Check out the latest episode of Weathervane Music‘s Shaking Through featuring The Districts! The teenagers have a bright future ahead of them; having recently signed to Fat Possum, they’re self-titled EP is scheduled for release on January 28. You can learn more about the group below while viewing the recording of their new track called "Vermont," which can also be downloaded for free HERE.
Philadelphia
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Wander Through the “Magical World” of Mike Bruno + the Magic Family Band at KFN Dec. 18
Philadelphia has already built quite a reputation of nurturing the freak-folk genre by harboring such acts as Espers and Fursaxa. Mike Bruno + the Magic Family Band continue to help carry that torch with their revolving cast of hippiefied musicians. When on stage, they perform as if in a trance-like state causing you to question whether its from a music- or drug-induced place. The mystical group recently released a new full-length album A Magical World of Animal and Spirits last month via Austin indie label Haute Magie, who was also home to band member Megan Biscieglia’s beautiful 2013 release Supreme Parallel, under her moniker Bad Braids. They’ll be wandering through their "magical world" tonight at Kung Fu Necktie alongside locals Seismic Thrust, Reading, PA’s L’Astronaut and Seattle’s Wind Burial. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St. 8pm, $10, 21+ – Alexis V.
NYC
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NYC Synth Poppers on the rise: Con Vos – ‘Cocoon Bloom’ debut EP out in February
What happens when a hip-hop duo joins forces with an Irish singer/songwriter? Smooth synth-pop is not exactly the first thing that pops to mind… Pursuing a relentless effort to make sure their music goes down spread just like butter, the collaborative group Con Vos merges Brooklyn folk artist and proud tenor Sorcha Richardson with beat-tastic duo Fortunate Ones, to carve out a place for both of these musicians that hasn’t yet been unearthed. Their single ‘Central Park’ (at almost 34k hits on SoundCloud!) is one of the catchiest odes to everyone’s fave park you’ll hear. Check it out below and look out for their debut EP ‘Cocoon Bloom,’ due out early next year. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best Electronic songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!
Portland
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Wooden Indian Burial Ground at Doug Fir 12.21
Supporting Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside this Saturday night at the Doug Fir is Wooden Indian Burial Ground. Although a bit more underground than their headliners, they deserve as much hype as humanity is willing to give. Their performances are ruthless, constant streams of mania, aggression and a sense of never giving in. This is psychedelic rock overgrown with heavy experimentation. Whether you decide to appreciate the hysterical fuzz lingering in the background or not, be aware this will make you feel something. Wooden Indian Burial Ground have evolved into a band destined to uproot any emotion you allow and that’s beautiful. – Colette Pomerleau
NYC
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Music for the wrong season: Chamber Band
We are a little late in highlighting ‘Deities,’ the new LP from the slightly nerdy rock-pop collective Chamber Band (released back in June), an album to be enjoyed in the warm weather. So dig your t-shirts out of the dresser, turn up the thermostat and close your eyes – it’s summer again (in your brain)! This the kind of indie rock made for those of us who like our music homespun, and as large as acoustic instruments can handle. From grand pianos to six-string guitars to loud choruses of very eager musicians, Chamber Band is non-stop fun, and all while Chris Littler confidently keeps his shirt tucked in.
The Brooklyn band has released the LP for free, so download it from their site and see them in February when they play at a Benefit Concert for Oxfam America at Knitting Factory. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
This band submitted their music for coverage here.
Portland
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The Lower 48, Minden and Tango Alpha Tango at Mississippi Studios 12.20
Christmas will be arriving five days early in North Portland this Friday. Three of Portland’s biggest acts of 2013 will be hosting a yuletide celebration that will make your office Christmas party look like… well, an office Christmas party. Sorry, no time for fancy rhetoric, here’s the skinny: Tango Alpha Tango will go on first. Their guitar-driven rock makes them one of the bluesiest bands this city has in its books and they play in such a raw way that you can’t help but move to the fine-tone rhythms and fuzzy keyboard that gives them a funky edge. And not slacking in the funk category is the soulful six-piece, Minden. Whether you like their melodic keyboards, smooth bass, or harmonizing vocals, you will surely get your fix when Minden takes the stage. Finally, the hosts, The Lower 48 will headline the bill. The vintage-pop sounds laden with folk songwriting has built quite the name for this band in the local scene. The past six months touring all over the west coast, east coast, and the Midwest and finally make it back to Portland just in time for a holiday extravaganza. This Friday, the triumphant bells will ring sounds of joy for one more concert 2013 won’t forget. – Colin Hudson
Philadelphia
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New Track: “But You Know That” – Manors
As the year comes closer to the end, it has caused us to reflect on all the music that we’ve come across thoughout 2013. And we’ve also been discovering some hidden gems that might have been overlooked with the massive amount of music floating through the internet. Here’s a simple but lovely track from Manors that has some damn sweet hooks called "But You Know That," which appeared on their LP Fit In (Eat A Book Records). The lo-fi bedroom-pop project is led by singer-songwriter/guitarist Dayna Evans, who is also backed on the recordings by Cat Park (Amanda X, Bandname) on bass and Evan Bernard (The Weaks, ex-Dangerous Ponies) on drums. Manors are currently recording an EP so expect to hear some new material from them in 2014.
NYC
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Show preview: Müscle Wörship’s Homecoming Show at Replay, 12.19.13
What’s in a name? A name can be something to hide from (case in point: A Boy Named Sue), something that builds an enigma around you or describes something perfectly, leaving no room for speculation. For Lawrence band Müscle Wörship, the name tips a hat to punk rock, where uncomfortable names like The Circle Jerks were often used and the muscle and power that inspired them, while the lyrics and music hearken to bands like Gang of Four, Fugazi, The Cure, and the jittery, off-kilterness of Bloc Party and Sunny Day Real Estate. The name could very well be nod to any number of ‘90s underground bands that had the strength to stand by their musical convictions.
This Thursday, December 19, Müscle Wörship (comprised of singer/guitarist Sean Bergman, bassist Anthony Piazza, and drummer Nathan Wilder) will celebrate the end of a two-week long tour that took them from Brooklyn to Moline, Illinois, and many a place in between. The show—a homecoming extravaganza at the Replay Lounge—will undoubtedly see the bar packed from pinball machine to the sidewalk as the band do their best to blow out speakers (I’m told they are the loudest band in Kansas) and convert the non-believers, the unsure, the ones not yet basking in the warm, deafening glow that is Müscle Wörship.
Formed by members from Paper Airplanes, Ad Astra Arkestra, Volara, Proudentall, and Ricky Fitts, Müscle Wörship pushes boundaries of melody and speaks about the human condition as they blast out one post-punk-colored gem after another. The band’s eponymous album is a testament to growing up in the ‘80s and ‘90s: there is melody and joy hidden among stilted rhythms and powerful guitars, emocentric vocals with a backbone. No tears to make the mascara run, just powerful words laced within great music. So kids, do yourself a favor and join the welcome wagon; come make it a night that the conquering heroes will not soon forget.
Müscle Wörship’s homecoming show will be this Thursday, December 19 at Replay Lounge, featuring special guests American Cream and This Is My Condition. Facebook event page.
–Danny R. Phillips
Danny R. Phillips has been reporting on music of all types and covering the St. Joseph, MO music scene for well over a decade. He is a regular contributor to the nationally circulated BLURT Magazine and his work has appeared in The Pitch, The Omaha Reader, Missouri Life, The Regular Joe, Skyscraper Magazine, Popshifter, Hybrid Magazine, the websites Vocals on Top and Tuning Fork TV, Perfect Sound Forever, The Fader, and many others.
Nashville
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Great Peacock, “Tennessee”
Whether you’re a local, or Nashville is the nearest city to where your car finally gave up the ghost, there’s nothing like an anthem to your native (or current) land to make your heart swell. “Tennessee,” the new single by Great Peacock has everything that’ll misty up your eyes: swooping pedal steel, mournful fiddle, mentions of whiskey, creeks, and loneliness. Great Peacock are currently Lightning 100’s Artist of the Week, meaning “Tennessee” is in their rotation, so you can weep quietly to yourself on your drive to work. They will be taking the stage at for a free show at Soulshine Pizza Factory this Friday at 7pm. –Terra James-Jura
L.A.
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Stream: Globelamp, ‘Star Dust’ EP
The buzz surrounding Elizabeth Le Fey, the songwriter behind Globelamp, may have less to do with her music and more to do with another buzzband. Le Fey spent a tumultuous period as a touring member of Foxygen, as well as founding member, Sam France’s girlfriend. In spite of all the drama, and the eventual break from France, Le Fey never lost sight of her own artistic aims. The two even worked together to put the songs of Globelamp into an experimental EP, made entirely on a 8-track. She calls it an experiementation, and that spirit is what makes it magical. Truly lo-fi, her folk psychedelia is on full display, conjuring images of 60s mysticism, seances and free love. Throughout the recordings her voice is mostly layered and hidden, but having had the pleasure of seeing her perform live proved she has the vocal prowess of one well beyond her youth. She fits so many ideas into each song, shaping her voice to each moment. Le Fey is offering a feast for the ears that will leave you stuffed, yet never tiring for seconds. And I get the sense that she is a wellspring ready to burst. Stream her entire EP, ‘Star Dust’ on bandcamp, featuring standouts, "Daddy’s Gone" and "Witch House." – Jacqueline Caruso
NYC
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Inter Arma makes noise with Sky Burial.
Richmond’s Inter Arma has recently received international acclaim as their new album, Sky Burial (Relapse Records), has appeared on pretty much every list of top metal albums of 2013. Their legend has grown steadily over the past 8 years, tales of their ferocity and glory passed by word of mouth between worshipers and those interested. Richmond has the sort of deep metal scene in which the word “Metal” is usually perceived as the wrong word to describe any given band. Doom and Thrash and Death and Speed, and various Cores and Grinds, are often jumbled together on show posters with hyphens so you know what you’re getting into and don’t accidently go see a band that’s not quite exactly what you were expecting. Inter Arma is above all that. Even the most wizened metallurgists cannot classify the alloy Inter Arma (some say there might even be various kinds of Rock in there), and everyone loves them. –Natan Press
Chicago
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JBTV’s Annual Don’t Drink or Text and Drive Live Music Marathon
JBTV has been a mainstay in Chicago for the last 29 years and worked to expose music fans young and old to emerging music. Every year, since 1987, the show runs a marathon in late December to help spread the word on distracted and impaired driving. The Annual Don’t Drink or Text and Drive Live Music Marathon will take place on December 28th from 12pm to 10pm and will feature over 100 bands.
The live performances will span the history of the show and will be curated by JBTV Head of Programming and Kill Hanna bassist, Greg Corner. This is the first year that the Don’t Drink or Text and Drive Live Music Marathon will be streamed in HD and optimized for mobile and tablets with wireless connectivity to televisions via their website. The marathon will also be broadcasted on Chicago’s CAN TV channel 19.
The lineup is headlined by Radiohead and Smashing Pumpkins, but will also feature local like Gemini Club.