People say 2016 is the year women will decide the American elections. DC Native Ari Lennox has the right frame set for this kind of epochal event: “Sometimes women are put in this box where we’re only supposed to talk about certain things,” the 25-year-old singer-songwriter explains. “I want to be braver and riskier. I think people want to hear that kind of honesty and frankness.” Her brand new debut EP marries this lyrical courage with perfectly produced Nu Soul tracks, dominated by her expressive and pliable alto, with influences ranging from R’nB to Hip Hop, Trip Hop and Jazz. Check out our favorite track ‘Night Drive,’ streaming below.
Twiga celebrates EP release at Gold Sounds on 10.28
Brooklyn-based rockers Twiga bring their jangle-pop sound to Gold Sounds on October 28th to celebrate two things: The sugar-coated cacophonous holiday of Halloween, and their brand new EP. Twiga has kept themselves busy over the last couple of months, having just played a Steely Dan tribute concert at Shea Stadium and a show with Mal Blum & The Blums, Hiccup, and Sat. Night Duets at Sunnyvale. By releasing their new EP, Twiga shows that they’ve got no interest in slowing down for the winter. Head over to Gold Sounds this coming Saturday night to hear what they’re all about. Also, enjoy performances from Queens fuzz-pop trio The Front Doors and Vermont’s very own indie popper Blahvocado. Dress up to get down. – Will Sisskind
Ticket Giveaway: Tricky & Rituals of Mine at Underground Arts This Thursday
Legendary English producer Tricky (ex-Massive Attack) is coming to Philly for a late-night performance this Thursday, October 27 at Underground Arts with LA electro-soul duo Rituals of Mine. To enter for a chance to win a pair of tix, just send an email to thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com with the subject line "Skilled Mechanics". Please also include your cell number in the body of the message (in case of an emergency). Good luck!
Mood Music: Scourge of Ians – “La La”
Though we’re still reeling from the heaviness of Sleep‘s performance last night, we’re in need of something just as weighty but at a faster pace. What more perfect a fit than a litte bit of Scourge of Ians, whose consistently perfect balance of classic, raw punk with rhythm oriented post punk offers a nice and needed break from our local saturated music scene.
They’ll be joining Disassturbator (for the final show of their tour!) and Moogwynd on stage tonight at the Kenton Club, so if you’re still in the mood later make sure you stop by. It’s free!
The Deli Philly’s Featured Artist Poll Winner: Miles High
Saturday Night Sounds: Schaus – “Galileo’s Song”
Here we find ourselves, yet again, on a Saturday night. Some of us may be out partying on the town while others might be cozily nestled in their beds. For those of us that prefer a personal party at home or may be looking for some tunes to get them in the mood to party as they’re getting ready, we’ve got a fairly fresh track coming to you from local experimental artist Schaus.
"Galileo’s Song" dropped earlier this month and is an artsy, avant-pop track that properly utilizes addiciting synth lines to create a soundscape you can’t help but be immersed in.
Listen to the track below and let it be the energetic addition to your party playlist or the necessary auditory element to your Saturday night chill sesh.
DAN DAN: The band you need to know
If you find yourself caught in some sort of music rut, consider expanding your radar to include the talents of DAN DAN. Our latest Artist of the Month winners are coming up on their one year annviersary of show-playing, making their debut you last Halloween at Slims.
Since then, the local trio have been dishing out heavily synthy, electro-laced instrumental rock that catalyzes deeper thoughts and fevered movements. We’re desperately craving more than just the four tracks on their Soundcloud page but until then we can stay satiated on their live performances.
DAN DAN’s next unmissable set is actually tomorrow at Valentines, along with Fake Fireplace and Daughter Talk. It’s only $5, so be sure to stop by and congratulate them on their poll win and anniversary of band-dom!
Inaugural National Park Feat. American Trappist, Madalean Gauze & More at Bourbon & Branch Oct. 22
National Park is a miniature festival curated by Painted Lady Records in which seven of Philly’s own emerging musicians will play a sampling of music that just might put them on the map. This conceptualized event brings together a diverse lineup of singer-songwriters and bands, who otherwise would not likely share a stage together, providing you with a taste of their music catalogue. The inaugural event will be co-headlined by the solo effort from River City Extension‘s Joe Michelini, American Trappist. Also sharing top billing for this evening will be the genre-bending songwriting of Madalean Gauze, who has made a name for herself locally since releasing her debut EP American War. The showcase will also feature multi-instrumentalist Chet Williams, Modern Television, Muccino, and more. Bourbon & Branch, 705 N. 2nd St., 7pm, $10-$15, 21+ – Bill McThrill
Elle Belle unveils new single “Knock on the Light”
Art pop singer-songwriter Elle Belle has just released the third single off of his upcoming debut album Wako Gumbo, "Knock on the Light", a lighthearted and funky romp that showcases his flair for keeping things just a little bit weird without losing sight of what makes true pop songcraft. Sporting a phased-out guitar tone that’s too nifty to ignore, Belle belts out a clean vocal style with a soulful bent whilst wholly embracing a synth-driven sound that highlights his natural performance ability.
Wako Gumbo is due out on November 11 via Little Record Company. And if you like what you hear, you can catch him play at Resident on October 29th.
Cakes da Killa unveils new album ‘Hedonism’ + video for ‘New Phone’
Lots and lots of NYC artists we covered abundantly in the past are announcing new releases these days. Quirky NYC Rapper Cake Da Killa is one of them. He is releasing today his debut LP ‘Hedonism,’ via Ruffians / Thirty Tigers. Check out the video for single ‘New Phone,’ which made quite a splash since it was released just over a week ago. Check out the video for ‘Talking Greezy’ here.
STREAM: The Toads – ‘Always Be Nice’ EP
Good pop punk seems to be hard to find nowadays. Our remembrances of the genre call us back to a late 90’s, early 2000’s period where a particular innocence was captured in the chaos of bouncing about.
Thankfully, local trio the Toads exist to make sure pop punk isn’t dead. Their new EP Always Be Nice, due out tomorrow, showcases that.
From its opening title track to the garage tinged and vengeful "I Don’t Get Hungover (I Get Even)" rounding it out, it’s solid enough to make us crave more.
Join the Toads tomorrow at the Firkin Tavern for the Always Be Nice EP release show, along with CASTLES and Kings & Vagabonds and then again on the 29th for a pre-Halloween party with the Hugs and Stunning Rayguns at the Kenton Club. There are the last two shows with drummer Mitch Gonzales, so come see him off properly!
Pool Holograph
Pool Holograph recently released a new EP called "Town Quarry".
You can catch Pool Holograph at Empty Bottle on November 5th with Broncho and Sports and at Lincoln Hall on November 26th.