Queens, NY-based trio Dead Waves are set to release their post-psych-noise sophomore record “Living Inside” on May 27. If you are a fan of wild, loose, jammy drumming, distant guitar drone and angst-filled screaming vocals, you’ve found your band here. Calling their music "transcendental post-punk," the direct lineage to early works of Sonic Youth, John Zorn, and Swans are readily detected. Having Martin Bisi produce (who worked with those three artists) solidifies that connection. Some of the albums six tracks introduce a heavier guitar sound in places, while quieter moments evoke the vocal style of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis. There are also moments where spoken word segments are introduced a la’ Jim Morrison or Henry Rollins. The band will play Shea Stadium on May 26 along with PC Worship, Martin Bisi, Parlor Walls, Prima, and Ritual Humor. – Dave Cromwell
New Music Video: “Three Leg Dog” – Mumblr
Mumblr recently shared a new single, "Three Leg Dog," off their forthcoming record The Never Ending Get Down. The tune is also accompanied by a music video that was directed by the band’s bassist Sean Reilly. The album is due out on June 10 via Fleeting Youth Records, and the group will be hosting a release party the following evening, Saturday, June 11 at PhilaMOCA with Mannequin Pussy and Amanda X.
Catch Roselit Bone while you can!
Just in case you haven’t heard, country music is alive and well in Portland. We’re not talking about that American Idol mess your mother probably listens to. We’re talking the dusty steel, brooding Americana that keeps the genre a contender for space on your playlist.
Both Roselit Bone and Jenny Don’t & the Spurs can turn even the most stubborn anti-country music fan into an appreciator of that twang. The two just release a split a couple weeks ago and while Jenny Don’t & the Spurs have already hit the road for tour, you’ve still got a couple chances to see Roselit Bone before they leave for theirs in August.
They’ve got a show coming up tomorrow at Bunk Bar with Abronia and Tucson’s Ohioan. You really can’t miss it, since that second chance won’t be coming up until right before they hit the dusty trails.
Lushlife Opening for Islands at JB’s May 22
Raj Haldar, a.k.a. Lushlife, weaves silky lyrical lines, incorporating a mindfulness into a texturally rich sound. A white-hot yet controlled fire burns in his delivery, etching a place within one’s head as you follow the thread. Riding the wave of releasing a pair of new albums, Should I Remain Here at Sea? and Taste earlier this month, Islands sweep you up, hitting on a wide subject-ranging and emotional spectrum. Wade into Johnny Brenda’s waters, and anchor down for an evening of musical depths. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 8pm, $15, 21+ – Michael Colavita
Saturday Night Sounds: Small Million – “Sleep Long”
Sleep is a cool mistress, forever beckoning you to disregard all plans and responsibilities with her seduction of comfort. The latest track from Small Million, titled "Sleep Long," premiered earlier this week on The Wild Honey Pie and is coming off their upcoming June 4th debut, the Before the Fall EP. Malachi Graham’s varied harmonies atop Ryan Linder’s cleanly produced instrumentation make it perfect for a Saturday night spent cuddled up in bed with you know who.
Their album release party will also be on June 4th at the Secret Society with Leo Islo and Mothertapes, but if you’re really itching for some of them you can preorder Before the Fall on their Bandcamp page for $5.
Beach Slang Return Home at Union Transfer May 20
Punk outfit Beach Slang has hit the shores of Philly’s DIY community with a vigorous punch. The group’s gritty anthems, with their tenacious tones, contain a rollicking, vibrant energy, even in the darkest of places. They refer to themselves as "weird and wild," and these distinctions are certainly recognized within their music and performances. The band has started working on its second full-length album, the follow-up to The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us. To close out the end of an extensive spring tour, Beach Slang will return home to Union Transfer tonight, where they’ll be joined by Potty Mouth, Dyke Drama, and Positive No. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., 7:30pm, $15, All Ages – Gina Rullo
Psych rockers Special Guest play Shea Stadium on 6.28
The sound of Queens natives Special Guest’s is a hard one to nail down – which is always a good sign. They blend together elements from indie rock, shoegazer, psychedelia, and post-punk to create a uniquely layered, complex musical style. Their self-titled debut album was released in the winter of 2015, and features 12 tracks, each one standing out in its own way. “Quatro” and “Bouncy” rely heavily on psychedelic flourishes and evolving synths, while “Trace” and “Ghost Rocket” feature a more straight indie rock sound. We are diggin’ in particular shoegaze/noise number ‘UNO’ (streaming below) and mathy instrumental "Five-Four." The band recently played a Sofar Sound show and will be performing next at Shea Stadium in support of Banned Books on June 28th.
Hector’s Pets and Fletcher C. Johnson take Union Pool back to simpler times on 6/1
There’s nothing like some good ol’ nostalgia — even if most of us weren’t around for the music that largely inspires NYC area bands Fletcher C. Johnson and Hector’s Pets (pictured). the former takes cues from rock-pop bands of yesteryear, inundating listeners with prominent, simple guitars and airy vocals to match. Hector’s Pets, too, carry a vintage sound, albeit one that is faster and harsher. Quick guitar riffs, driving drums and hard lead vocals supplanted with cooing back ups will be sure to get feet tapping. See them both at Union Pool tomorrow night (05.21).
Weekend Warrior, May 20 – 22
Tonight at Everybody Hits is the long-awaited release show for Thin Lips’ debut LP Riff Hard, coming out via local tastemakers Lame-O Records. Thin Lips are a venerable supergroup of longstanding Philly stalwarts who have hit a sweet spot of triumphant pop rock and confessional, introspective lyrics without sentimentality. Chrissy Tashjian, formerly of Dangerous Ponies and The Bee Team, captains this ship with her commanding, casual, and versatile vocals. The hard riffs are largely courtesy of longtime bandmate Kyle Pulley (ex-Dangerous Ponies) and Chris Diehm, a punk-rock lifer who cut his teeth in Lancaster’s 1994! before coming to Philly and lending his talents to Thin Lips, as well as Year Of Glad. The band is filled out by Mikey Tashjian (The Superweaks, ex-Dangerous Ponies), who shows his ability to shift rhythms and help craft intriguing songs, while maintaining a not-too-serious rock ‘n’ roll sheen. Celebrating with the Lips will be Casey Magic, Lame-O labelmates Lowercase Roses, folky psych rockers Pine Barons, and Pure Pop, a “new pop-punk trio comprised of Lame-O, Superweaks, and Modern Baseball angel babies.” Everybody Hits, 529 W. Girard Ave., 8pm, $5-$10, All Ages – Adam G.
Sporting Life’s warped tunes live at Trans Pecos tonight (05.20)
NYC’s mad programmer Sporting Life’s samples are unconventional. They mix hip-hop and techno beats that work for dancing. The rest, however, is a warped mindfuck. Tons of repeated bleeps and blops, vocal effects, frantic percussion—no space left empty. Impossible to ignore. The listener is left with no choice but to reckon with it. The man just released new clangy single ‘Move’ (streaming), which seems inspired by guns and videogames. He is playing a sold out show at Trans Pecos tonight (05.20), with Actress. – JP Basileo
New Track: “Mutual” – Clique
Written in the fallout of a short-lived yet impactful relationship, listen to “Mutual” the latest single from Clique. Steady surges of instrumentation pace the narrative, as the song quickly gains a guttural grip. It’s featured on the band’s forthcoming sophomore album Burden Piece which will be released via Topshelf Records on May 27. A record release show, which also includes Stove, Self Help, and Loose Tooth , will be held at Everybody Hits on June 10. (Photo by Eric Bishop)
Stream Meishi Smile’s Ambient EP “(reclamation)”
In less than one hour, outsider experimental pop artist Meishi Smile will be premiering a free stream of his upcoming EP “(reclamation)”, an 18-minute voyage of ambience and noise that leads listeners from depersonalizing start to cathartic finish. Mixed and mastered by Warren Hildebrand (Foxes in Fiction, Orchid Tapes) “(reclamation)” explores tones opaque and harsh that were once prevalent in Meishi Smile’s former aliases nono. and Yuko Imada.
""(reclamation)” is to represent the affirmation of the capability I once had to find peace within what I loved. The acknowledgement of my own shortcomings and the pain I bestowed upon those I cared due to fear. This serves as both an apology to some and a bout of condemnation towards others. Ultimately, it is about peace of mind and a restored sense of clarity. A warm pillow of static with no further pretension. The musicality is what it is and indicates no specific direction of the project. It is simply an expression."
The EP will be officially released through Zoom Lens on May 27th, along with a free DL link to Meishi Smile’s full discography until the end of May. To find out more about how to stream "(reclamation)" visit the official website, Soundcloud or sign up for Meishi Smile’s mailing list. — Ryan Mo, photography: MAY