Nashville

Birdtalker Releases Live Video for “Blue Healer”

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Certain songs illicit an immediate emotional response. Birdtalker‘s "Blue Healer" is one of those golden few.

It’s like standing in the rain on a July afternoon. It’s warm yet biting. Refreshing and purely natural. It soaks you to the bone and reminds you that you are human. And you are alive. Their soul-soothing harmonies are delicately placed on dancing guitar riffs over a simple, steady rhythm; It’s enough to break down and cry to. And we need more.

If their very first recording is any indication, Birdtalker are headed for big, big things, and we can hardly wait. -Caroline Bowman

 

NYC

Artist on Trial: Bad Wheels

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If you desperately seek more rock ‘n roll in your life, Bad Wheels provides an unapologetic, unrelenting dose of it. With members of notable KC groups ranging from Abracadabras to Cretin 66 to Tenderloin to Circle of Trust, Bad Wheels was created out of their mutual love of classic rock. Accented by the impassioned wail of frontman Bobby Topaz, the band unleashes a roaring two-pronged guitar attack and a mighty low end. Topaz tells us about what the guys have coming up.
 
The Deli: Down and dirty: one sentence to describe your music.
 
Bobby Topaz: Classic and loud freedom Rock and Roll!
 
The Deli: Give me some background on Bad Wheels. How did the band come to be?
 
Topaz: Bad Wheels came about a few years ago when I moved back into the area from St. Louis. Paul and Ryan Marchman were two guys I’d previously played with in a band called Crazy Talk and we decided to get together and jam and see what was there. Thankfully, we still had great chemistry and decided to make it an actual band. Brock Ginther happened to live in the space we were practicing in, and liked what we were doing and decided to come on board full-time as bass player. So, that was pretty much how it all started.
 
Since then, Chip Sage has taken over for Ryan on drums, but the overall sound/vision for the group really hasn’t changed. That’s what I’ve always loved about this group is that we have very diverse backgrounds…I was in Abracadabras and Antennas Up, Chip was in Cretin 66, Paul was in Circle of Trust and The Shaker Hoods…and Brock was in Tenderloin and the Homestead Greys. So, we all come from different styles but we all have one thing in common, and that is our love of classic rock and roll. So, that’s what we play!
 
The Deli: What inspires your music and songwriting? What’s up with the Subway song?
 
Topaz:When it comes to songwriting, we like to keep it pretty simple, honestly. We will write about anything and everything. I’ll usually come in with a riff or maybe a finished chorus and not much else, and the guys will tell me if they like it or not. If they do, we flesh it out over some Miller Lite tallboys and find out where the song is. We just want people to see us, rock out a bit, and have some fun.
 
The infamous “Subway” song is I think something that shows we love what we do, but don’t take it super seriously. When our drummer was trying to learn the songs we sent him, he thought I was actually saying… “Gimmie Some Subway”…which I wasn’t. But, we all thought it was hilarious and decided just to keep it.
 
However, in light of the recent allegations, we obviously don’t think it’s that funny anymore. We can’t be associated with all that mess. Thankfully, we recorded the original as well because we didn’t know if we were even going to release the other one. So, the Subway song is never going to be played again and we now are forever Goodcents men.
 
The Deli: What have been your greatest accomplishments as a band?
 
Topaz: So far I’d say just staying true to our sound, even though it’s not a sound everyone always likes to listen to. Now, after almost 4 years we’re finally starting to get some traction and it feels pretty great!
 
The Deli: What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
 
Topaz: The new EP will be a 7-song rock and roll record. We’re doing a cassette tape release, which I know can be divisive, but it’s cost effective and there will be download cards in the tapes for people to get the records from.
 
Also, Jud Kite from Killer Kite Productions designed us an absolutely killer logo and I’m just so stoked for everyone to see it. So, I think it will be pretty rad! Also, we’d been talking to a small label out of San Francisco called Ripple Music and they’d agreed to distribute and review our little EP. At this time, we’ve not heard back on the masters we delivered to them, so we don’t really have a timetable for anything yet. Hopefully, we will hear back soon. If not… Well… We’ll just keep doing what we’ve always done: enjoying freedom.
 
The Deli: What does supporting local music mean to you?
 
Topaz: I think it’s super important. I try whenever I can to support my local brothers and sisters! I know that people might think that’s not true since I’m not always seen out and about. But, with two little kiddos at home and a full-time job…sometimes it’s hard to get out to everyone I want to see. But I always support locals when I can. KC has some great bands right now too!
 
The Deli: Who are your favorite local musicians right now? Non-local?
 
Topaz: Favorite local musicians? Well, this is just me speaking but I’ll list a few of my favorites right now: Doby Watson, JAENKI, Death Valley Wolfriders, Federation of Horsepower, ElectroPossum, Ha Ha Tonka, Circle of Trust, Hössferatu, Drew Black & Dirty Electric, basically the whole High Dive Records roster and I’m also a fan of your band The Philistines.
 
Non-local: I’m super into The Darkness right now, and I really love Royal Blood. As a group, we love Saxon!
 
The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy concert bill to play on?
 
Topaz: Oh man… for me, it would be us and Queen, circa 1985.
 
The Deli: A music-themed Mount Rushmore. What four faces are you putting up there and why?
 
Topaz: Basically the four faces of Bad Wheels members because I just couldn’t pick four other musicians I love that much since my mood is always changing. But, I would love for someone to capture my current hairstyle in stone forever.
 
The Deli: What goals do Bad Wheels have for 2015, and beyond?
 
Topaz: Our goals haven’t changed that much and probably never will. Keep writing music that’s true to the sound we want, have plenty of Miller Lite tallboys available at all times, and keep carrying the torch of freedom!!!
 
The Deli: Where can we find you on the web?
 
 
The Deli: Always go out on a high note. Any last words of wisdom for the Deli audience?
 
Topaz: Don’t listen take advice from anyone named "Tad", listen to plenty of loud rock music, always have a tall boy handy, and juat because you can play the accordion, doesn’t mean you should.
 
Bad Wheels is:
Bobby Topaz: vocals, guitar
Paul Marchman: guitar
Brock Ginther: bass
Chip Sage: drums
 
 
 
Head over to The All Star Rock Bar this Saturday, July 11 to see Bad Wheels, along with Federation of Horsepower and The Devil’s Marmalade. Facebook event page.
 
–Michelle Bacon
 

Michelle Bacon is editor of The Deli KC and plays in bands. She likes Planet Sub. 

Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, July 10 – 12

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Tonight, Underground Arts (specifically the cozy confines of the Black Box) will be abuzz as a trio of local acts revs up the audience for tonight’s headliner. That initial sky-rocketing blast will be detonated by Harsh Vibes, whose cosmic journey plays in fuzzed-out long form. They stretch sonic waves to allow those noisy particles to methodically gather momentum and fortitude, while maintaining a steady course and exploring unknown regions, only to seamlessly transition into a higher gear in the optimal setting. It’s a powerful-meets-purposeful head-trip. After just sharing a few new demos, the propulsive synth- driven, creeping wave of The Bad Doctors will rouse you to your feet, although you may want to occasionally peer over your shoulder. Meanwhile, the get-loose, surf-garage rock of The Tough Shits retain a gritty spirit, producing the type of songs that you’ll replay in your head throughout the weekend. They’ll be bridging the divide to the heavy plunge of California psych-garage outfit Meatbodies. Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St., 8pm, $12, 21+ – Michael Colavita
 
Other places to escape the chill this weekend…
 
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) SAT Swollen Fox Anniversary: The Lawsuits, Commonwealth Choir, Lou
 
The Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) SAT Abi Reimold, SUN Hoser, The Cats
 
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Posers, Sonic Screemers/The KMX Band, Assaultica, The Junior Spies /The Blurry Nights / Tommy Hogunz, SAT Captain Scurvy & The S.S. Pancake, Witch Craft/Cadaveric Spasm, Decap Attak, Black Urn, SUN Anti Suburbians, Chinga, Traitor
 
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St.) SAT Sounds Like Summer Music Showcase
 
Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St.) SAT Dogs On Acid
 
Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) FRI Love a Lunatic, The Fearless Fly, Something Like A Monument, SAT Jesse Gimbel, Those People, Stallions, Widowmaker Social Club, SUN Myrrias, The Morelings
 
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI (Balcony) Alustrium, Lör, Prosper or Perish, Parius, SUN Nuevo Fest
 
TLA (334 South St.) SAT Peedi Crakk, Bok Nero, Joie Kathos, Pharaoh Dinero
 
Electric Factory (421 N. 7th St.) SUN Modern Baseball
 
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) Nicky Egan, SAT Aaron Parnell Brown, SUN El Malito
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) SAT ialive, E. Grizzly, SUN (5pm) Sophie Koorhan, Sophie Shah/ (8pm) Mason
 
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) SAT Bill O’Meara Band (Release Show)
 
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St) FRI Tin Horses, Mark Lanky, SAT Address, Jeff Riddle & The Bella Vista Social Club
 
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI Shy Boyz, SAT Manifested
 
Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI Lee Mayjahs?, DJ Everyday, SAT DJ Deejay, SUN Ed Christof, Risky Disco
 
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St) SAT The Clockmen
 
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI American Schoolyard, SUN Rusty Cadillac
 
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St) FRI Cicada Jade, The Droogettes, Roxy Rollz, Soraia, Cheerbleeders/Founders, Baby Blitz, Matchstick Men, SAT (1pm) Mesmeria, Uphevil, Slyphr, Stealing Fame/(7pm) Threatpoint, Flesh Engine, We Our War, Makhaira, Corners of Sanctuary, SUN (10 am), Commonwealth, Malphas/(4pm) Ketosis, Autoerotica
 
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) SAT Punx Picnic: Nightfall, Dronez, Drowse
 
Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) FRI DJ Royale, SAT DJ Case Bloom, FRI Friends With Benefits
 
Morgan’s Pier (221 N. Columbus Boulevard) FRI DJ Beatstreet, SAT Mr. Sonny James, SUN (2pm) DJ Jugo w/percussionist Josh Robinson/(9:30pm) DJ Royale
 
El Bar (1356 N, Front St.) SAT Friendship, Bryant Vazquez
 
The Grape Room (105 Grape St) FRI Lukey Bird, SAT Borrowed Equipment, Cicada Jade, Dirt Dirt
 
Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) FRI Control For Smilers, Cocktail Party Phenomenon
 
The Pharmacy (1300/02 S. 18th St.) FRI A Benefit for PAWS: Dying, Die Choking, Drones For Queens
 
Everybody Hits (529 West Girard Ave) FRI Mannequin Pussy, Bad Canoes
 
Nut Hut Saloon (1873 Frankford Ave.) SAT Lapses (EP Release), QQQ, Blood Sound, Skydive Dubai
 
FDR Skatepark (1500 Pattison Ave.) SAT (1pm) The Charley Few, Anti-Suburbans, Planet 88, Loss of Effect
 
LAVA Space (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Rockers: Palaceburn, Revolution, I Love You, Moor Mother Goddess & Abdul Kadir
 
Kat Frat (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Marge, Run Forever, Loose Tooth
 
A House Named Virtue (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN The Goodbye Party, Open Wide, Jonagold
 
Slacka Barrel (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI No, Incisor, Severed, Lip Service
 
Pariah (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN: Block Party (12pm) Spent Flesh, Coffins Across Hiroshima, Traitor, Aseptic, Disjawn/(9pm) Crescent
 
L.A.

Artist to Watch: Bedbugs

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Having been a bedbug victim whose still scarred by the experience, I must admit that the name Bedbugs immediately piqued my interest with both curiosity and horror. What I discovered was a trio who likes to play harmonious garage pop that clutches onto your body like those blood sucking little vampires. Which, frankly, creates the opposite effect as far as music is concerned, as their pleasurable array of vicious hooks and crunching guitar leads triggers some very good feelings. The Thousand Oaks trio recently released their EP Alone, six tracks of tight melodies with a punk-pop flair that are also informed by fifties rock n’ roll. Their motto, inscribed on their bandcamp page, reads "Nothing’s gonna change". But cheer up, guys: with songs as good as these the future’s looking bright. – Juan Rodríguez

New England

Raise a Glass with Cactus Attack’s “100 Proof”

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Grab your whiskey and get to pouring – one listen to "100 Proof" by Cactus Attack and you’ll be ready to drown your sorrows, whether you’ve got ‘em or not. This rowdy country-rock band delivers more than a little bit of bite in this growly world-done-me-wrong anthem.  Gritty vocals are given depth thanks to electric guitar riffs writhing with emotion while the emphatic backup vocals, shouted rather than sung, add a rawness that will make you want to raise your glass and say “hell yes!” Cactus Attack is playing the Shaskeen Pub in Manchester on Saturday, September 5th.

-Glori Blatt


Cactus Attack, 100 Proof from David Laferriere on Vimeo.

Philadelphia

PAWS Benefit – A Night of Music, Art & Animal Love w/Die Choking, Drones for Queens, Dying & More at The Pharmacy July 10

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Philly underground music blog Blow The Scene will be presenting a benefit art and music showcase this evening at South Philly’s The Pharmacy. The music portion of the night will feature local grindcore trio Die Choking, thrashers Drones for Queens, and vegan straight edge hardcore outfit Dying alongside bruising touring acts Grin And Bear It, Mother Brain, and Gut Feeling (featuring members of Catharsis and Undying). Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase artwork from various contributors during the show (check out the list of participants HERE), as well as a few days after the event. All proceeds from art sales and admission will be donated to the good, kind folks at PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society). Remember – badass moshers and bangers can have a soft spot for animals too! The Pharmacy, 1300 S. 18th St., 5pm, $10, All Ages – Alexis V.

NYC

Shapes on Tape to play Cameo Gallery on August 7

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 Effortlessly transitioning between laid-back dream pop and rock infused dance anthems, the 4-track debut EP from Shapes on Tape, entitled "Motivational Speakers," is a taste of the duo’s talent. The group, which consists of producer and multi-instrumentalist Adam Kruckenberg, and guitarist and songwriter Jason Matuskiewicz, first began collaborating in 2014 and released the EP in March of 2015 with the help of grammy-nominated producer Justin Craig. The band has been consistently performing around the NYC area and their next appearance will be at the Cameo Gallery on August 7th. The duo is currently at work on their follow-up EP "No Bummer," and you can check out the records first single, "Still Believe in Love," below. – Patrick Wolff 

NYC

The Bone Chimes debut new, self-titled EP

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Steeped in influences both contemporary and classic, orchestral indie pop group The Bone Chimesis a five piece indie outfit from Astoria, Queens, that just dropped their new self-titled EP, the follow-up to their 2013 debut album "In the Muck,". One track that really caught our eye, or rather ear, was "Walk Away," a song that dramatically rises and falls between verses of near-ominous bass lines, piano chords, and vocals, and a chorus of gorgeous harmonies and melodious guitar layerings. The track is streaming below, so be sure to give it a listen. The group is also regarded for their high-energy live performances, which you can experience for yourself at PIANOS on July 15. – Patrick Wolff

San Francisco

The Total Bettys Gear Up to Release New EP + Play Oakland Octopus Literary Salon- 7/24

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We’ve got a fresh new band in town who has landed on our fare soil via Philidellphia! The Total Bettys are a super fun pop punk band who are gearing up to release a new EP entitled, Connect with the Couch which will be released on July 24th with a kickoff concert at the Oakland Octopus Literary Salon. They’ll be giving away a free zine at the event featuring original art and lyrics created by lead guitarist Bri Barrett.

The Total Bettys are a four piece pop-punk outfit based in San Francisco and the East Bay. Songwriter Maggie Grabmeier and guitarist Bri Barrett joined forces in March of 2015: they came for the face melting girl-power, and they stayed for the friendship. Recorded in Bri’s apartment and mixed by Matt Regan of Hand and a Half Records, The Total Bettys’ debut EP Connect with the Couch features fun, upbeat pop punk energy with witty, self-deprecating lyrics. The Total Bettys draw influence from bands like Bully, Chumped, and Best Coast.

San Francisco

Michael Bang and Andrew Ledform Play 2nd Sunday Concerts at Open Door – 7/12

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The Bay Area based musician, Michael Bang will perform live on Sunday, July 12th at the 2nd Sunday Concert Series at Open Door in Richmond. Bang will play with his avant-classical-folk ensemble for ”a hot night of BBQ and ethereal, rock-tinged folk”. You can also check out a live performance by Andrew Ledford of The Tet Holiday at this event.

Just to let you know, you’ll be walking into the United Methodist Church in Richmond because they’re responsible for putting on these monthly concerts and they serve BBQ to the the attendees! The acoustics should be amazing so get out and check out something different. We love every music venue in the Bay Area, but we’re never afraid to encourage Bay Area music lovers to mix it up!