Wanna find some music that has something to say? Let us introduce you to Covert Contracts (Get Better Records), the debut LP from Control Top. The album builds off bassist, singer and lyricist Ali Carter’s intrinsic response "to feeling trapped and overwhelmed in a capitalist patriarchy, offering indictments of wrongdoing and abuse of power, odes to empathy and ego death, as well as declarations of self-determination." Combined with the frenetic guitar work of Al Creedon (I Im Eye My, Bleeding Rainbow) and the manic drumming of Alex Lichtenauer (HIRS), the post-punk, power trio exorcises societal demons to create one of the most exciting releases to come from Philly’s underground music community this year. Control Top is currently on tour with Laura Jane Grace and the Devouring Mothers, and is scheduled to perform next in Philly on Saturday, May 18 at Franklin Music Hall, opening for The Hives + Refused. (Photo by Farrah Skeiky)
Whisper Hiss Single Release & Party
Whisper Hiss is releasing their first physical release, a 7” single, this Thursday. The single, “Everything Must Go” is essentially a 60’s beach party was compressed into one gothic synth song. It makes you want to do the Mashed Potato decked out in the most emo clothing you own. The 7" comes with a digital download which includes an additional three previously unreleased songs. The band is also playing a show to celebrate on the same day, April 11th. It’ll be at Mother Foucault’s Bookshop, and Creature to Creature will also be playing a set. You can check out the facebook page for more information. Stop by to support the band and hear some great music!
-By Avril Carrillo
Mini Trees paces herself on new single “Steady Me”
Last we heard from Lex Vega—who performs as Mini Trees—was last year when we covered her reflective single "Take It Back." Her latest, "Steady Me," expands upon her lithe ambient touches with a tightly crafted indie-pop sound. Vega brims with cautious optimism, recognizing the goodwill that comes from being in a healthy relationship while also accepting its inevitable missteps. She’s gradually coming into her own, taking another songwriting leap forward with sure-footed ease.
"Steady Me" is the first single off of Mini Trees’ forthcoming debut EP, which is set for release in May. Juan Rodríguez
Oscar Tango – Big City Power Pop Band with New EP, Playin’ The Piston 04.09
Big city power pop from Oscar Tango. They have just released a new EP titled “Choice Morsels”. The opening track “London Station” has a very oldies inspired vibe to it with drums that’ll make you tap your toes, a rolling baseline and guitars strumming at just the right time. Very much Sloan inspired – mostly resembling Chris Murphy written tracks but with a sweet solo that Patrick Pentland would enjoy too. You can see Oscar Tango perform at The Piston for Indie Night on April 9th with Mercy Flight. – Kris Gies
Caine Casket brings his unique Hip Hop to Elsewhere on 04.13
Hip-hop up and comer Caine Casket is happy to go against the grain of the genre’s current mood by delving into his Liberian ancestry and producing emotionally charged lyrics that go beyond the surface of parties and money and examine the state of race relations in America today. By allowing percussive rhythms, electric guitars, and ambient sounds to lead the way in many of the tracks from his latest record 9 Nights, Caine Casket truly brings out the spirit of his ancestry and raises the pulse of today’s hip-hop with something wholly new and refreshing. Caine Casket will be representing Garden State, New Jersey at his next show at Elsewhere in Brooklyn, NY. Check out his single “Domino” below. – Rene Cobar
Woongi “Terry’s Cottage”
Woongi has released a second single, “Terry’s Cottage”, from their forthcoming LP, Rip’s Cuts. The album is set to be released on May 10th via Sooper Records. The single is accompanied by a fun, Alex Jensen directed, video.
You can catch Woongi at Schubas on April 24th with Diane Coffee and on May 13th for a free show at Empty Bottle with Liam Kazar and Blush Scars.
Photo by Natalie Escobedo
New Track: “I Wanna Love You (All the Time)” – The Whips
The Whips recently dropped a new single, “I Wanna Love You (All the Time)”. A rumbling, rhythm & riff combo kickstarts the track, as an admission of affection is confessed in sweaty, garage-rock glory. The raunchy, for-all-seasons, in-all-conditions adoration is expressed, punctuated by a slick guitar solo. You can catch The Whips this coming Monday, April 8 at Ortlieb’s, where they’ll be opening for Tommy And The Commies as well as France’s Les Lullies.
Angela James “Quiet Night”
Angela James has released the first two singles, “Sailing” and “Hattie’s Dream”, from her forthcoming collection of lullabies called “Quiet Night”. On the album James is joined by Charles Rumback (vibraphone), Jason Stein (bass clarinet), and Katherine Young (bassoon), and has managed to create an album that will be just as enjoyable and restful for adults as it should be for children. The album’s tagline is “made for weary parents by weary parents”, but there is more of a lush peacefulness filling these tracks than a tired or weary feeling.
You can help James celebrate the new album on April 20th at Hideout (at 3pm) with Spectralina.
New Chris Forsyth Double LP Available for Streaming
Ahead of its official release on April 12 via No Quarter, All Time Present, the new album from Chris Forsyth, is available for streaming, courtesy of NPR’s First Listen. Setting sail on an adventurous path, a reeled-in, ruminating, atmosphere juxtaposes the searing, soaring, psych-rock peaks with pensive, instrumental valleys. A mythical, sonic story evolves over the long haul. Jerry’s on Front will be hosting a pair of record release shows on April 27 and 28 (the first of which is sold out), with the latter being supported by Cold Hands.
Clever One “Nothin’ New Under The Sun”
Clever One has teamed up with beat maker B.B.Z Darney to release a new album called Nothin’ New Under The Sun via Seven Oddities Records.
The album has a fantastic nostalgic sound, taking the listener back to an early to Mid 00’s backpacker sound. The project features contributions from uMaNg, Tony Patagonia, DoomsDay, DreamTek, DJ PhiLogic and DJ Grazzhoppa.
Clever One is heading up to Madison, WI to perform on April 12th at The Wisco with Outside Voices, Big Lo, and Dash D.U.B.
Stello remains true to themselves in new EP, play Elsewhere 04.12
Stello is bringing its unique brand of indie rock to Elsewhere on April 12, and the world suddenly seems like a better place to live in. Stello has been a staple of the NYC music scene for the last couple of years and their brand spanking new EP Triplet No. 3: Fountain is another grand display of sophisticated chord progressions, groovy basslines, and ascending tempos culminating in pleasant harmonies and cathartic finales. The new record showcases a costant evolution in the band’s sound that doesn’t betray their signature traits. Listen to “Sure Enough?” from the new EP below. – Rene Cobar, photo by Nick Deveau
Varaha “A Passage For Lost Years”
Cinematic Rock group Varaha is preparing to release their debut full-length album, A Passage For Lost Years, on April 26th via Prosthetic Records. This is the first new music we have had from the band since their debut EP back 2016.
This is the work of Fabio Brienza (Vocals, Guitars), Joel Hollis (Guitars), David Swanson (Drums), and Bryan Gold (Bass). They recently released the epic, nearly 12 minute, title track that you can stream below.
You can catch Varaha at Reggie’s on April 26th with Dusk, Withering Soul, and Dismalimerence.