Chris Forsyth has spent years in Philly building his reputation as one of the city’s premier solo guitarists. On his latest venture, the Pew Fellowship recipient and former private student of Television guitarist Richard Lloyd has gathered pals Paul Sukeena (Spacin’) on guitar, Steven Urgo (ex-War on Drugs) on drums, and Peter Kerlin on bass, backing him as the Solar Band, to help Forsyth explore the experimental landscape of music that he likes to refer to as “cosmic Americana,” which is heavily influenced by beloved psych rockers the Grateful Dead. Chris Forsyth and the Solar Band are planning the release of their debut LP, Solar Band, this fall via Paradise of Bachelors, which was produced by Jeff Zeigler, who will opening the festivities tonight with his intergalactic ambient drone project with highly respected indie harpist Mary Lattimore. And returning to town this evening will be another gifted guitarist and former City of Brotherly Love resident Daniel Bachman with his John Fahey/Jack Rose-inspired plucks and strums. It’s a jam-packed evening of headie music upstairs at JB’s that you really don’t want to miss! Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Q.D. Tran

On his latest release, Something Wild (Salinas), Michigan transplant Sam Cook-Parrot, a.k.a. Radiator Hospital, issues a series of penetratingly personal confessional style songs. “Great Escape,” the LP’s second track, immediately bursts with its pop-rockin’ energy as ragged guitar and infectious percussion lay the foundation to a playful/personal narrative – “I’ve heard so many stories, all of them ended with you and me” – eventually transitioning into “so happy birthday baby you’re so much older than I thought you would be” and fades with the harmonizing of “it’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to.”

“Our Song” is another rambunctious song in which Cook-Parrot navigates the listener through a series of snapshots of a failing relationship. Sam’s vocals ache with anger as he reveals episodes of deceit and despair, and the chorus lays it all on the line: “You won’t get off that easy, don’t say that you love me. When you know that you don’t. If you’re thinking that we’re through, I won’t hold it against you. You know that I won’t.”

“Are You Feeling Me?” finds labelmate Allison Crutchfield (Swearin’) taking the lead vocal in a punk-edged yet polished flash, finding a dichotomy between the instrumental aggression and her calm, clear tone. “Your Boyfriend” begins as a simple albeit gut-wrenching love confession. However, as Cook-Parrot’s vocals and guitar playing gather momentum, the switch is flipped, and the song takes an electrifying turn. Sam, who had seemingly been isolated and alone, is joined by a full accompaniment, and what initially had an air of vulnerability transforms into strength, punctuated by a raucous searing electric guitar solo by Swearin’s Kyle Gilbride. “Your Boyfriend” serves as a fine example of how Cook-Parrot succeeds in showcasing lyrics through musical minimalism, but is equally capable in heavier band-oriented scenarios.

Radiator Hospital demonstrates through Something Wild a fearless tendency to expose heartfelt/lived experiences that carry a heavy load whether they’re served with an acoustic guitar ("Cryin’ Kind" and "Sometimes") or on a more complex full band plate. – Michael Colavita

Here’s a new music video from Killer Bangs for their debut single "Mojito Overflow." The band consists of former Cold Fronts member Shaky Jake and Dylan Hammill, and the video features cameos from Circa Survive‘s Stephen Clifford and Ruby The Hatchet‘s Jillian Taylor. Killer Bangs will be making their live performance debut by taking on a residency at Kung Fu Necktie that will span the Thursdays on October 10, 17 and 24. The group promises "all the guitar attraction and pop-sensibilities of Cold Fronts with more rock & roll integrity." We think them sound like a fightin’ words.

Below is an in-studio performance video of the song "Pearls Dissolve in Vinegar" by Mitch Esparza, a.k.a. The Love Club‘s (((taco))), for Kettle Pot Tracks‘ On the Hill. You can stream and purchase the entire session HERE. The Love Club will be performing next in Philly on Friday, August 30 at Connie’s Ric Rac.

Mitch Esparza – Pearls Dissolve in Vinegar from Jason Stewart on Vimeo.

At this year’s 2nd Street Festival, you could see that West Philadelphia Orchestra is continuing to build an eclectic fan base. Whether you’re hippie-ish Deadhead, affluent yuppie, or even a young child just learning the freedoms of standing on your own two feet, it’s hard to resist dancing to their infectious Balkan grooves. If you don’t believe me, come see for yourself this evening at Penn Museum. And if you can’t make it tonight, you also have another free opportunity this Saturday at Liberty Lands Park when they join a fine bill of locals acts for Rock to the Future’s Rally for Rock: Benefit for Music Education. Penn Museum, 3260 South St., 5pm – 8pm, Free, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman

Check out another rad new tune from Man Man‘s upcoming LP On Oni Pond called "End Boss" HERE! The album will be out September 10 via Anti-. You can also catch them performing outside at The Porch at 30th Street Station on Friday, September 6 for XPN’s Free at Noon concert series. Enjoy!

Chiddy Bang has returned with a laidback new single called "Breathe" that feels like it was made to take a few hits to the head and enjoy the last days of summer. Though we reported earlier this summer that Xaphoon Jones will be concentrating on production and no longer be performing live, Chiddy will still be hitting the stage on Friday, October 11 at the Electric Factory opening for Timeflies. However, this latest track was produced by Yuri Beat$.