New Years 2009: dressed in my Sunday’s finest, I exited my friend Mike’s vehicle somewhere in the streets of North Philadelphia. Fumbling with a case of Miller High Life, I tried checking my iPhone for the address of what was only described to me as a “kick-ass party.” The faint sound of live music led me to the nondescript warehouse door. Kids were paying their admissions and piling in. It was at the Ox that I arrived to see a now defunct Algernon Cadwallader, but this was also the first time that I was ever exposed to The Joint Chiefs of Math. Since then, the duo has further established themselves as deeply rooted members of the Philly DIY scene. Guitarist Kevin Keenan’s use of multi-layered noise blends a brand of beautifully atmospheric ambience with most righteous shredding while drummer Marcus Denke provides the driving precision of epileptic, time-changing rhythms. Their debut full-length, Wires, has become a staple in my musical diet. Due for a summer EP release via their own label, Associated Sounds, Ltd., The Joint Chiefs will be heading on a two-week tour in April, and then a second waves of dates will occur in June. In tow this evening at a yet-to-be-named DIY space will be macabre lo-fi act Pill Friends. This past January, the band released their sophomore demo titled Murder Me for My Sins, and is currently juggling performances while writing more new material. New Unnamed Space, (Please contact one of the acts for more info.), 9pm, $5, All Ages – Ed Newton
