, Norwegian Arms. Add in the dub/reggae-pop of Post Sun Times and the smooth soulful Puerto Rican music of Bomple, and you’ll have plenty of tunes to enjoy this sunny final day of Philly Beer Week. Dock Street Brewery, 701 S. 50th St., 2pm – 6pm, FREE, All Ages – Bill McThrill
MilkBoy Philly plays host to a packed lineup of fine local musicians assembled to celebrate Market East’s second release Children of Summer. The retrofitted trio specializes in creating smooth, tightly layered, tri-fold vocal harmonies that play off minimal instrumentation – perfect for making the ladies swoon. To help Market East celebrate this special occasion, they’ll be joined by Joe Sweeney & the Long Hair Arkestra, the latest incarnation of Mr. Philebrity’s nod to 70’s indie rock, the synth-y, sexual grooves of Night Panther, who are returning from their recent visit to Daytrotter, the touching intimate folk of Former Belle, and the emotive, inspiring, cinematic soundscapes of Mohican. This diverse lineup promises to touch your ears with a memorable tirade of talent. Milkboy Philly, 1100 Chestnut St., 9pm, $10 – $12, 21+ – Michael Colavita
Now that the insane rainfall has ceased, hopefully the sun will dry up the grass at Laurel Hill Cemetery so that you can lay down a blanket and enjoy this evening’s performance by The Bailey Hounds. The gothic folk rock four-piece recently dropped their latest release All the Blood in the World, and is returning to the hollowed grounds once again to provide another unique concert experience. Is it morbid that they enjoy playing surrounded by gravestones and monuments of the deceased? Maybe. But it’s probably the most fitting place to listen to their tunes. Just don’t watch any zombie movies before heading over, or do if that’s what excites you. (BTW: Just in case, the set rain date for this event will be next Saturday June 15.) Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave., 8pm, $10, All Ages – Alexis V.
