New Music, Emerging from your Local Scene
Serena Isioma has released new song called “Mystery Boy” which features Yung Water. This is the second single from this talented 18 year old, following up last month’s debut “Breathe”.
Serena has a powerful voice and an ear for smooth, downbeat production. This latest single was produced by Kofi Bae and just dropped yesterday.
For the pleasant coming warmth of spring comes a song born from pain: Erin Rae‘s "Bad Mind" came out last year on her album Putting On Airs, but it gets new life as the music video for the track has just dropped. It shows Rae singing in a field of blossoming branches and flowers, showing growth even as Rae stands in wistful poses and walks with her eyes downcast. The song itself concerns Rae’s relationship fears and her coming to terms with what caused them, including memories of an Alabama court ruling her aunt to be an "unfit mother" because she was gay. The video’s mixture of pensiveness — Erin — and perseverance — how the flowers bloom every year — show that through grief, there can be growth. Rae will take her songs on the road this spring and summer; she’ll make a hometown stop in Nashville at Musicians Corner on May 25th. Catch her then; for now, watch the video for "Bad Mind" below. – Will Sisskind
Allow me to bring BETTER OBLIVION COMMUNITY CENTER to your attention; the folk rock duo and pals, Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers. You might be familiar with Conor and his instrumental voice from his other projects; Bright Eyes, Mystic Valley River Band, Desaparecidos, Commander Venus to name a few over the years. Phoebe is relatively new on the scene, although after hearing her vulnerability shine through her music, you might think you’ve known her forever. (A quick taste of the duo in a Billboard interview.)
On their own, both artists tote songs that could be considered “emo,” but together they create a melodic melange of satire and playful angst. If you’ve been following Conor through his musical career, you may glimpse a new side of him in this project. (Isn’t that what we love about evolving artists?) Phoebe’s youth, realness, and humility elicits a child-like joy out of Conor, and he uses every opportunity to be her biggest hype man. You can see the fun they’re having on stage, and you can hear in their lyrics (listen to: Forest Lawn @ 1:03). Both artists are equally regarded for their honest and thoughtful lyricism. Instead of inward reflection and dwelling on heavy emotions, together they’re looking out at their community and its members. Service Road paints an endearing picture of a difficult relationship with a brother figure, and likewise My City feels like it was written for Austin, but could likely be imposed on a number of big cities that feel like small towns.
When BOCC stopped through Austin and Santa Fe, their roster included Lala Lala and Christian Lee Hutson. Both openers have relations with the founding members of BOCC outside of the initial community start-up. Phoebe gave Lillie West, lead singer of Lala Lala, a shout-out during her set: “Lillie told the kids in highschool to stop making fun of me. Give her another hand!” The whole ensemble rocked it. Christian Lee Hutson opened the whole show with an acoustic guitar, and subsequently appeared in all three sets playing keys and electric guitar. He’s composed and talented and humble. He plays an original song, Northsiders, with a sweet voice and provoking story-telling lyrics. The Better Oblivion Community core family co-created a cohesive show of camaraderie, good cheer, and thoughtful tunes with a touch of soft goth.
“Play Sleepwalking!,” hollers an audience member.
“We only have one album, so we’re definitely playing all of the songs. Sorry to spoil that for you,” Phoebe sardonically smiles back.
They played Sleepwalkin’, and it was great. It features fantastic bass riffs and intoxicating vocals, and asks a question I think could be assigned to my generation: “Is this having fun?”
Conor and Phoebe took turns covering each others’ classic songs. Conor sang “Funeral,” but made it punk rock. Seriously, give this song 5 minutes of your undivided attention and feel it deeply. Then, imagine it fast-jump-up-and-down-punk-rock-amaze. When Phoebe sang his “Lua,” at the Austin show the whole crowd echoed her. (I cried…I actually cried thrice from the beginning to the end of the whole show.) The Community these two artist built was tangible and so inclusive in that moment.
Being vulnerable can be incredibly challenging. Artists like Phoebe and Conor make it look easy, but when you listen closely to their words and sentiments you can gather that they’ve been through some shit – like everyone else. We’re not alone. There’s a Better Oblivion Community Center that’s open and operating. Call today: +1 (785) 433 5534
-Mel Green
An adventurous, intricate yet free-flowing, musical atmosphere opens itself up when listening to All Time Present (No Quarter), the new double album from Chris Forsyth. The Philly guitar maestro is slated to perform at a pair of record release shows this Saturday and Sunday at Jerry’s on Front. The record instills a meditative, mystic-oriented aesthetic throughout its ongoing instrumental-led journey. Forsyth tactfully maneuvers across a vast expanse, locking into hypnotic, long-form stretches that exhibit a controlled, cathartic fire – one that continuously burns, flaring up at opportune moments to demonstrate uninhibited, raw prowess. While Saturday’s show with Garcia Peoples is sold out, there are still tickets available for Sunday’s performance, where he will be supported by Poughkeepsie, New York’s Cold Hands. – Michael Colavita
Other places where you can lose/find yourself this weekend…
Jerry’s on Front (2341 N. Front St.) SAT Chris Forsyth (Record Release), SUN Chris Forsyth (Record Release)
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI &More, Great Time, Dahi Divine, SAT Mt Vengeance, Foxy Contin, Poppy
Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) SAT Countdown from Ten
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI OOLALA, Molly Rhythm, Dirty Soap/Riot Nerd, SAT Fame Lust
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St.) SAT Christinna O, SUN Laser Background, Writhing Squares
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI Shannen Moser, SAT Lunacy
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) Scarlet Cimillo/(Downstairs) Karl Blau, SAT (Downstairs) The 9th annual Rockin’ Docs for Diabetes Cure
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Drew & the Blue, SUN IATT, Collider, Lost Continent, No Remorse For The Fallen
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Swift Technique (with special guests Zilla Rocca and Curly Castro), SAT Femme Freedom V: Fundraiser: Rachel Andie, Bree and the Reeds, Genevieve Marie Chambers & Friends, , Kicking Down Doors, Roberta Faceplant, SUN iNFiNiEN, Nakama
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Full Bush, American Speedway, Broke Body, Under 95,SAT Joey Sweeney & The Neon Grease, The Deadeyes, SUN Bright Yam Suns
The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) FRI Rad and Kell, The Barker Brothers, SAT Overwinter, Kahlil Ali/Bad Shapes, Brick Nova, Telyscopes
Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) SAT Adam Travis & The Soul, Possum Kingdom, Underwater Robots
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SAT Center City Jazz Festival/El Dwellers, SUN Rusty Cadillac
Century (1350 S 29th St.) SAT Static Brothers, VulturePeak, The Plibmen, Jesus Hating Liar
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) FRI DJ Mighty Mike Saga
Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) FRI DJ Chris Urban, SAT DJ Brian Toll
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Apple Juice Jones, SAT Sitting in Cars, Cassettes, Jamie and the Guarded Heart, Weezadelphia
Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) FRI PhillyBloco, SAT Tommy Conwell & The Young Rumblers, SUN Whiskeyhickon Boys, Four Lean Hounds, Chris Grunwald
First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) SAT Thin Lips
Everybody Hits (529 W. Girard Ave.) SAT Cult Objects
The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18th St.) SAT J Solomon, Stone Cold Grace
Vox Populi (319 N. 11th St., 3rd Floor) SUN The Invasive Species, Forgotten Bottom, Aphid Daughters
Ruba Club (416 Green St.) FRI Desertion Trio
No Face Studios (5213 Grays Ave.) FRI Dear Forbidden, Babe Grenade, SAT World Below, SUN Fixation, Controller
Warehouse on Watts (923 N. Watts St.) SAT DEL, Francisco Collazo
Pickle Rehearsal Space (5213 Grays Ferry Ave., Unit B14) SAT Revolution, I Love You, Rasan In The Heyday, Beach Bod
Lizard Lounge (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Eliza Bird, Earthboy
Hubris House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT The Chairman Dances, All Boy/All Girl, Buddie
The Music Ward (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT The Wallflower Observer Presents Elevated Earthlings: A Celebration of Planet Earth: Jello Vibes, Sonni Shine
A freshly baked single, “Honeypie,” has recently arrived from Jacob Sullenger, a.k.a. Johnny Utah. Immediately jumping into a funky, danceable groove, the track captures a fluid, exuberant sound. Enhanced by the accompanying falsetto vocals, the infectious rhythm demands for you to shake them hips. So press play, enjoy and then repeat.
It has been nearly a year since local troubadour Thomas Comerford released his latest album, Blood Moon. The album took his brand of Americana to whole new level, and this week he announced that he will be touring for the album later this Spring to celebrate its one year anniversary.
You can find all of his tour dates and can catch him for the homecoming free show at The Hungry Brain on June 28th with Marydee Reynolds.
Photo by Jim Newberry
The heavy punching hymns of pure alternative rock seem like a rarity these days but groups like Zr. King bring them to relevance with fuzzy guitar chords to spare. “Ships in the Night” is the group’s second single off their upcoming sophomore album Musically & Morally Bankrupt, which is set for release May 17. The group formed in 2012 and is true to the power-rock that has elevated bands like Queens of the Stone Age to national stardom. The new track shows off the band’s deep sonic arsenal, as it delivers one euphoric musical breakdown after the next—slick guitar solos, slithering basslines, bold drum fills – it’s a sincere ode to hard rock. Zr. King calls the single "a celebration of the confidence that comes from rebuilding yourself." Celebrating is also what Zr. King will be doing at Arlene’s Grocery May 16 as they perform on the eve of the album’s release. – Rene Cobar
Guitarist, and all around renaissance man, Patrick Burnell has released his debut album called Day of Reckoning via Ezz-thetic Records and Metric Coffee.
The album is a meditative mix of flamenco and classical guitar playing that takes the listener on journey and tells an adventurous story without a single spoken word.
Karmic invites listeners to let go and live in the moment on "X Marks the Spot." The latest electro-pop bash by the six piece—led by duo Kylee Katch and Laura Baruch—has an energetic bounce that sounds tailor-made to end an encore on a high note. They intersperse jubilant, soulful vocals over prominent synth stabs, expressing their simple lyrical sentiments with a playful eye-wink. Make that two for two for Karmic after their equally infectious "Higher Self," a confident introduction that shows their impeccable flair for lush, dance-oriented pop.
"X Marks the Spot" is the second single off of Karmic’s forthcoming EP, due out in late May.
“Fill the Sea” is the new single from Psalmships, and it is featured on Joshua Britton’s forthcoming EP Keep Your Words. A twisting riff leads into a quaking backend as treacherous, sonic seas are entered. The weight of the instrumentation is sliced through by the guiding, ghostly vocals. Psalmships will be taking the stage at PhilaMOCA on Saturday, May 18, on a billing that also includes The Bones of J.R. Jones and Dan The Movie.
Jordan Reyes has released the first single, “Quicksand”, from his forthcoming album, Close. The album is set to be released via his label American Dream in June 14th and will be available in vinyl with a very cool limited JJ Cormer print.
This is music that Reyes has made on the modular synthesizer and, from the sound of “Quicksand”, it is beautiful, haunting, and introspective.
Johnny Jewel and Daniel "Baby D" Bachrach are back at it again. Known collectively as Jangula, in their latest EP Ataraxia the duo offers music that’s as stirring as ever. The eight-track festival of experimentation features an incredible pace with flashes of electronic textures, loose and fast guitar solos, swelling organ melodies, and deep vocals from Jewel that rip and tear themselves with frightful ease. From the indie-folk sound of “My Jubilee Gang” to the synth-driven tune “Experimental Alchemy” the band shows an ability to dabble in genres, picking and choosing what they see fit. Jangula will be bringing their sonic experiment to Trans-Pecos in Brooklyn on May 7. – Rene Cobar
