Pine Barons will be officially releasing their sophomore album, The Acchin Book, tomorrow via Grind Select. However, supported by Mumblr, Grubby Little Hands, and The Retinas, their record release show is taking place this evening at PhilaMOCA. Retaining a gritty texture, while exhibiting adherent melodic optimism, resounding ripples of positivity rise as the album concludes, “We are not alone.” You can also now stream the LP in its entirety below. 

The E Factory will be hosting a rare weekday outdoor concert next Tuesday, August 8, featuring wild South African electronic hip-hop duo Die Antwoord. To enter for a chance to win a pair of tix, just send an email to thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com with the subject line "Zef Me!" Please also include your cell number in the body of the message (in case of an emergency). Good luck!

Dwell in the dim bedroom pop of the new self-titled EP from Teen Spaceship. Leaving the door ajar, dreary undertones and compelling lyricism are propelled to explosive, conclusive ends. Will Kennedy harnesses vulnerability/internal strength, stepping out of the shadows and into the light. All Night Diner will be hosting Teen Spaceship this Friday, August 4, along with Floral Print, Anastasia Lasky, and Utah.

Released last month by Japanese Breakfast, the solo project of ex-Post Post/ex-Little Big League’s Michelle Zauner, Soft Sounds From Another Planet begins with the crisp snare and buzzing synth of “Diving Woman”. Reminiscent of theremin virtuoso Clara Rockmore and the chilling soundtrack of sci-fi classics like The Day the Earth Stood Still, the LP’s opener is bittersweet and atmospheric. Zauner’s lush vocals entrance with ease, wooing listeners with delicate bravado and immaculate execution, alongside swelling undertones of intimacy and unapologetic appetite. By the time she utters, “I want it all,” you will find yourself transported elsewhere via the frenetic hum of tender chords and reverb. A well-placed primer to the rhythmic pulse of “Road Head,” Soft Sounds From Another Planet’s first track is a seduction of sorts that deepens as the album progresses.

Dreamlike and hypnotically romantic, the confessional candidness of “Road Head” brings to mind Porches’ “Hour” and the brooding lust of Trust’s darkest cuts. The directness of Zauner’s narratives continues with “Machinist,” as she addresses her audience without hesitation. Oscillating between auto-tune and whispers, the melodic integrity of this anthem lies in its delectably retro aura, palpable immediacy, and abrupt end that quickly bleeds into the hushed drama of “Planetary Ambience,” at memorable preface to the album’s title track.  More of a proclamation of healing than a song about heartbreak, this gentle yet gripping ballad makes a promise that doubles as a warning: “I’ll never let you hurt me.”

Similarly, “Boyish” extends this theme with a subdued and maudlin melodrama à la Skeeter Davis and Camera Obscura. It is a tale of fractured desire and lovers on the brink of separation. Earnest like Godard’s Vivre Sa Vie, “Boyish” says what so few songs dare to, with unadulterated spirit and finesse. “12 Steps” (named after an iconic bar all too familiar to South Philly locals) channels the moody thrill of Veruca Salt’s “All Hail Me” and the swagger of Hole’s “Violet” but with an effervescent sense of empathy and affection rather than angst. It’s a love song with teeth.

“Jimmy Fallon Big!” is awash in ethereal echoes and crashing cymbals, two elements that reverberate in listeners’ minds long after its outro dissipates into the catchy hook of “The Body Is a Blade.” Through mantra-ready lines like “channel something good,” Zauner offers her audiences a methodology for not merely hope but survival. “Till Death” is an intoxicating portrait of the postmodern psyche, coupled with heartwarming horns and amorous irony, a pairing that effortlessly sets the mood for the haunting truth of “This House”. Like a Cat Power’s “Metal Heart” or Jenny Lewis in her most contemplative state, the strength of this record’s second to last track lies in its refusal to sugarcoat the trauma of human intimacy and its ability to honor the ways in which we are shaped by our pasts. Amplified by the toll of “Here Come the Tubular Bells,” the weight of “This House” and all that comes before it becomes a melodic meditation on what it means to honor and proclaim one’s truth. – Dianca London

Loosely inspired by Richard Adams’s 1972 fantasy novel Watership Down, High Fidelity Drag, the new album from Telyscopes, a.k.a. Jack Hubbell, exhibits elements of uplifting melodies, countered by fragments of discord. Free-floating in a psych-pop dream, the songs’, often optimistic sonic structures, mask a lyrical darkness/cynicism. Go ahead, and drift into its depths. Telyscopes will perform as part of Granz‘s EP release show this Friday, August 4 at The Grape Room, on a lineup that also includes Bazmati Vice, The Classic Hunt, and Somethin’ Divine.

Take It or Leave It, the debut EP from Cerulean Blue, jostles for position as opposing points of frenetic instrumentation and anecdotal songwriting are welded together. Oddly easing one’s guard down into a place of familiarity, before shaking up the surroundings, the EP occupies a disquieting, edge-of-the-seat alertness. You can catch the band supporting Amanda X and Line Leader tomorrow night at Ortlieb’s. (Photo by Michelle Goodwin)

Krust Toons: "’Playing Warped Tour?" 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 melancholy cloud hovers over Shelf Life‘s latest fifteen-song full-length album, entitled YARN. The LP is dedicated to former Pill Friend‘s talented singer/guitarist Ryan Wilson, who sadly passed away way too early this spring. With a heavy heart, the collection of tracks is a touching, introspective homage to a greatly missed friend. 

Over the next three days, the musical fulcrum will largely focus on XPoNential Music Fest. A balanced assemblage of established and emerging talent from near and far settle onto the waterfront. Unfortunately, inclement weather may wash over Hurry’s set. However, Friday still has plenty on its tab – the encompassing reverberating power/ease of Angel Olsen coupled with the emotionally-exposed, energy-expelling rock of Hop Along and the stellar storytelling of Conor Oberst and Wilco. Saturday will culminate with local stalwart Amos Lee digging in with Preservation Hall Jazz Band. However, the meditative reverie of The Dove & The Wolf usher in the day, while Strand of Oaks roots itself in earnest, endearing narratives that blossom and flourish, gathering anthemic reach. On Sunday, the genre-melding hip-hop collective of Hardwork Movement and the Americana trio of No Good Sister help shape the day, reinforced by the bright Americana of Hurray For The Riff Raff and the rugged alt-country of Drive By Truckers. – Michael Colavita

More places to chill out this weekend…

Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI DJ Lainedee, SAT DJ Emynd, Bo Bliz, SUN Power Animal, Telepathic, Queen Jesus

Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI Dark Thoughts, SAT Jo Kusy, Illiminati Sequence

Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Oso/Grimace Federation, Tektonic, Crouse, SAT Crazy Bull/Stateschoolgirl, Ultraviolet, SUN The Lot/Geniverse

PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12^th St.) SAT On The Water, Geb the Great Cackler, SUN Boosegumps

Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) SAT Violent Society

Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2^nd St.) SAT The Chris Paterno Band, The Last Generation On Film

Electric Factory (421 N. 7^th St.) This Is Hardcore: FRI Eaten Alive, SAT Jesus Piece, Year of the Knife, SUN Activate

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI Breakwater, SAT (Upstairs) Don McAvoy & the Great Whatever, Germany Hill/(Downstairs) The Core, Brown Sugar

The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Blasphemous, SUN Sunchoke

MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Carroll

Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3^rd  St.) SUN Mark Lanky (Record Release), Sad Actor,  White Lighters

The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) FRI Final Showcase, SUN Resilient, Alright Junior

Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) SAT DJ Deejay, SUN Juice Wax (Album Release), Cookie Rabinowitz

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

Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9^th St.) FRI No One You Know, Jason Jeffries and the Tall Trees, Rootsetters

Morgan’s Pier (221 N. Columbus Boulevard) FRI DJ Beatstreet, SAT DJ Jason Weiss, SUN Thomas Curtis

The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Knightlife, Andorra, The Stone Eye, Shots Called, Mike Nappi, SAT Brendan Johnson, Kate Says

Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) SAT Splintered Sunlight, Steal Your Peach

The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18^th St.) FRI Man Like Machine, Something Like A Monument, Dweeb, SAT Honeytiger, Mavis The Dog

Trash House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT CMBC, Soft Idiot, Who Loves You

All Night Diner (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Abi Reimold, Tutlie, Curtis Cooper

The Sound Hole (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) Sun Organ

Camden Waterfront (2 Riverside Dr.) Xponential Fest: FRI Hop Along, Hurry, Swift Technique, SAT Amos Lee, Strand of Oaks, Dave Hause & The Mermaid, The Dove & The Wolf, Cliff Hillis, SUN No Good Sister, Hardwork Movement

When perusing through the members of Past Life’s interview answers, it’s easy to see how a musical gravitational force could have pulled Anthony Massucci, Alyssa Milman, Brandon Bauer, Justin Sterchele, and Dash Williams together. After all, the foundation had already been laid at an early age for most of the gang. With supportive music-friendly environments, providing influences that were tastefully far and wide, the band’s debut EP Triple Nothing provides a good jumping-off point for the fledgling indie/alt-rock outfit bent on taking in and giving back to a city that has already provided them with so much support and inspiration. You can find out more about our Featured Artist(s) Poll Winner HERE.

About a month ago, Shy Boyz released their debut album 2 Horses (and 2 Naked Boys). Injecting elements of strange into a foundation of soul/R&B, the ensemble creates groovy waves of oddly silky tunes. That capability, to streamline musically while never taking themselves too seriously, creates a playful dynamic. Shy Boyz will be holding their record release show next Saturday, August 5 at PhilaMOCA, as part of lineup that also includes Ali Wadsworth (whom contributed backing vocals on the album) and Charley Coin. (Photo by Craig Fineburg)

Mark Lanky commemorates the release of his debut self-titled studio album with a show this Sunday, July 30 at Ortlieb’s, supported by Sad Actor and White Lighters. On the LP (which was recorded and mixed by Jeff Zeigler at Uniform Redording), you’ll find Lanky channeling Johnny Cash in his upbeat rendition of Canadian singer-songwriter Freddie Eaglesmith’s “Trucker Speed”. In steadfast pursuit of the one that got away, the drug-induced, downtrodden, traveling tune reaches into the timeless Americana tradition, highlighting a universal narrative in the process.