Philadelphia

New Video: “Live In Philadelphia” (Out Of Town Films/Fat Possum) – The Districts

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The Districts performed a "secret" show last December, under their alias Eight Legged Prawn, opening for mewithoutYou, who were also billed as Thy Foes Profanely Rage. Out Of Town Films was there to capture the rambuctious four-piece’s set with permission from the group’s record label Fat Possum. The video consists of live performances of the songs "4th and Roebling," Heavy Begs," "Chlorine," "Suburban Smell," and "Peaches." The band is currently touring the U.S., and will be heading over to Europe next month.

Philadelphia

The Weaks Providing Power & Polish at Everybordy Hits March 8

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Sunday night – one could sit back waiting as Monday lurks in the horizon, or you could stretch the weekend for all it’s worth and head over to Everybody Hits where rambunctious rockers The Weaks spearhead a four-pronged attack. With their debut LP Bad Year scheduled for release April 7 via Lame-O Records, the band offers attitude injected pop-punk that pounces on you with tough yet infectious songs that methodically breakout providing a sense of power and polish. As a hard-driving backend meets precise guitar licks and ever inviting lyrics, the experimental pop-rock outfit Purples eases you into its musical mode with a sense of comfort amid oddball tendencies, placing one in a familiarly warped place. The dreary haze of Queen Jesus also casts a strange embrace, crossing a loner vibe while painting the scenery with swirling pieces of sound. Matt Scheuermann’s personal meditative songwriting finds a focused fortitude as the beauty of Roses locks in a loaded local lineup. Everybody Hits, 539 W. Girard Ave., 9pm, All Ages (Photo by Jessica Flynn) – Michael Colavita

Austin

Growl

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Hark ye youngin’s, and listen to a tale of ancient musical glory from yer fast-fading elders. Believe it or not, once there was a day when indie was primarily a genre that was less of a particular sound and more of a feeling. Really, it was just a term you used to refer to the weird, maybe rock-ish shit made by people that felt a little different and who didn’t fit into the regular music industry mold. It was weird, and it was kinda awkward and raw, and Growl is a band from Austin that is that weird, kinda awkward raw indie sound done right, and done right now. The record they put out late last December has been entrenched in my daily playlist since I first heard it, and while it’s worth any Austinite’s ear time, those who are into that old sound from the 90s and early 2000s will paritcularly love the Growl. They’re a return to where this shit all came from, and their whole album is available for listening at their Bandcamp link right damn here. Listen, and bathe yourself in the echoes of the memories of late 90s youths.

Philadelphia

A Touch of Wisdom From Laser Background at JB’s March 7

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With a forthcoming LP Correct already sitting in the can, Laser Background released a new EP Kelly Wisdom earlier this week. The album, whose recording was split between Lake Balaton, Hungary and a cabin in rural Pennsylvania, retains Andy Molholt’s slightly ajar, candy-coated, psych-experiencing sound, implementing synth and drum machine with his distinct, quirky, higher pitched vocals. However, these songs also touch on an internal searching/reflection, anchored beneath that dreamy spider web of instrumentation. This lineup runs deep including the four-piece ensemble of Myrrias, whom take synth-fueled dream pop and augment it with dark, jagged edges, creating hypnotic layers of brooding in the process. Drone Ranger develops a thick, hazy psychedelic atmosphere, inviting your mind to temporarily explore uncharted territory that is guided by a hard-rocking hand. The inventive yet pop sensible tunes of New York’s Zula complete a billing that asks you to reach out without pushing too hard. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita

Nashville

Banditos Announce Debut Album 5.12

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Banditos just announced the May 12th release of their self-titled debut album via Bloodshot Records. The six piece collective of Birmingham natives have already put in countless miles and several years of sweat and tears before arriving at this album, so rest assured that every one of these 12 originals is road-tested and dive-approved. Their first single, "Cry Baby Cry," boogies out of the gate with hopping piano and rollicking guitar paying homage to newborn rock and roll, while the banjo featured in the breakdown nods to their Americana roots. Nashville was clearly celebrating their adoptive sons and daughter signing onto the Chicago-based label with these past few days of shitty Midwestern weather. Keep up with the band at www.banditosband.com, and preorder the album here. –Terra James-Jura

 

L.A.

Fool’s Gold announces new album, shares new video “I’m In Love”

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Afro-pop band Fool’s Gold has just announced their third full-length Flying Lessons, which is officially coming out on Record Store Day. They’ve also shared a video for first single "’I’m In Love", a vibrant, colorful display of visuals made of digitalized cut-outs that perfectly encapsulates the band’s festive charm. 

You can catch them play a hometown show at The Troubadour on May 14th. 

 

 

New England

Unwind with Saint Lou This Weekend

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Friday nights were made for whiskey drinkin’ and relaxin’, so why not start your Friday evening early with a few tracks from Burlington, VT’s Saint Lou? The group’s latest EP, The Buffalo Tapes, is a great mix of folk/blues/50s doo-wop grooves. It’s the kind of stuff that makes you want to pour a glass of whiskey, kick off your shoes and soak up the weekend. The band will be on tour for a few dates in April and May, with a smattering of gigs in Vermont and NYC.

For more updates about the band and their current shows, click here.

-Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn)


NYC

Naomi Punk’s Heavy Hooks

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Naomi Punk are some heavy dudes. On ‘Television Man’ a single note call and response between the guitars evolves into a chord and finally becomes a sentient riff when a jarring yet fancy rhythmic sweep in a 5/4 compound time turns up This Heat. In comes a monotone drawl describing a girl who "shaved her head off for fashion" as well as some other life changing events (still sung as a completely static line). Till suddenly the scab is torn off and the blood flows freely, giving way to a chorus so rewarding that we’re wondering if we even paid for it.

Tear off your scabs at the Black Lodge tonight with PC Worship and Chubby Rhapsody or catch them on tour somewhere else: 

MAR 05 2015: PORTLAND OR USA @ MISSISSIPPI STUDIOS
MAR 06 2015: SEATTLE WA USA @ BLACK LODGE
MAR 07 2015: VANCOUVER BC CAN @ FOX CABARET
MAR 08 2015: VICTORIA BC CAN @ LUCKY BAR 
MAR 09 2015: OLYMPIA WA USA @ MIDNIGHT SUN 
MAR 10 2015: EUREKA CA USA 
MAR 11 2015: SAN FRANCISCO CA USA @ BRICK AND MORTAR 
MAR 12 2015: VAN NUYS CA USA @ TAKEOFF STORE 
MAR 13 2015: LOS ANGELES CA USA @ JEWELL’S CATCH ONE 
MAR 14 2015: SAN DIEGO CA USA @ TOWER 
MAR 15 2015: SANTA CRUZ CA USA @ CREPE PLACE 
MAR 16 2015: OAKLAND CALIFORNIA USA @ 1234 GO (EARLY)
MAR 17 2015: SANTA ROSA CALIFORNIA USA @ PIZZA PUNX 
MAR 18 2015: DAVIS CALIFORNIA USA @ 3RD SPACE ART COLLECTIVE 

 

NYC

Ex Cops fight with McDonalds, headline Brooklyn Night Bazaar, head to SXSW

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Denmark/NC turned NYC pop band Ex Cops is headed to SXSW, on their own terms. The duo recently got in a spat with McDonalds, a multi billion-dollar corporation who, in the name of "exposure," offered to pay them in nothing but hamburgers. At a few bucks per hamburger, that’s not even close to minimum wage… Yesterday Ex Cops rejected the offer in a Facebook post that went viral – we are sure they won’t have trouble finding free lunch (and drinks) in Austin that week.
The band released their second album, "Daggers," in November. The record features collaborators with Ariel Pink (see streaming track "Tragically Alright") and Justin Raisen, a producer known for his work with Sky Ferreira and Kylie Minogue. If you can’t make it to Austin you can dance with Ex Cops (while trying on sunglasses and neckalces) at Brooklyn Night Bazaar on March 13th. – Leora Mandel

Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, March 6 – 8

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Beach Slang has been on quite a roll, which includes recently signing to Polyvinyl Records, and that should continue when the trio stops by Union Transfer this Saturday as part of a sold-out show headlined by Cursive. Beach Slang hits you head on as James Snyder’s emotionally alert vocals deliver honest messages that adhere to listeners. Couple that exposed yet controlled vulnerability with dense explosive bursts of instrumentation that send a clean charge through your ears while retaining just enough wear around the edges to feel real with catchy relatable lyrics capable of transforming songs into anthems, and you have a good understanding of why every ticket is accounted for. Not to mention, Tim Kasher-led emotive punk force, Cursive, headlines this night, digging down and naturally hitting a nerve, while producer/musician John Congleton’s (Paper Chase) creepy pop project The Nighty Nite serves as the opener. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., 8pm, $15 (Sold Out), All Ages – Michael Colavita
 
Other places to hang this weekend…
 
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) SAT Laser Background, Myrrias, Drone Ranger, SUN No Good Sister, The Band Of Rivals, The Hello Strangers, Todd Fausnacht
 
The Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.)  FRI Levee Drivers, Can You Canoe, SAT Oldermost
 
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Stinking Lizaveta, Next To None, SAT Polar Ice Cap, Cave People, The Danger O’s, SUN Humanshapes, Ape!, Faking
 
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI Barakka, SAT Splintered Sunlight
 
Bourbon and Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) FRI Square Peg Round Hole, New Sweden, SAT Wiggz, Internal Rhyme, SUN Andrew Meoray, Willow Talk, Telequanta, iNFiNiEN
 
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI (Balcony) The Royal Noise, The Phix, SUN (Balcony) Ace Porter
 
TLA (334 South St.) SAT Chill Moody, Beano, DJ Ricochet, Ol’souls, SUN August Burns Red
 
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) HmfO, SAT (Upstairs) Christine Havrilla, SUN (Upstairs) Sean Hoots and Tom Bendel, Eric Slick
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.)  FRI Los Festingos, Risen Resilient, Alright Junior, SAT Ill Fated Natives (CD Release), Elegant Animals, Matt Ford           
 
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) SAT Frankie Vado (Album Release), Redd Panda, Joie Kathos, Niambi Mi Chele
 
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Left & Right, Telepathic
 
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI Bibi and the Bull, Soul Box, Petite Sketches, SAT qqq, 10 Million, Little Strike
 
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St) FRI Snagwing
 
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI Hired Guns Blues Band, SAT Sparkle Pony, SUN Rusty Cadillac
 
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) FRI Deprived, Scars of Bourbon, MaddaM Ink/The Butter Guns, Man Illuminated, Tracy Chamberlin, SAT Action Man, Threatpoint, Gutter Royal/Vito Galati, SUN (1pm) Old Scratch, Third Period French, Giana Lynn, Beautiful Madness, Strange Heat
 
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St) FRI Dr. Beardface & The Spacemen, Rockers Galore, 46 Reasons
 
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) SAT Last Minute Hero, Jsiadi Noon
 
The Grape Room (105 Grape St) FRI Sweet Alkaline, SAT The Burgeoning, Memphis Hat, Skyline Industry
 
Ardmore Music Hall FRI Cocktail Party Phenomenon, SAT The A’s
 
The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St.) FRI The Red Masque, Green Cathedral
           
Everybody Hits (539 W.Girard Ave.) The Weaks, Purples, Queen Jesus, Roses
 
1fiftyone Gallery (151 N. 3rd St.) FRI – SUN A Very Glam Rock Purim
 
The First Banana (2152 E. Dauphin St.) SAT Helena Espvall (Solo) & with members of Bardo Pond
 
Cha-Cha’razzi (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Heavy Medical, Sore Saints, Disinterest
 
Lil Reege (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT RFA, Autregis, Liz De Lise, Tribute
 
Baker Bowl (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Second Marriage, Sip & Spillon, Just Cause
 
Kat Frat (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN Constraint, The Drip
 
The Pharmacy (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Anti-Suburbians, Dive In the Box, Community Service, Wayward Ones, SAT Locust St. Riot, Husky Bundles, Jason McCue, SUN In Place
 
Second Empire (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Anxiety Hammer, Latex, Blank Spell
 
Wolf Cycles (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Todd Killings, Thin Lips
 
Milhouse (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Brown Rainbow, Blankbook, Seoul Delhi
NYC

Big Neck Police bring their mad math-punk to Aviv on 03.27

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Big Neck Police (a band that made our recent Best of NYC 2014 list) is a raw sounding three-piece punk band with metal influences. Their latest EP is a split with fellow New Yorkers, Dog, and is available on Bandcamp. What happens in this EP and who are these people, you ask? Educated guess #1: That cool guy in math class you thought was a total slacker was really just bored because he knew the answers to everything. He grew up and today he spills a bowl of hot soup on himself. At first he screams and falls into things in the kitchen. Then takes a deep breath and stays home from work with a lap of 2nd degree burns. The television hypnotizes him. All of his friends are inside it, only they are all sock puppets on a therapy talk show. They get violent with each other. Dr. Phil helps them talk it out in the end but our guy is already asleep on the couch. You don’t believe me? Check them out live at DIY venue Aviv on March 27. (crazy stuff!) – Leora Mandel