Philadelphia

Trippin’ Balls w/Brother JT Live Taping at Underground Arts Oct. 23

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I’m a big fan of Trippin’ Balls with Brother JT! It kind of conjures up the feelings that I used to get when MTV first aired Wonder Showzen. "What the fuck is this? Am I on drugs? This is awesome!" Well, tonight you’ll have the opportunity to attend a live taping of the YouTube series at Underground Arts. I’m not really sure how this will all play out without the addition of Woodshop Films‘ brilliant studio magic, but Brother JT rules, they need heads to fill in the audience, admission is FREE, and the bar will be open! Also replacing Flip McNair (a.k.a. Mr. Unloved) as the house band will be St. James & The Apostles. "COME OUT AND BE APART OF THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME PSYCHEDELIC HAPPENING!" Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St., 7pm, Free All Ages – Q.D. Tran

Philadelphia

Lushlife’s Shaking Through Episode Launch Party on Nov. 7 at Art in the Age

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Lushlife, a.k.a. Raj Haldar, is back with a new opus that was recorded for Weathervane’s Shaking Through called “Toynbee Suite,” a track that spans four movements, clocking in at ten and a half minutes, and features contributions from rjd2, Nightlands, YIKES the ZERO and Joshua Stamper. He’ll be unveiling it at an episode launch party on Thursday, November 7 at Art in the Age (116 N. 3rd St.). There will be DJ sets by Bailiff, Tim Meskers (ex-Brown Recluse) and Lush as well as complimentary refreshments provided by Narragansett Brewery.

Philadelphia

Show Recap: The Lawsuits Album Release w/The Districts & The Fleeting Ends at JB’s

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This past Friday evening, some of Philly’s finest flocked to Johnny Brenda’s in celebration of The Lawsuits’ latest album, the Bill Moriarty-produced Cool Cool Cool. There was a steady flow of spectators coming in throughout the evening, which eventually sold out.
 
The impressive folk-rock combination of The Districts kick started the festivities. Ripping through a head-turning set that included standout songs such as “Long Distance,” “Silver Couplings” and “Telephone,” the group displayed a raw instrumental tenacity pairing Rob Grote’s emotive guttural vocals with appropriate foot-stomping jams that gather momentum particularly in a live setting, which was also apparent from their performance the following night opening for White Denim on the same stage. BTW: I heard that White Denim was so impressed by the young outfit that the Austin group invited The Districts to join them for a tour.

Though it was a hard act to follow, The Fleeting Ends fed off that momentum and shifted the tone of the evening towards a smooth, casual pop-rock direction. Focusing on songs from their latest album Our Eyes Are Peeled, the trio showcased catchy, energetic tunes such as “Poor Gloria” and “Sing Groupie,” which helped to rouse their fans. Closing with the quick attacking “Speak in Morse Code,” it was clear that The Fleeting Ends had gotten their message across.

The moment had arrived that the capacity crowd had been waiting for; the lights dimmed, and The Lawsuits hit the stage. Displaying their latest product for the faithful to hear. The room, at once, seemed to truly become a collective, embracing each song like a friend. There was comfort in the simple home-cooking bass groove on “Onion” with its yearning lead vocals and layered harmonies, while the peaceful “Dreaming #26,” turned up-tempo with its instantly infectious backing vocals. Brian Dale Allen Strouse delivered the sermon on the revival-esque “The Working’s of You,” the combination of keys, bass, and percussion set the vibe, gathering steam before leading into torching guitars. “25w A19, 120v Blues” proved to be robust, hard-charging, boogie blues. Vanessa Winters brought the crowd to a fever pitch when sharing lead vocal duties on “Long Drive Home,” and her sultry, soulful voice on “You Won’t Love Me, If You Don’t,” the album’s closer, captured the audience for its entire duration. But, the show wasn’t over. After a quick break, the band came out for a highly encouraged encore that included feel-good favorite “Love Is Weight” amid a series of older material.

This night showcased some fine local talent at different stages of their development. Opening and closing with bands, who demonstrated that they’re truly a force to be reckon with. (Photo by Seth Klinger) – Michael Colavita

 
Philadelphia

New (Final) Track: “Cherry Blossom” – Turning Violet Violet

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"Our Final Single. Come Get It." That’s the message that accompanied Turning Violet Violet‘s new track "Cherry Blossom" this morning. You can say your farewells to the band on Thursday, November 7 when they headline The Boot & Saddle.

Philadelphia

New Far-Out Fangtooth LP Available for Streaming

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Looks like Spin is catching on to the rad post-punk/garage-psych acts coming out of Philly. It’s been a real treat getting to experience/hear the evolution of Far-Out Fangtooth‘s sound. You can now stream their new album Borrowed Time in its entirety HERE, which will be officially available October 29 via Siltbreeze, and you can also celebrate its release with the band on Saturday, November 2 at The Boot & Saddle.

Philadelphia

New Track: “Feel My Pain” – Kurt Vile

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Kurt Vile is releasing Deluxe Daze (Post Haze), a deluxe edition of  his latest LP Wakin on a Pretty Daze that will be accompanied by a new EP entitled it’s a big world out there (and i’m scared). Both the deluxe edition and EP will be available on November 19 via Matador. There will also be a limited number of it’s a big world out there (and i’m scared) on red vinyl at his Union Transfer show on Saturday, October 26. You can listen to the track "Feel My Pain" from the EP HERE, and read what Vile had to say about the song below.

This track was recorded during the first cluster of sessions at Dreamland Studios, May 2012. (same sessions that conjured up most of album opener "wakin on a pretty day" I should add!)

"Feel My Pain" is a particularly meticulous guitar composition that i remember playing over and over back when writing it and then even more so when i had finished it, sort-of possessed.

We added a lot to this later only to strip it back again favoring the raw to the chamber-pop this go ’round. Spectral arrangement and a mellow-ominous delivery (if such a thing is possible)…

Philadelphia

NAH Blurring Lines at Golden Tea House Oct. 21

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I’m a bit fascinated by Lancaster’s NAH, the side project from 1994! drummer Mike Kuhn. Bringing together hip-hop influenced beats with a tasteful touch of noise, Kuhn produces jams that tantalize the senses while blurring the lines of labels, categories and genres. This ability to do so is probably why it’s not peculiar at all to find NAH at The Fest or sandwiched between math rock experimentalists The Joint Chiefs of Math and gnarly hardcore outfit Bad Side tonight at Golden Tea House. Also rounding out the bill will be local indie-punk crew Glocca Morra and Chicago pop-punks Boilerman. Golden Tea House, (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.), 7pm, $7, All Ages (Photo by Josh Jordan) – Alexis V.