“Fall of ’74” is the new single from Grimace Federation, which features original band member Zack Zweig on vibraphone, second drum kit and Fender Rhodes. It was recorded at Soma Studios by producer/musician John McEntire (Tortoise, Sea and Cake, Stereolab etc). A warped spin, as though a helicopter is hanging overhead, merges with the clarity of the vibraphone and the ramping up of bass, as drums launch the song into action. A free-flowing, jazz-prog aesthetic melds in the delightfully morphing, musical movement.

All Time Present, the forthcoming double-album from Chris Forsyth, is scheduled to arrive on April 12 via No Quarter. “Mystic Mountain” engages the ongoing spiritual journey in the search for meaning/answers. Embracing a comfort in one’s existence and surroundings, a laidback groove progresses. Amid that even-keeled march, flares of psych guitar emerge, illuminating the terrain. You can catch Forsyth’s record release show at Jerry’s on Front on Saturday, April 27, supported by Garcia Peoples.

Pop-punk/garage trio LUNCH recently dropped the single "Forget Everything," which is also accompanied by a music video (produced by Ian Kelly). The narrative of the track hovers between the idealism of a relationship versus the reality of a breakup. A joyous, enthusiastic, backend rumble sets a locked-in yet loose approach; however, there’s a realization of a cycle with unproductive behavior that may suggest moving on is the best course of action. The alternative of starting over and/or pressing the pause button temporarily seems like a more pleasant idea, but it could just result in delaying the inevitable.

Below is a new song, "march 1st.," from singer-songwriter Augusta Koch (Gladie, Cayetana). The reverberation of keys and the snap of percussion create a somber, intimate glow of evening. The personal narrative details experiences of dealing with a narcissist and ignoring one’s instincts. There’s a lingering sadness that has a haunting affect as she addresses past trauma and a future day of reckoning. Koch plans to release a song every Friday this month, and with this latest track, it’s easy to hear why we are looking forward to listen to more.

Shaina Joelle (of Anxiety Sludge) recently shared her debut EP What Did You Expect to Happen?, under the moniker Maggot Museum. Self-exploration and personal observation via a bedroom-folk backdrop creates an endearing, open, emotive sound. There’s a tranquil, catchy momentum to the songs that eases the melancholy experiences being depicted. It aches but in a cathartic, unburdening manner.

Krust Toons: "Chipping in for Beer" 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.

After seeing fellow Philly artist Kississippi perform at a DIY show during their first semester at college, Hannah LaRocca became inspired to start writing their very own songs. With Lazy Eye, the moniker represents a “liberating” way for LaRocca to put a positive spin on a childhood insecurity. What began as a solo bedroom project has now blossomed into a full-fledged band with support from high school pal Maddie Blank (on bass and backing vocals), brother Connor LaRocca (on lead guitar), and Amber Ferreira (on drums). The band dropped its first album, Mental Chillness, together at the beginning of this year, which was recorded and mixed by Kyle Pulley at the Headroom. The group is looking to hit the road this summer, and is currently in the process of working on new material. Please feel free to check out our latest Featured Artist(s) interview with Lazy Eye’s Hannah LaRocca HERE! 

Grandchildren celebrates its latest, eponymously-titled album (out now via Ernest Jenning Record Co.) with a performance this evening at Johnny Brenda’s. The former Danger Danger Gallery house band creates elaborately detailed instrumental frameworks, which despite their complexities retain an inherent, endearing optimism. With the addition of Shari Amanda, the group has added yet another facet. There’s a soothing cinematic quality to the songs, utilizing instrumentation with pinpoint precision, creating a spacious yet dramatic atmosphere. A sonic story is told that covers a vast expanse, while the dual-lined vocal harmonies capture a heartfelt proximity. Tonight, they’ll be joined by the reassuring, psych-inflected dreampop of Stereo League and singer-songwriter Vessna Scheff, whom soulfully merges folk and jazz with a ukulele in hand. – Michael Colavita

More tunes to fill your soul this weekend…

Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Grandchildren (Record Release), Stereo League, Vessna Scheff, SAT Rich Medina Presents: Jump N Funk – America’s Original Fela Kuti Tribute Party

Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) SAT Morning River Band, Driftwood Soldier

Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Poppy, Jukebox Zeros, Chino/DJ Deejay, SAT Adder/Vic B, SUN Birmingham Six, The Daggered Hearts

PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12^th St.) SAT Nonfiction (Album Release), Twentythreenineteen, Rich People

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) Conjunto Philadelphia, SAT (Downstairs) PhillyBloco, Unidos da Filadelfia Samba School

The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Socko, Bored As Hell, Kissing the Klepto, SAT Brother Martin, Georgey V, The Last Generation On Film/Breakfast for Turtles

Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3^rd St.) FRI Levee Drivers, The Bad Larrys, Slomo Sapiens, SAT Dull Blue Lights, SUN Cheeky

The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) SAT The Rectors, Slomo Sapiens, Secret Nudist Friends 

Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI DJ Day, Reed Streets, SAT DJ Deejay

Hard Rock Café (1113-1131 Market St.) FRI Great Time

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

Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9^th St.) FRI The Tisburys, Blueroom, SAT Tone Bandits, The Pink Angels, Vixen77

Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7^th St.) FRI DJ Marco: The Prince and Michael Experience, SAT Lower Wolves, Strange Attraction (The Cure Tribute Band), Dj Baby Berlin

The Tusk (430 South St.) FRI Voodoo Death Cult , Cold Blood Creep, Let’s Disinfect, SAT Malphas, Corners of Sanctuary, SUN At Best, Allarms, Dear Forbidden, Friendo

Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2^nd St.) SAT Allison Landon 

Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) FRI  Cabaret Sauvignon/DJ Chris Urban, SAT Ed Christof

The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Two Rocks Rye, Colin Lenox, Dylan Jane, SAT Hoochi Coochi, Earth Radio, Atomic Sky

Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) FRI Splintered Sunlight

Creep Records (1050 N. Hancock St.) SAT Man Like Machine, The Stonewall Vessels, Paradrei, Black Melanite

No Face Studios (5213 Grays Avenue) FRI Bungler, Sun Organ, Sandcastle

Everybody Hits (529 W. Girard Ave.) SUN Cheer Up, Psychic Flowers, Half Thought

First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) FRI Mannequin Pussy, SUN Sieve 

Ahimsa House (5007 Cedar Ave.) SAT AnnonXL, Leeyuh Neptune , Sitcom

Warehouse on Watts (923-929 N. Watts St.) FRI Zejibo, Backpack

The Music Ward (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Gender Work

Tralfamadore (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Telyscopes, Broke Body, Annalise Curtin

One naturally closes their eyes, envisioning the airy ideal described in “Pictured It,” the opening track from Lizdelise’s much-anticipated album Holy Matrimony. The imagery of a futuristic fantasy shifts into drearier tone with the admission, “But I didn’t picture it right”. Confident guitar expertly intervenes, bobbing and weaving as the elegantly intimate vocals provide a soothing hypnotic counterpoint on “Tell Me”. It’s an alluring appeal toward personal connection, with a mythical, storytelling element that comes to a head with the gripping power of the questioning refrain.

A laidback, sitting-alone-in-a-room, peaceful ambiance is conveyed in “Wise,” as the smooth electro-percussive groove merges with acoustic guitar, creating a delicate harp-esque backdrop. Recalling a foreshadowing of apprehension, the song drifts between the past and the present. Amid the graceful composition, a guitar-fueled fire ignites. Reinforced by a backend bounce, “Boy” is led by another flame-throwing, infectious riff. Imagining the hypothetical and being caught at a stalemate between two difficult options. The track captures a sense of empathy within feelings of loneliness. The heartbeat gradually increases as the synth and bass unite in a climb that’s partially the calm of a head in the clouds, while revealing a sensitivity. Then, “Boy II” instrumentally punctuates explosively engulfing the aftermath. 

With “Probably Die,” a looming internal struggle generates tension, preparing for the aftershocks of a breakup before it happens. An ethereal meditation works through a personal confession. What starts as a delicate daydream begins to turn into raw, emotive energy, which is stacked higher and higher. “Interlude” releases that tension with the striking beauty of sonic fireworks.

Percussion cracks open the shell of personality as “Sated” explores one’s ever-evolving character traits and how continuous fluctuation creates detours along the road of contentment. Within the electronic swirl, the unifying, universal acceptance that we’re all on a similar voyage is countered by an unresolved anxiousness. “Twilight Sleep” instantly slips into an enchanting trance. The electro pulse and guitar shreds enter, subsequently trapping one in a lonely dream state, before “Forever” lyrically ponders the narrator’s existential purpose, and whether a sense of temporary aimlessness will linger indefinitely. While contextually not appearing on solid ground, the song retains a graceful nature.

Holy Matrimony captures a vulnerable/volatile dynamic, eloquently exploring one’s current circumstances while remaining unabashedly exposed. The trio has created an album that engages at every turn. For fans of St. Vincent and Angel Olsen, you now have a new, emerging artist to swoon over. – Michael Colavita

The combination of Andy Molholt (Laser Background, Speedy Ortiz) and Julian Fader (Ava Luna), now known as Coughy, is slated to release its new album, Ocean Hug, on March 29 via Joyful Noise. The band recently shared a video for its lead single “V,” which was animated/directed by John Andrews. The footage elicits the nostalgic memories of reading The Three Little Pigs, with a playful somewhat creepy musical twist. The blown-out track appears as an acknowledgement by its narrator, who wants to work through the issues in a relationship rather than creating distance. You can catch the Brooklyn/Philly duo performing at Johnny Brenda’s on Thursday, April 18 and Baby’s All Right on Sunday, April 21.

Nothing just announced that they’ll be releasing a new compilation album, titled Spirit Of The Stairs – B-Sides & Rarities (Relapse Records). It will feature outtakes from their latest LP Dance On The Blacktop, along with other demos, live recordings, and covers. Below is the band’s beautifully noisy rendition of Grouper’s genteel "Heavy Water/I’d Rather Be Sleeping". Nothing have plans to return back to Philly on Tuesday, May 14 at the TLA, with Basement & Teenage Wrist.

Paris’s Songs recently shared its debut single, “Don’t Mind Joe Death”. In search of change, while recognizing lethargy, an electro-percussive, bedroom-folk tone is established. Those feelings of pushing through, despite a momentary lack of motivation, linger. It’s a tranquil melancholy that shifts into a bit of fuzz as its cyclical plot draws to a close.