Moor Mother & Zonal combined forces for the 37th chapter in the Adult Swim Singles series. Honing in via static system, a quaking beat spawns an ominous urgency in “On The Range”. As noise consumes on the periphery, an internal fire maintains and propels one’s focus. Climb over the obstacles and individuals that lie along your path, and prosper.
New Track: “Little Light” – Dominic Angelella
Dominic Angelella recently shared a new single, “Little Light,” via Lame-O Records. As the charming guitar progression strolls along, the minimal bass & drum keeps in time, providing bright accents. Angelella’s vocal melody brings a delicate vulnerability to the recording, while the lyrics play out like part letter/part stream of consciousness. This track simply makes us feel good inside, and we hope that it does the same for you this morning.
The Deli Philly’s May Record of the Month: Covert Contracts – Control Top
Covert Contracts, the debut LP from Ali Carter, Al Creedon (I IM EYE MY, Bleeding Rainbow), and Alex Lichtenauer (HIRS), a.k.a. Control Top, is out via Get Better Records. An anticipatory aggression jumpstarts album opener, “Type A”. For those who think that they control society, Carter suggests, “Why don’t you get out/Get out of my way!” A contagious backend thump, stressed with finely shredded, guitar exclamations, creates a catchy, assertive tone, invigorating one’s extremities.
With “Office Rage,” the power trio taps into the internal turmoil that one experiences while being perpetually unhappy at a desk job. As the guitar rattles and the percussion barrels ahead, its protagonist laments “…Service with a smile, eat shit,” before coming to the conclusive resolution. “Office rage digging your own grave/don’t you dare delay quit your job today!” (And start a kick-ass band.) “Chain Reaction” engulfs the listener as the domino effects of deeds is exposed in contagious couplets. The impactful consequences of one’s ego-driven actions races ahead as the initial flame increases in size.
“Unapologetic” builds in jarring fashion as frustration is voiced: “I’m sorry but… doesn’t count, weak excuses start to mount. It wasn’t your intention you say to make me feel this goddamn way.” And with the refrain – “Who’s the bull in the china shop now?” – that release of emotion amid fuzzy, noise-laced instrumentation exudes strength as Carter calmly delivers, “Unapologetic cold and apathetic/ Unapologetic never said it like you meant it.” The power has switched hands – “Who’s the bull in the china shop now?!”
Title track, “Covert Contracts,” pushes the pace, addressing addiction to technology and its ramifications. “First step is to give up your attention; next step is to give up your intention. Then one day, you’re locked up for dissension. It was all built into the invention.” We’ve turned over free will for the convenience of endless information at our fingertips. “Everything looks like a commercial; it’s a brand to be controversial,” while feelings of isolation encircle as “Betrayed” touches on the disappointments of betrayal across a litany of individuals and concepts. “What do you do when you’re all alone?”
Embracing personal evolution and accepting one’s individuality, “Prism” simply exudes confidence. “You can be many things and still be whole. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.” The song reaches out in its anthemic chorus, before “Black Hole” rockets into the void, closing out the album. As a dichotomy of ideas bounce off each other, “Nothing is given, and we’re always taking.” With their first full-length album, Control Top break loose from societal conventions, with self-confidence, determination and personal acceptance, allowing nothing and no one to stand in their way. (Photo by Chris Sikich) – Michael Colavita
New Eat EP Available for Streaming & Purchase
A disjointed, frenetic sound disperses from the quartet of Eat on their new EP Dance and Die. An undercurrent of potential energy lies waiting for the switch to be flipped and that last beer to kick in. The swirl of instrumental chaos merges with lyrics delivered as internalized pensions, revealed to the world as stress-releasing confessions. Look out for Eat at a pit near you.
New Track: “Give & Take” – Sleepy Freak
Produced by Ethan Farmer, Kate Lord, a.k.a. Sleepy Freak, recently shared a new single called “Give & Take”. There’s a strength and sadness in the song as it speaks of the desire to embrace change. A melancholy tone exhibits regret and a continuous ache, while the vocals express determination within an isolated, emotive atmosphere. This is further enhanced/amplified by the backing vocals that rise at key points. (Photo by Ashley Gellman)
New Gorgeous Porch Album Available for Streaming & Purchase
Valhalla and the Attack of the Imperial Treasure Girls is the latest release from Gorgeous Porch, the lo-fi project of Christopher Wood (Grimace Federation, Orbit to Leslie). Enchanting vocals float over the top of the orbiting, instrumental combination of drums, Casio keys, and guitar. A vibrant yet mysterious psych-pop dynamic maintains its seemingly perpetual motion, smoothly locking you into those hazy grooves. Share this with someone special.
Krust Toons: “Endgame” by Tedd Hazard
Krust Toons: "Endgame" 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.
New Barney Cortez EP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Barney Cortez recently shared a new, acoustic EP that he’s titled Farewell Dogs. It is dedicated to the memory of Tiger Merritt, Billy Swayze, Luanne Wise, and Kathleen McDonnell. Mitigating melodies wash over as one ruminates over the lyrics and listens. A subdued, daydreamy nature creates a tranquilizing effect, as the weight of words sinks in. Proceeds from the release will go to the family of Tiger Merritt.
Weekend Warrior, April 26 – 28
An adventurous, intricate yet free-flowing, musical atmosphere opens itself up when listening to All Time Present (No Quarter), the new double album from Chris Forsyth. The Philly guitar maestro is slated to perform at a pair of record release shows this Saturday and Sunday at Jerry’s on Front. The record instills a meditative, mystic-oriented aesthetic throughout its ongoing instrumental-led journey. Forsyth tactfully maneuvers across a vast expanse, locking into hypnotic, long-form stretches that exhibit a controlled, cathartic fire – one that continuously burns, flaring up at opportune moments to demonstrate uninhibited, raw prowess. While Saturday’s show with Garcia Peoples is sold out, there are still tickets available for Sunday’s performance, where he will be supported by Poughkeepsie, New York’s Cold Hands. – Michael Colavita
Other places where you can lose/find yourself this weekend…
Jerry’s on Front (2341 N. Front St.) SAT Chris Forsyth (Record Release), SUN Chris Forsyth (Record Release)
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI &More, Great Time, Dahi Divine, SAT Mt Vengeance, Foxy Contin, Poppy
Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) SAT Countdown from Ten
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI OOLALA, Molly Rhythm, Dirty Soap/Riot Nerd, SAT Fame Lust
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St.) SAT Christinna O, SUN Laser Background, Writhing Squares
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI Shannen Moser, SAT Lunacy
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) Scarlet Cimillo/(Downstairs) Karl Blau, SAT (Downstairs) The 9th annual Rockin’ Docs for Diabetes Cure
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Drew & the Blue, SUN IATT, Collider, Lost Continent, No Remorse For The Fallen
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Swift Technique (with special guests Zilla Rocca and Curly Castro), SAT Femme Freedom V: Fundraiser: Rachel Andie, Bree and the Reeds, Genevieve Marie Chambers & Friends, , Kicking Down Doors, Roberta Faceplant, SUN iNFiNiEN, Nakama
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Full Bush, American Speedway, Broke Body, Under 95,SAT Joey Sweeney & The Neon Grease, The Deadeyes, SUN Bright Yam Suns
The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) FRI Rad and Kell, The Barker Brothers, SAT Overwinter, Kahlil Ali/Bad Shapes, Brick Nova, Telyscopes
Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) SAT Adam Travis & The Soul, Possum Kingdom, Underwater Robots
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SAT Center City Jazz Festival/El Dwellers, SUN Rusty Cadillac
Century (1350 S 29th St.) SAT Static Brothers, VulturePeak, The Plibmen, Jesus Hating Liar
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) FRI DJ Mighty Mike Saga
Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) FRI DJ Chris Urban, SAT DJ Brian Toll
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Apple Juice Jones, SAT Sitting in Cars, Cassettes, Jamie and the Guarded Heart, Weezadelphia
Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) FRI PhillyBloco, SAT Tommy Conwell & The Young Rumblers, SUN Whiskeyhickon Boys, Four Lean Hounds, Chris Grunwald
First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) SAT Thin Lips
Everybody Hits (529 W. Girard Ave.) SAT Cult Objects
The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18th St.) SAT J Solomon, Stone Cold Grace
Vox Populi (319 N. 11th St., 3rd Floor) SUN The Invasive Species, Forgotten Bottom, Aphid Daughters
Ruba Club (416 Green St.) FRI Desertion Trio
No Face Studios (5213 Grays Ave.) FRI Dear Forbidden, Babe Grenade, SAT World Below, SUN Fixation, Controller
Warehouse on Watts (923 N. Watts St.) SAT DEL, Francisco Collazo
Pickle Rehearsal Space (5213 Grays Ferry Ave., Unit B14) SAT Revolution, I Love You, Rasan In The Heyday, Beach Bod
Lizard Lounge (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Eliza Bird, Earthboy
Hubris House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT The Chairman Dances, All Boy/All Girl, Buddie
The Music Ward (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT The Wallflower Observer Presents Elevated Earthlings: A Celebration of Planet Earth: Jello Vibes, Sonni Shine
New Track: “Honeypie” – Johnny Utah
A freshly baked single, “Honeypie,” has recently arrived from Jacob Sullenger, a.k.a. Johnny Utah. Immediately jumping into a funky, danceable groove, the track captures a fluid, exuberant sound. Enhanced by the accompanying falsetto vocals, the infectious rhythm demands for you to shake them hips. So press play, enjoy and then repeat.
New Track: “Fill the Sea” – Psalmships
“Fill the Sea” is the new single from Psalmships, and it is featured on Joshua Britton’s forthcoming EP Keep Your Words. A twisting riff leads into a quaking backend as treacherous, sonic seas are entered. The weight of the instrumentation is sliced through by the guiding, ghostly vocals. Psalmships will be taking the stage at PhilaMOCA on Saturday, May 18, on a billing that also includes The Bones of J.R. Jones and Dan The Movie.
New Shamir Album Available for Streaming & Purchase
Shamir recently shared a new album, Be the Yee, Here Comes the Haw. It’s a multi-genre collection of tracks from the multi-talented Las Vegas transplant. These recordings churn in a perpetual motion. The vocals pull in a personal manner, while an omnipresent energy hovers in the periphery. Shamir is scheduled to perform next in Philly at Johnny Brenda’s on Saturday, May 25, opening for The Dove & The Wolf.