An American Chinese, who were kind enough to help melt our collective faces at The Deli Anniversary Show at JB’s, are making a triumphant return to Danger Danger Gallery tonight. The last time I wrote about them playing DDG I was lamenting over the seemingly endless wait for their much-anticipated debut full-length Utopian Tree and finally they have answered my prayers. Well, it has been out for a few months now, but the cuts still sound fresher than ever and will provide for an awesome set of music that will intertwine their new cuts along with the fan favorites from their Pilgrims Progress EP. The songs meander under lo-fi currents of acoustic guitars and blown-out vocals of frontman Mitch Marzec. AAC’s tunes have pop tendencies and catchy male-female call and responses, but they are often undertones to their garage-folk masterpieces. A driving pop standout like “Metropolitan” is tinged with nostalgia by recalling acts like The Kinks and Violent Femmes. Similarly, the paranoid guitar riff and vocals of personal favorite “Indian Punk” recalls the crazy genius songwriting of David Byrne. This set will most likely be a warm-up for their long-awaited and belated CD Release Party on January 6 at KFN w/Steve Goldberg and the Arch Enemies and When I Was 12. The guys and gals of AAC are in good company tonight with another Deli favorite in Univox. The petshop punks are sure to bring much guitar thrashing and harmonious singing to the gallery. Hopefully Kent “The Crippler” Boersma will wear some awesome costume again, but regardless he will bring his blasting beats and infectious stage presence to the show. Univox recently played our showcase during Philly FM Fest where they debuted their video for “Conan” and blazed through their set despite having stayed up all night finishing the video. So whether or not these guys have had any sleep they will be sure to bring their A game. Our local buddies will also be joined a NYC Deli favorite Naked Hearts. Don’t miss out on this great show with great bands at a great venue. GREAT! – Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 8pm, All Ages – Adam G.
