As you may have noticed, our blogger Jake tends to favor bands with a DIY punk philosophy and an unpredictable, often uncompromisingly noisy sound. And that’s what you are going to get at the show he organized – under the moniker "The Colonel Presents…" – at Palisades on October 2nd. The show is headlined by noise rockers Honduras and The Gradients (check out album opener ‘Growing Pile,’ streaming), who are actually not that noisy, but play a brand of poppy post punk that’s as good as (and in part reminiscent of) that mind blowind phenomenon that was early XTC. On the bill also macabre Brooklynites Show Me The Body (pictured, check out their bizarre but engrossing track ‘One Train’ below) and fast paced fuzz pop quartet Heeney.
Krust Toons: “D’OH – Band Practice” by Teddy Hazard
Krust Toons: "D’OH – Band Practice" by Teddy Hazard – please feel free to drop him a line at teddandthehazards@gmail.com if you dig or have any funny ideas. You can also check out more of his illustrations HERE.
The Foreign Films
Check out The Foreign Films latest record ‘The Record Collector (Side 2)‘. It’s a fantastic fusion of alternative psych-pop rock. Listen to ‘Emily Blue’ below…shoegaze vocals with awesome power cords that take a journey into a digital world. Go to their FB page to see when they are playing next.
Half Waif unveils video for “Ceremonial”
We were very impressed with Half Waif‘s performance at our B.E.A.F. Fest this past June. The duo led by American/Indian/Irish/Swiss songwriter and programmer Nandi Rose Plunkett treated us to a nuanced and weell performed set of electronic, mostly mellow tunes. This new video for single "Ceremonial" perfectly translates in visual terms the band’s simple but creative approach to pop music.
The Deli Philly’s Featured Artist(s) Poll Winner: Forever Lesbians
The origin of Forever Lesbians seems rather natural for this day and age – a connection via social media and a gifted 4-track recorder. And if the tale of the band finding its name in a fortune cookie at a Philly noodle bar holds an ounce of truth, then we have the beginnings of a good ole rock ‘n’ roll story. The group recently dropped its latest EP Love, Respect and Wisdom earlier this month, and won our Featured Artist(s) Poll so you can learn about the quirky, fledgling, lo-fi indie outfit by taking a listen to the quartet’s new album below and reading our interview HERE.
Aaron Lee Tasjan’s Residency at The 5-Spot Begins 10.1
October 1st marks the beginning of Aaron Lee Tasjan’s 5-week residency at The 5-Spot. Dubbed "The Happy Hour of Power," the event will take place the next five Wednesdays from 6-8pm. Tasjan will be bringing in a number of talented cohorts to round out the evening, including Todd Farrell Jr., Erica Blinn and The DuPont Brothers. "Don’t Walk Away" is the first single from his recent EP, "Crooked River Burning." The recording gained acclaim not only for it’s emotional intensity, but also the crisp and very tangible energy gained from tracking all the instruments simultaneously; the impact of the recording will not deviate far from the impact of the live show. With recognition as "One of the greatest next-generation songwriters" from ASCAP and five opportunities to see him, there’s little excuse to not make it to the 5-Spot a some point this month. -Terra James-Jura
Dopestroke Opening for GBH & Reagan Youth at Underground Arts Sept. 28
With a storming, full-speed-down-a-steep-hill approach, meshing an overtly layered, lyrical agitation, which fits crisply into a nonstop bombardment of instruments, heavy-pounding blow after blow of the one-two punch of backend artillery, reinforced with volatile torch guitar that assert authority, Dopestroke hovers the line, reeling in the sound as a unit while still maintaining a loose, free-flowing, uninhibited sound. Tonight, they set the stage, opening for a pair of legendary punk outfits in Reagan Youth and GBH at Underground Arts. Get there early, and finish off your weekend the right way. Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St., 8pm, $25, 21+ – Michael Colavita
Dr Neanderthal compares his latest album “Perihelion” to the Caveman Diet!
“It’s heavier on guitar and there are few synthesizers” says Chang Won Chang about his newest project, Perihelion. “It’s like a caveman diet.” Chang, known on stage as Dr Neanderthal, says his creative process is much like the prehistoric nature of the paelo diet- heavy on the proteins and light on the carbs.
Chang’s five- track album is audibly dark and primitive, influenced by the ambient sounds of Brian Eno and 90’s drum & bass. Chang doesn’t sing, but rather howls and echoes his lines. Lyrically, the album is based on the theme of perihelion – the point in orbit in which the Earth is closest to the sun. “Life is a cycle, and sometimes it can be really intense,” explains Chang. “And that intensity is different for different people.” So in his songs, the subject matters are left up to the interpretations of his listeners. “The songs can be about love or even your job.”
The D.C. based musician is currently working on a brighter, "poppier" album he is hoping to release next year. For now, take a listen to the unique sounds of Dr Neanderthal’s Perihelion below. — Sade A. Spence
Free Saturday Matinee at Stork Club Takes Place TODAY
Chromespider Presents a full day of music at the Oakland based music venue, Stork Club today. The show extends from 4pm to 9 pm tonight and we’re always excited to share the news about unique events that will keep you busy and drenched in local independent music for hours on end. The show features Bay Area based bands and solo artists:
Vollmer
Mito
Sophie Vogel
Linda Ann Xyz-Anderson
Civilized Savage
Bobby Quaalude
Paintswithfire
Guido Ayala
Nic Burrose
If you’re looking for something to do and a reason to be able to drink before 4 pm, grad some friends and make your way over to the East Bay and have a blast!
Empty Moon Release New Music Video – 75 Degrees
The Oakland based indie folk music project, Empty Moon has released a new music video entitled 75 Degrees. This track is reminiscent of Bright Eyes and exudes a laid back California folk vibe that flows slowly while expressing lyrics that are simplistic but potent and emotive. Check out the new video and support new Bay Area artists.
Dark Blue Record Release Show at Boot & Saddle Sept. 27
Former Clockcleaner and Puerto Rico Flowers frontman, John Sharkey III, came up with the concept for his latest album, Pure Reality, when he was working the graveyard shift as nightwatchman at a university in Canberra, Australia while his wife was giving birth to their daughter. When faced with the “pure reality” that Australia was a temporary move, they headed back to Philadelphia, and realized the significant differences bewteen down under and Kensington. Upon settling in, he linked up with former Puerto Rico Flowers bandmates Andrew Mackie Nelson and Mike Sneeringer (who have also collaborated with the likes of Ceremony, Paint It Black, The Loved Ones, Strand of Oaks, and Purling Hiss) to form Dark Blue and work on their debut album, which was recorded by Jeff Ziegler and will be available via Jade Tree starting October 7. Dark Blue will be having an early celebration for its arrival this evening at Boot & Saddle, where they’ll be joined by Melbourne, Australia’s Dick Diver. Rounding out the lineup will be the dark and enchanting synth-driven musings of Shari Vari’s Void Vision, whose upcoming full-length Sub Rosa will be coming out mid-fall. Boot & Saddle, 1131 S. Broad St., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Bill McThrill
Free 40th Street Summer Series Showcase w/Man Man at 40th & Walnut Sts. Sept. 27
This weekend, University City is sending off their 40th Street Summer Series with one hell of a high note: Man Man will be playing a free outdoor concert this afternoon! The prodigal local outfit is known for their insane mashup of styles, grandiose over-the-top lyrics, frantic keyboardsmanship, and one of the most impressive mustaches in modern music. Their music could be described as a head on collision between heyday surf-rock and soulful indie, with just enough pseudo-hip hop to make things interesting. They’ll be joined by opener Needle Driver, an NYC avante-garde rock outfit, who will certainly add to the weirdest, most exhilarating way to say goodbye to summer. Behind the Walnut Street Free Library, 40th & Walnut Sts., 6pm, Free, All Ages – Daniel Ludwig