Toy Soldiers Storming the Banks of The Blockley Pourhouse March 26

Don’t let the name fool you, Toy Soldiers are not the kind of band you want to play around with. Let’s just say that I wouldn’t want to get in a fight with the right fist of any of the male members. Not to mention that all those ferocious yet sultry female members could probably drink me under the table and bury a heel to my manhood. No, these Temple nice guys’ and sweethearts’ driving force of the evening are to have the best time ever on stage (and hopefully the audience will join them). Their energetic blues/folk ditties are even more radiant thanks to their jovial bluegrass-tinged harmonies that will have you singing along without even realizing it. I believe that I made a vocal comparison between singer Ron Gallo and self-proclaimed genius Ryan Adams, and I have found it more and more true, except Gallo has an even more impressive range and isn’t stuck constantly trying to replicate his forefathers. They recently announced that their album Whisper Down the Lane will get nationally re-released May 18th, 2010 on Drexel’s Mad Dragon Records, so go them. Other bands on the bill include The Tressels from “Tresselmania, Pennsylvania” who, with songs like “Brothel Blues” and “Prison Wine”, sound like they should be right at hom on this bill. Along with them will be El Fuego who I was lucky enough to catch live completely by accident a couple years ago, and it was one of the better mistakes of my life, my two-year-old boy topping that list. Just kidding I hate kids. They played a sweet mix of garage-rock and Against Me!-style punk that will either have you holding your lighter or punching your neighbor, your choice. Don’t miss out! The Blockley Pourhouse, 3801 Chestnut St., 9pm, 21+ myspace.com/ohnotoysoldiersAdam G.