Never ones to shy from providing rad visuals with their single releases, Work Drugs reflects on a truly unforgettable 2016 in their latest video for "For The Year". Though the "smooth-fi" crew shares that the reflection is an homage to their fallen music heroes like David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, and Prince, you can’t help but be moved by the many reminders of the tumultuous world that we currently live in now. The stunning, powerful images were created by Carlos Waters, Dion Lee, and Joe Posner, who were originally commissioned by Vox, and the track can be found on the band’s forthcoming album Flaunt the Imperfect. "Enjoy and remember the good old days weren’t always good and tomorrow ain’t as bad as it seems."

Work Drugs – For The Year from Thomas Crystal 

The post-punk quartet of Somnium Mori recently shared its debut EP 2017. Its closing track, “Distractions,” percolates with a buzzsaw-ringing backend and chasing sense of urgency. Things momentarily cool as screeching screams of guitar and the prodding thump of bass/drums allow the vocals to collect their thoughts. Then, the hunt resumes.

A damp dreariness meshes with soothsayer, psych guidance on Blackberry Wine, the freshly hatched EP from Sandcastle. Distant vocals mystically beckon. Enchantingly drawn closer, one fights the urge to fall under the musical spell, remaining alert and on guard. Tinged in lovely loneliness, the journey is a relaxing requiem.

We’ve officially crossed over into the lazy, hazy days of summer. If you haven’t made it to the beach yet, Jo Kusy reminds us why we might wanna make plans soon before the sun sets on our summertime fun, in his latest video for "Dirty Dungarees," which is the album opener on his new LP No One Else out now. Kusy will be bringing his 60’s Laurel Canyon folk-pop vibes to Boot & Saddle for his cassette release celebration on Staurday, July 29 that will also include Brian Hill & The NohStarrs and Illiminati Sequence. Don’t hide away in your air-conditioned room, letting summer pass you by.

Krust Toons: "When You Get Asked to Play a Show Last Minute…" 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.

"Doomgaze" outfit Dreamswell is fronted by Gina Piccari (vox/guitar), who is backed by Deli favorites Candice Martello (Hemming, ex-Omar) on guitar and Madalean Gauze on bass, with Jon Martello on drums. The group recently shared "Illusionist," its latest sirens’ call from Hades. It’s a slow-burning yet hauntingly explosive single that will be found on the band’s forthcoming EP. Now, put on your headphones, press play, and feel free to soil yourself. 😉

Get lost in the ether with After…, the immersive new LP from King Britt‘s "future forward project" Fhloston Paradigm. The collaborative album features a plethora of unique local talent in experimental hip-hop artist Moor Mother, classically trained Julliard vocalist Pia Ercole, soul singer-songwriter Jacqueline Constance, avant-garde composer/guitarist Tim Motzer, jazz songstress Alexa Barchina, and Philly natives Ryat and Kate Faust, as well as contributions from multiple music pals based throughout the U.S. Britt will also be making a special appearance tomorrow on Red Bull Radio’s Transmissions, where he’ll be spinning all Fhloston Paradigm released and unreleased material. Be sure to tune in at 6pm (Right Coast)/3pm (Left Coast)/11pm (UK)!

After a pressure cooker of a week, this weekend offers the opportunity to let out some steam, ease the tension, and let loose. This evening, Cheerleader heads the billing at Johnny Brenda’s. The quintet’s misty, refreshing melodies wash over you in a pleasantly cruising daydream. An inherent, rolling, rhythmic optimism sticks into the grooves, escaping the day-to-day grind. Tonight, they’ll be supported by Buffalo garage-rock trio Made Violent and the Brooks Brothers-led musical ensemble of Louds, whose bright, bubbling pop-rock naturally spills over on to the dance floor.

On Saturday at Johnny Brenda’s, the quirky sing-along, carnival, musical troupe of OhBree brings out all the bells and whistles, celebrating their new record Burn Bridges, Burn Pies. Orchestrating their precision-oriented, multi-faceted soundscapes, Grandchildren helps in setting the musical scene, along with the engaging, energy-rich ebb & flow of Mumblr and the subdued pop of Glenn Matthews.

And whether you simply aren’t ready for the party to end or are an early riser ready for some Sunday day-drinking, get on over to The Barbary for the first annual Psychedelic Breakfast with psych-garage trio Residuels, local grindcore three-piece Die Choking, An Albatross, and much more. – Michael Colavita

Other places to escape the chill this weekend…

Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Cheerleader, Louds, SAT OhBree  (Record Release), Grandchildren, Mumblr, Glenn Matthews, SUN Scantron, Matt Kelly

Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI Milton, SAT Oh, Are They?, Starterjacket

Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Rosali, Valley Exit/Sky Valley, SAT Chvnce, Matt Arthur, Ellen Siberian Tiger/X-Hunters/Fame Lust, SUN Decap Attak, Buzzherd, Blasphemous, My Son Bison

PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12^th St.) SAT Palm, Palberta

Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI Splintered Sunlight, SAT Elvin T, Siyoung, Alex Burkat, Chris B, Shawn Ryan, Fosho & Tell

Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St.) FRI Tigers Jaw, SUN Hemming

Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2^nd St.) FRI 56 Men, Teen Dads, I Think Like Midnight, SAT On The Cooling Board, North Lawrence Midnight Singers, TC Cole Riot, SUN Tapes & Tubes, Jesse Gimbel

The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI Blac Papi, Kyte Wilson , Blum Bros., Born Cold, SUN Lee Mazin, Kur, DJ Diamond Kuts, Bri Steves, Phat Geez

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT (Upstairs) Chris Paterno Band / Joe Trainor Trio (Evening of Billy Joel)

The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) FRI Geisha Façade, So Totally, SUN Die Choking, Residuels

The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.)  SUN Marielle Kraft

MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) SAT Cold Roses, Chalk & the Beige Americans, Christine Irizarry

Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3^rd St.) FRI Broad St. Burlesque, SAT Family Volleyball, Salfi

Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) SAT Drama, Spazz Ripley, Xilomen/DJ Deejay

Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SAT The Ellipses, Wack Cheddar, The Phonies, SUN Rusty Cadillac

Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9^th St.) FRI Riverside Odds, 66 Stitches, Seeing Snakes, Beer Me, SAT Thunder & Glory, The Charley Few

Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7^th St.) FRI J.O. The Last Man, SUN Heavensake

Morgan’s Pier (221 N. Columbus Boulevard) FRI DJ Beatstreet, SAT DJ Kevin Kong, SUN Slainte

The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI The Sly Foxes, Bazmati Vice, The Cultour, Jam Traffic, SAT Spicy Meatball, Adam Travis & The Soul, Brodi Valos

Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) FRI The Sermon. SAT Jah People

The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18^th St.) FRI Eagle Daddy, Black Dirty, Mage Hand/Disappearances, Sunstroke, Kochiyama, SAT The Stone Eye, Highburnator/Birthday Boy, SUN Clique, The Point Breeze Country Club/Truant Minds, Rentboys, Pretty Words

Tralfamadore (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Elaine Rasnake, Gravers Lane 

Glitter Galaxy (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Thin Lips

The Sound Hole (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Carroll, Cerulean Blue

The pairing of Matt Fleming and Bob Hunter, a.k.a. Noise and Silence, released their debut EP Cycle Theory, via Exotic Fever, today. Reserved contemplation with cold-glowing, inferno-blooming, blue flames, the album serves as a calming presence, which can quickly shift into engulfing, shoegazing heaviness. The duo builds anticipatory dynamics, laying low and gradually elevating the ante, until the switch flips.

Retreat into the solace of nature via Lowlight, the new EP from folk songstress Eliza Edens. Its starter “Matrices” offers a nod and a wink to the Joni Mitchell gem “Woodstock,” preparing one for the musical passage to come. Swept up in feathery, bright, buoyant instrumentation, well-crafted songwriting/melody flourishes. With all proceeds being donated to Planned Parenthood, this collection benefits one’s ears and a good cause simultaneously. (Photo by Grace Clark)

Haunted Homes just released an EP whose title eerily ushers in the summer. Produced by Uniform Recording’s Jeff Zeigler, Séance At The Shore echoes surf-rock optimism, with a foreboding undertow. Despite the murky pretense of alluring keys, one is drawn toward the humid haze. The quintet, along with American Trappist,  are penciled in to support Madalean Gauze’s record release show on Friday, July 21 at Johnny Brenda’s.

Allentown’s The Front End explores existential themes on their latest single, “Hey God”. Framed as a post-death/dream encounter with a god, the song maintains a loose vibe despite its heavier implications. Gradually, avalanching instrumentation hastens the pace as an emotive core rises to the surface in a harmonized conclusion.