Matt Haslett (Sacagawea and The Hunters) released a new single via Strange Bird Records. Slow-burning into the psychedelic, “Test Dreaming” doesn’t bombard one’s headspace. Rather, it ruminates as one assimilates to the hypnotic rhythm, momentarily splintering into space-age threads without overriding the guidance system.

Matt Terrones, a.k.a. Neutral Shirt, recently released In A Room – Demos and Greatest Hits. Grounded in a bedroom-folk foundation, the collection explores various sonic avenues. Temporarily cracking the door into otherwise private thoughts and moments, a catchy sensitivity sticks. Neutral Shirt will be appear on an October 27th billing at Planet Phitness that will also include Marge, Melon Painting, and Hoop.

Making the list of one of our favorite albums last year with Gloom, Russell Edling (ex-Kite Party), who records under the moniker Cherry, backed by pals Justin Fox (Kite Party), Spenser Colmbs (Three Man Cannon), Jesse Kennedy, and Lame-O Records founder Eric Osman, just shared a new single, titled "Under The Sun". It’s off his forthcoming debut LP Dumbness, which is slated to drop on September 29 via Lame-O. The tasty morsel of disillusioned pop is also accompanied by some lo-fi, black & white footage, courtesy of visual artist/photographer/filmmaker Craig Scheihing.

Flower Girl Records will release, on September 8, Cyclical, the new record from Small Circle, which features vocalist Marissa D’elia, backed by Sorority Noise members Cam Boucher, Adam Ackerman, and Charlie Singer. Percussively bursting out of the gate, its first single, “Spinning,” describes pushing through the difficulties of an incongruent effort, within the context of a relationship. Despite those hiccups, an overt optimism instrumentally blooms. The band’s tour with Remo Drive and McCafferty will be getting its start on Tuesday, September 5 at PhilaMOCA.

Safely Nobody’s, the new album from the trio of Tall Friend, will be released on August 11 via Exploding In Sound. The record casts light on fragile isolation of the past in episodic songs, finding beauty within the sadness. Delicate instrumental interplay gives these songs room to breathe, echoing emotive depth. Planet Phitness will host the band’s release show this Friday, supported by Anna Altman, Really Big Pinecone, and MS Saint.

Krust Toons: "’Is That a Gibson!?" by Tedd Hazard – please feel free to drop him a line at teddandthehazards@gmail.com if you dig or have any funny ideas. You can also check out more of his illustrations and animation shorts HERE.

A looming darkness hovers as one listens to The Stone In My Chest. Recently released by Andreathelight, the ambient soundscapes elicit a cautious sense of discovery as if one is exploring the fragments remaining from a major event. A gloomy/down-and-out tone circulates. However, within that eerie construct, pockets of fresh air breathe in a sense of catharsis.

Eric Slick (Dr. Dog, Lithuania) opens for Laetitia Sadier Source Ensemble and Art Feynman this Saturday at Johnny Brenda’s. Exploring and evaluating one’s internal monologue and balancing that against the openness afforded by nature, Slick finds a happy medium. While one is continuously harmonizing conceptual ideals and realities, Slick ventures into the thicket, tapping into a somber sense of key/percussive-oriented calm and peaceful acceptance. However, the mood isn’t one of resignation; there are upbeat, attitude-adjusting points, in which clarifying, melodic pop shines through. Slick leads the way to Art Feynman, a.k.a. Luke Temple (Here We Go Magic), whom recently released a new album, Blast Off Through the Wicker, via Western Vinyl, and multi-textured, thought-provoking Laetitia Sadier Source Ensemble. – Michael Colavita

More places to enjoy your summer this weekend…

Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) SAT Eric Slick, SUN Dream Safari

The Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI Ben Kessler, SAT Evan Wize

Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Sun Hat, Rat Daddy/DJ Deejay, SAT Lito and the Shepherds, John Dominy/DJ Baby Berlin, DJ Jem, Voltheque/Rob Diioia, Cliph, Musho, SUN The Tough Shits, The Little Kicks

PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12^th St.) SAT Shy Boyz (Record Release), Ali Wadsworth, Charley Coin

Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI Mars Parker, Aleana, Troi Lauren, Camp Candle, Orion Sun

The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) SAT Andrew Meoray, Jermie Falcone

TLA (334 South St.) SAT Box of Rain

Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2^nd St.) FRI Taylor Kelly, The Phonies, SAT Hambone Relay

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) Crazy Bull, Along The Way, Tiny Hueman, Jason Jeffries and The Talltrees/(Downstairs) Conjunto, Sat (Upstairs) Beta Hi-Fi Emerging Music Festival Finals, SUN (Upstairs) Darlingtyn, Dino Petaccio & The Intruders/Nijah, The Soundcheck, Maria Leonetti, Pariadin, The Fridays, Hemispheres, Casual Friday, Marchi

The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Tre Way and The Now Generation, GR Stone Band, The Chronic Project, SAT Cole Brightbill, Mariano/Echo Lad, Telyscopes

MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Suzie Brown (CD Release), Scot Sax Soul Revue, SAT Black Horse Motel

Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3^rd St.) FRI PHL 4 Change Benefit Show (David Bowie Night): Justin Pellecchia, Erin Fox, SAT Wyldflowers, Chvnce, Dear Forbidden

Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI DJ Dav, Reed Streets, SAT DJ Deejay

Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SUN Rusty Cadillac

Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9^th St.) FRI Noise and Silence, Hueman Garbij, SUN Carolyn Thorn, Lady Parts, Brother Martin, Liz Fulmer Band

Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7^th St.) SUN ACTiVATE, No Gods

Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) FRI DJ Chris Urban, SAT Ed Christof

Morgan’s Pier (221 N. Columbus Boulevard) FRI DJ Pierson, SAT DJ Beatstreet, SUN Burnt Sienna

The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Telyscopes, Something Divine, Bazmati Vice, Granz (EP Release), The Classic Hunt, SAT Mat Burke

Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) SAT Freeway, Scholito, Frankie Vado, Ayo, SUN Jeff Washington Band, Swamp Ash

The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18^th St.) SAT Mauled By A Bear, Commencement, Uncle Dan, Avestial, Catharsis/The Keystones, The Pink Angels, SUN The Dirty Queen

LAVA Space (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN Julia Rainer, Puppy Angst, Timothy Tebordo

Tralfamadore (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN Busy Bee, Elaine Rasnake

 

The Le Sigh just released its third compilation installment, which is available via Father/Daughter Records. In “Readjust,” Addie Pray delves into the process of moving forward and leaving the past and sometimes the people associated with it behind. While an exposed authenticity endears, the illuminating synth/percussion backing serves as a catalyst of optimistic progress. You can stream and purchase the album HERE, and a portion of sales today will go to the Transgender Law Center.

Local emcee RahZweL’s latest album, Abstract Paintings, evades pretense in lieu of pouncing, present tense lyricism. Coupling refined cinematic backdrops with prowling bass/percussion-oriented beats, a relaxed intensity pushes forward. Swiftly delivering without rushing the process, the recordings tap back into basics, without looking in the rearview.

After multiple sneak peaks into their forthcoming LP, Philly indie rockers The Districts just premiered Popular Manipulations over at NPR’s First Listen. The group worked with producer John Congleton, once again, on their third full-length album, but they also guided the project themselves with help from audio engineer Keith Abrams (of Pine Barons), creating a beautifully robust sounding record. Popular Manipulations officially comes out next Friday, August 11 via Fat Possum Records, and you can help the quartet welcome its arrival at Union Transfer that same evening on a stacked bill, which also includes talented local pals The Spirit of the Beehive and Abi Reimold.

Embrace the reverberating hum and slow burn of "PB," the new single from experimental, lo-fi recording artist Ylayali, a.k.a. Fran Lyons (of Free Cake For Every Creature). Feeding off its languid, ominous guitar melody and disenchanted vocals, the album opener is a standout off his new release YY, which is surprisingly available on Craigslist, as well as Bandcamp. You can stream and download "PB" below, and white chrome cassettes are also being sold via Rochester indie label Liliy Tapes & Discs. Ylayali will be performing this Saturday, August 5 at All Night Diner, where he’ll be joined by Bahdeavn, Tuxis Giant, and Moonish Brute.