Practice is the debut EP from Soupy, which is now available via Bee Side Cassettes. Instrumentally bouncing along while critiquing one’s thoughts and decisions, there’s a balance of introspection and adventure. It’s expressive, honest, bedroom pop from the fledgling Philly trio, led by Tabitha Ahnert. Enjoy!

Krust Toons: "The Used Record Section" 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.

The quartet of Mannequin Pussy, which is made of Marisa Dabice (guitar & vocals), Athanasios Paul (guitar & keys), Kaleen Reading (drums & percussion), and Colins Rey Regisford (bass, samples & vocals), has returned with its third album. Patience was produced by Will Yip, and is now available via Epitaph.

Aggression and tension melodically converge on the album’s title track. From the initial jarring jumpstart of guitar that sets things in motion, the song lyrically expresses a shift in perspective within a relationship – one that depicts insecurity in the form of possessiveness. “Who told you, that my body was yours to own? Long before you called, it was crawling through the wild.” “Patience” fuses enthusiastic energy, evaluating circumstances, and emerging resilience.

With “Drunk II,” the tone is set by hard-driving rhythms and searing, smooth guitar lines. Marisa Dabice’s vocals cut in a vulnerable, revealing manner. “I’ve been going out almost every night, I’ve been drinking everything I can get my hands on, I pretend I have fun.” A lingering sadness hovers as Dabice describes projecting strength, while internal doubts remain. “And everyone says to me, ‘Missy, you’re so strong!’ But what if I don’t wanna be? And everyone says to me, ‘Missy, how do you stand it?’ There’s so much that you don’t see.” 
 
“Cream” races forward in a raw, frenetic manner, as Dabice expresses, “I was standing in the gates of my hell. I was looking at myself like, ‘Girl, what you did, take a look at yourself right now!” Backed by Kaleen Reading’s tenacious percussion, the moment seems to represent a pivotal point of change, which rips and roars like an inferno. In contrast, “Fear/+/Desire” exhibits a gentler side of the band. The aesthetic is reinforced by the softness of the vocals, which is juxtaposed by the painful dynamic of the relationship. “You beg me to build you a monument, and as it grew, oh so did all my regret. Is this what you wanted? Does holding me down make you feel desire?” Recalling the need to escape an abusive situation, the protagonist concludes that “possession is a demon that I never meant to keep.”

 A fiery riff is complemented by raging percussion on “Drunk I,” as a limit is reached. “What kind of woman would you rather I be? Docile and waiting to breed? I’d rather be that. My heart is racing, wrapped up, and no, I’m not afraid.” Keeping things short, and not so sweet. A solemn, haunting instrumental opening develops the mood of “High Horse”. Painting an exit scene from a tumultuous setting, the instruments gradually swell, developing tension before momentously spilling over and crashing down. “Someone who wouldn’t treat me like you do, I fucked up. How many times will you beg me to? Your worlds on fire, as I watch up from my high horse. Your worlds on fire, and I walk away.”

“Who You Are” embraces the current moment, while describing self-acceptance. “If I were you, there’s not a thing I would restart. I love who you are.” Then, about halfway through, the tempo accelerates establishing a sense of urgency. “I felt the earth move, in your eyes. I get excited by your side. I know they want to get you to be the kind of person they’d rather see, but you don’t have to change.” There’s a high-speed intensity that exudes a cathartic control.

On “Clams,” Dabice trades verses with Regisford, as heavy percussion forge a combative sound seen through a financial scope. “I fought, but I did not win…I just want my money.” “F.U.C.A.W” captures an uncompromising in your face moment, as the guitar cuts and the drums bash. “What did you say to me boy? Come on and spit it in my face.” 

“In Love Again” closes the record on an optimistic note. Keys mingle while the other instruments establish a bright bounce. Then, everything drops back isolating and highlighting the thoughts and vocals. “Oh, it keeps getting better. I cried out, and fell out the center. I’m so high; I want this forever.” When the instruments re-enter, a joyous blitz ensues.

Patience shines in its candid openness, exploring personal struggles, demonstrating the strength to break through and remain optimistic about what the future has in store. –Michael Colavita

“See Without Light” is featured on Persephone, the new EP from the trio of Etheric Felines. After a crunchy, granular beginning, a clear vision emerges. Relentless rhymes describe an ever-evolving personal trajectory. In contrast to that fast-paced intensity, the subtle, softness of sung interludes provides a peaceful acceptance of the nonlinear path and the way the world shapes you.

Amuse-Oreille, Vol. 2, the latest EP from American Trappist, is out today. Joe Michelini and company produce an earnest, incisive viewpoint. Welding a rough-around-the-edges mentality with the ability to iron things out into breezy, easy-flowing storylines, the songs shift from a sun-setting, sand-between-your-toes, intimate sway to a more aggressive, “get the fuck out of my way” stomp. This Saturday at Johnny Brenda’s, American Trappist will be celebrating the album’s release, joined by musical brethren The Vernes, whose latest release Yr of the Rat was produced by Michelini. The album gently cruises in a pleasant progressing though slightly somber contemplative state. The assertive yet poppy, garage-psych trio, Grace Vonderkuhn, lays down the groundwork for a most excellent evening. – Michael Colavita

Other places kickin’ the jams this weekend…

Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) SAT The Vernes, American Trappist, Grace Vonderkuhn

Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) SAT Lower Wolves, SUN Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise, ialive

Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Big Nothing/Riot Nerd, SAT Adalie, Seek To Thrill, Skyline The City, Hartline/DJ Hvnlee, Peenness, 1-800 Happy Hour

PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12^th St.) SAT Dominy, Ali Awan, Barney Cortez 

Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) SAT Hellings, Mach22, DJ EBG III 

The Foundry (1000 Frankford Ave.) FRI DJ Kaz, SAT Rebel Foster

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) Luke O’Brien, The Bul Bey, DJ Royale, SUN (Upstairs) Mirah

MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Steal Your Face

Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3^rd St.) FRI Mark Lanky, A.M. Mills, SAT Julia Rainer, SUN Kiss of the Whip

The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) SAT Children’s Books (Final Show), Head Spell, Jurks, First World Kids With First World Problems, Dear Forbidden

Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2^nd St.) FRI Presages, RNGLEADER, Sharks With Frickin Laser Beams, SAT Fawziyya Heart (EP Release), The Wallflower Observer, SUN Matt McAndrew, Siobhan McShea

Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) SAT DJ Deejay

Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI Live Band Karaoke, SAT Jac with No K, SUN Rusty Cadillac 

Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9^th St.) SAT Super Bonanza

The Tusk (430 South St.) FRI Fad Nauseam, SAT Descendency

Century (1350 S. 29^th St.) FRI Hotflakes (Tape Release), Shy Boyz, SAT Mob Mentality, SUN Necrosexual, Fucktomb, Tartarus Horde, Signs of Madness

Morgan’s Pier (221 N. Columbus Blvd.) FRI DJ Beatstreet, SAT DJ Ricky Lee, SUN Menace Cartel

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

The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) SAT Naps Past Noon, New Alone, Adam Travis

Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) FRI Chris Kasper, SUN A Tribute Darryl Ray: Dynagroove, Tommy Conwell

Beautiful World Syndicate (1619 E. Passyunk Ave.) SAT Fast Car Slow Car (EP Release), Body Meat, EM-E

Creep Records (1050 N. Hancock St.) FRI Ashes to Vanity

The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18^th St.) FRI Insignificant Others, SAT Jesse Gimbel, Knightlife, Riverby

Warehouse on Watts (923 N. Watts St.) SAT DJ Lean Wit It

Tralfamadore (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT The Skating Party, Bern and the Bastards, Elissa Janelle Velveteen, Miracle Swill, Barry Dwier

Hubris House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Bug Martin, Sami Rahman, Heck

Anthorna Gallery (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Scyphodemo, Beige Monk

The Waiting Room (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Moonroof, Elaine Rasnake, Rasan In The Heyday (solo)

Free Candy (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Countdown from Ten, Echo Lad

Cousin Danny’s (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Precolumbian

Clark Park Fest (4300-4398 Baltimore Ave.) SAT Selina Carrera, Levee Drivers, Northern Liberties, Beach Bod, goodnight/goodluck, Dr Ketchup, Revolution, I Love You, Instant Bingo, The Mary Veils, Mizloonar and the Truth

SPOILED, the first full-length album from the quartet of Dreamswell, is out now. The band transports you to its quaking, gauzy underworld, with its latest release. Peaceful/pummeling melodies forge ahead and invite you to follow them to desolate spaces, providing room to explore your own thoughts. On Friday, July 12, Boot & Saddle will host Dreamswell’s record release show, with Witching, Sold, and Stay At Home Dads.

Meaning is the forthcoming album Field Mouse, and is scheduled for release on August 16 via Topshelf Records. The band recently shared its lead single, “Heart of Gold” (which is not a Neil Young cover). Despite a dim perspective of the future, the track bursts with an upbeat, optimistic outlook. Field Mouse is set to open for Portland, Oregon’s Summer Cannibals on Thursday, August 15 at Boot & Saddle. (Photo by Katie Krulock)

"Playoff" is the latest single to appear from Makeup Tutorial. Ruminating in lo-fi, bedroom-pop atmospherics, the soft, whispered vocals are contrasted by the forceful, acoustic strums. Mixed emotions express doubt over sustainability, as the outer perimeters morph sonically. It’s a song that begins and ends gently, yet resonates with a resounding strength.

The quartet of Yeenar recently dropped its new EP Nonbloomer, which was co-produced by Mark Watter (Rosu Lup, Howlish). The record captures a delightfully melodic, powerpop picture. Allowing in momentous swells of unencumbered heaviness, the band juxtaposes beauty with a bluntness. You can catch Yeenar at Milkboy on Saturday, August 17, in support of Dionysia.

Haley Butters, a.k.a. Absinthe Father, recently shared a new EP, titled Soften. Hushed vocals and sparse guitar create an isolated sound. Emotively unpacking one’s thoughts and expressing vulnerability, these songs have a delicate but lasting impact. Absinthe Father are slated to perform at Hubris House on Saturday, July 27, as part of a lineup that also includes Brackish, COMPs, Noera, and Clavicle.

“Break Away” is the latest single from The End of America (a fitting name for how things feel lately). Swirling acoustic guitar and keys form a path for lush, vocal harmonies. Hanging in the balance, the fantasy of escape unfolds. On Friday, August 23, you can catch the Philly trio as part of the 25th Anniversary celebration of Jeff Buckley’s Grace at World Cafe Live.

Here’s Two Songs For Ya is the aptly-named new release from Stephen Freshy Masi. The recordings hit you with their lush, melodic, breezy tones, creating a seamless yet intricate, sonic setting. Earnest whilst vibrantly refined, these songs exude a practiced polish that seems radio/label ready.