Rachel Mason is an NYC-based singer, performer, sculptor, filmmaker. Her latest project is titled ‘The Lives of Hamilton Fish‘ and it doubles as a concept album and adjoining film. The album essentially has the singer (and her accompaniment) narrating what’s on-screen through each lyric, which makes for an unsettling experience on songs like "Nightmare" (streaming) where the nom de plume falls into an almost Borgesian state of identity crisis. Hamilton Fish, as it were, is actually two people: a statesman and a serial killer, both of whom died a day apart from each other in 1936 (true story). Mason sings both men with a disturbing intensity, which resonates deeply where life resembles fiction, and that fiction resembles even more fiction. Upcoming performances will be at the Anthology Film Archives on July 21 and Joes Pub on July 26. – Brian Chidester
Debut Sunfeeder Album Available for Streaming & Download
Sunfeeder is a new project from Brendan Burke, who had previously released material under the moniker Delta Drift. With Sunfeeder, Burke continues his journey into ambient electronic post-rock; however, there is a more polished, spacious, patient feel to his latest effort, which often comes with the wisdom of maturity. It’s a good listen, especially on a lazy summer day, alone on your favorite psychedelics. You can stream and download the self-titled album in its entirety below.
Fight Amp/KEN mode Record Release Tour at KFN June 19
The power trio of Fight Amp celebrates the release of their new record Constantly Off as its dual record release tour with Winnipeg’s KEN mode (who dropped their album, Success, earlier this week) rolls into Kung Fu Necktie. Constantly Off maintains an undeniable heaviness; however, the music moves with a distinct purpose. The band displays a ferocity but with an ear toward control. With that aim in mind, the combustible force, chainsaw-menacing guitars, thick, thudding, eerie bass and percussion pounces in a zooming in of immediacy. All that said, while fusing sludgy riff and rhythm combinations with vocals that can snarl without losing sight of melody. Fight Amp can knock you out, but has trained to go the distance. Ominously pursuing post-punk trio Psychic Teens opens the show, leaving the door cracked and daring you to look inside. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita
Michael Vidal performs at Amoeba Hollywood free tonight
DIY singer/looping-guitarist Michael Vidal, formerly of Abe Vigoda, will perform at the famous Amoeba Records in Hollywood tonight for free. The occasion: his Dream Center EP, originally released as a cassette in 2013 via Big Joy Records, got a refresher after joining Couple Skate Records earlier this month.
In his recent Amoeba interview with Crystales’ guitarist Billy Gil, Vidal talked about the re-release of Dream Center EP on Couple Skate Records, his growth in songwriting, guitarplaying influences, and his upcoming record which will be produced by fellow drummer Michael Tabor, and touted to be his "best material yet."
We’ll eagerly await more news of that. In the mean time, you can stream Dream Center on Spotify and find it in select record stores or online at Couple Skate Records. Catch Michael at Amoeba Hollywood at 6 PM! – Ryan Mo
Bridget Davis and the Viking Kings share “Transient” from upcoming album
Brooklyn-based folk rockers Bridget Davis and the Viking Kings boldly speak the truth on “Transient,” the lead single off their forthcoming first full-length album “I Wasn’t Planning on the End.” With Davis’s gentle voice gliding over drum clasps and guitar curls that recall the waltzing tracks off The National’s self-titled debut, the song unapologetically yet sensitively tells of the hurt we must do to one person in order to commit to another. Davis is a sharp songwriter, though, and the song never sinks into melodrama. In fact, the listener comes away almost broken by the track’s blunt honesty but in a beautiful, ultimately redemptive way. Bridget Davis and the Viking Kings’ “I Wasn’t Planning on the End” is scheduled for release in September. In the meantime, listen to “Transient” below. – Zach Weg (photo by Mara Auster)
A Fellow Ship @ Johnnyland
A Fellow Ship is instantly gratifying! Sail the ship with Toronto’s latest folk fellows, their self titled EP was released last week at the Silver Dollar and is a an uplifting jubilee of poetic warmth. “Hit the Road” beats to a dancing drum of fiddles,mandolins and spirited harmonies that foot stomps its way to the end. “Wild Tonight” will get you going wild with outstanding boy-girl vocals. Listen as they take a step back with “In My Bones”; a quiet track that takes you on a heartbreak journey with soft harmonies and heartfelt guitars, that finishes with a mad piano. Don’t miss these fantastic friends get lively @ Johnnyland July 3rd with our friends Pins & Needles.
Felix Da Housecat New Video
Last week we brought the new single, "Is Everything Ok?" from Felix Da Housecat’s forthcoming album "Narrative of Thee Blast Illusion". Yesterday he release the creepy video for this laidback electro-pop track.
Old School punkers The Tracys play The Acheron on 06.20
Blistering old school punk rock outfit The Tracys are as clear an 80s punk revival as it gets. Their self-titled 12-track debut album is a healthy blend of pop-punk, New York Hardcore and some of Fat Wreck’s earliest punk pioneers, with songs like "Autocorrect" (streaming) resembling some early NOFX work, their punchy and aggressive sound softened by the raspy yet melodic vocals. The band is gearing up to shred BK’s The Acheron this Saturday, June 20, sharing the stage with Ma Jolie, Pass Away, Choke Up and Living Room. We’d assume that their personal acquaintance Tracy, whom the band has dedicated their entire existence to, will be in attendance. – Michael Haskoor (@Tweetskoor)
Sweet Cobra @ Empty Bottle
Sweet Cobra are preparing to release their first album since signing to Magic Bullet Records and the follow-up to 2010’s Mercy. The album is called Earth and will be released on July 17th. You can preorder the album here. Today the band released a video for the album’s first single "Future Ghosts".
You can catch Sweet Cobra at Empty Bottle on June 19th at Empty Bottle with Electric Hawk, Cloakroom, and Paletazo.
New Tadoma EP Available for Streaming & Download
Drawing inspiration from a meditation tape, Tadoma, a.k.a. Data Garden co-founder Joe Patitucci, performed “on the fly” (without pre-programmed sequences or beats) at Johnny Brenda’s in August 2012. The result is the electronic sonic experiment, Journeys Through Time, which you can stream and download below. The four-track EP combines those meditative thoughts/commands with music that seems to hypnotically pull from far-out corners of the universe. Get lost in it!
Night Market w/Needle Points, Thin Lips, The Bul Bey & More in the Eraserhood June 18
The Foodtrust‘s Night Market comes to the Eraserhood this evening, and our friends at PhilaMOCA will be helping to provide the entertainment while you stuff your faces and wait in ridiculous lines. The Moz’s Director, Eric Bresler, has put together a diverse lineup that consists of the psych-garage boogie of Needles Points, the riff-heavy pop-punk of Thin Lips, hustlin’ Philly emcee The Bul Bey, Puerto Rican Bomba/Plena outfit Los Bomberos De la Calle, and synth-driven alt rockers Wild By Law. You’ll also find Mitch Esparza (The Love Club) roaming the streets as a one-man mariachi band, 12-year-old Mayor of the Eraserhood, Lil Sean, providing a few laughs, and other short performances by the PhilaMOCA family of freaks. Protip: Come to the Night Market before it officially starts to scope it out and get your food. Even Better Protip: If you can only get there in the middle of the event, head on over to Jose’s (469 N. 10th St.), and grab yourself a delicious burrito because those long lines aren’t worth it. Eraserhood, 12th & 13th Sts. between Spring Garden & Callowhill Sts., 6pm-10pm, Free, All Ages – Q.D. Tran
Non Exotic
Non Exotic released their self-titled debut EP earlier this year. The band plays a loud and aggressive style of alt rock that seems primed for bigger stages.
You can catch Non Exotic at Debonair Social Club on June 26th.