F​/​V Hope, the forthcoming EP from Friendship, will be released via Sleeper Records on May 27. Dusty drums and shimmering, subtle string work set the tone of “Rich Man,” as Dan Wriggins’s guttural bellow describes the discourse of catching up with friends/family, and the powerful positive imprint that they have on our lives. Abi Reimold joins in creating a momentous, uplifting, harmony-fueled conclusion. On Saturday, May 27, All Nite Diner hosts Friendship’s EP release show, which also includes Naps.

F​/​V Hope, the forthcoming EP from Friendship, will be released via Sleeper Records on May 27. Dusty drums and shimmering, subtle string work set the tone of “Rich Man,” as Dan Wriggins’s guttural bellow describes the discourse of catching up with friends/family, and the powerful positive imprint that they have on our lives. Abi Reimold joins in creating a momentous, uplifting, harmony-fueled conclusion. On Saturday, May 27, All Nite Diner hosts Friendship’s EP release show, which also includes Naps.

Palm is slated to release a new EP Shadow Expert courtesy of Carpark Records on June 16. With its second single and title track, the quartet is anchored in a linear march forward of percussion and bass. The dual-threaded guitar playfully circles and swoops as tranquil vocals command, “I don’t wanna go.” Palm will be performing along with Palberta on Saturday, June 24 at PhilaMOCA

Aidan Peterson, a.k.a. Instupendo, recently released his debut EP Friend of a Friend. In a time of omnipresent chaos and turmoil, the album offers a beautifully delicate, dream portal. Cleansing waves of keys, brightened by sincere vocals activate a soothing sonic setting. With a deft hand/ear, elements combine, maintaining the light, breezy nature of the temporary escape. 

The Soft Spots recently released a new music video for the single, “Going Soft”. Directed by Bob Sweeney, the footage brings to life the song’s hypnotic, slow-burning, oddly-at-home vibe. Adorned in various exaggerated animal masks and costumes, the foggy, eye-opening imagery may cause a double take in the midst of the slow-motion, shoegazy serenade. You can catch The Soft Spots on a bill that also includes The Stargazer Lillies and Thrills on Friday, June 9 at The Barbary. 

Krust Toons: "Tour Friends" 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. 

Scotty Leitch, a.k.a. Shelf Life, must never stop working, because we blinked and a new album, Bark, has arrived. Leitch continues to create mindful, cathartic melodies, incorporating experimental threads, which provide surprises around the otherwise cozy lo-fi corners. When those pressure-releasing, daydream-inducing soundscapes receive a temporary jolt to the system, the trajectory shifts. Initially, the warmth of simplicity will welcome you, but unpacking those lyrical layers and musical plots twists will make one want to dig deeper within the familiar framework. 

Auroville, the forthcoming full-length album from Grimace Federation, is scheduled for release on June 9. “Did I Ever Tell You?” quickly blooms with electro-drum interplay. Adventurous rays of guitar, steadying keys and the space-clearing percussive thrust throw the psych-prog spectrum wide-open. Building and then enhancing one theme onto the next, the song transitions through areas of ease and tension, threading illuminating discovery with an air of danger. They’ll be celebrating the record’s release with Chk Chk Chk on Friday, June 9 at Underground Arts.

  

In collaboration alongside local producer Mental Jewelry, Moor Mother will release a new EP Crime Waves via Don Giovanni Records on June 16. Utilizing an entrenching, bass-blasting beat, “Hardware” is a grimy tale of perseverance in spite of saddening violence. It’s a heavy sobering commentary. Moor Mother will also be appearing this evening at The Rotunda. 

Courtesy of Out of Town Films, RFA have released a new song, “Down Your Street.” Kickstarted by backend, agitated, yearning vocals take the lead, strolling at a steady pace that when sparked, increases into a jarring momentary jam, before tempering back into form. The quartet is set to perform next in Philly on Wednesday, May 31 at PhilaMOCA with Dear Forbidden and The Coax. 

Warm keys soften the percussive, head-throbbing blow in “Honeymoon,” the latest from Bruno Catrambone (CRUISR), a.k.a. Spirit Haus. While instrumentally pillowy and comforting, the song digs into the dark elements of one’s mind. Lyrically, the song touches on lingering, emotional distress. While the exact cause isn’t revealed, the presence of anguish persists.