Philadelphia

Choice/Cuts: Lushlife – “Meridian Sounds (Part Three)”

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We’re back with the second half of July’s Choice/Cuts episode featuring South Philly emcee/producer extraordinaire Lushlife (a.k.a. Raj Haldar). This one is extra special because it is the first time he will be using a theremin that he received from the innovative and good folks at Moog. We are honored to be able to capture this moment and share it with you. Check out Lushlife performing “Meridian Sounds (Part III)” with his rad, brand new theremin! Special thanks again to the HotBox Studios crew.

Philadelphia

The Deli Philly’s August Album of the Month: First – Cousin Brian

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Cousin Brian’s First is a summer record, but don’t let that deter you. With the advent of chillwave and the convergence of surf rock and dream pop, “good for the summer” is just as often a compliment as it is a critical euphemism for “dull as dirt.” First is far from dull as dirt. It’s quite fun, actually, a rapid-heartbeat collection of jittery guitar jangles from the neighborhood geeks. There’s a nervous energy on this record that becomes infectious; no song lasts much longer than two minutes, but they all have pop structures, which means a lot of information gets condensed into a small amount of space. The album is a frenetic whirlwind of ideas, and each one is given just enough time to lodge itself into your skull before the next one takes over. Yes, these songs are catchy. All the instruments are playing hooks all the time, and it’s up to you to figure out which one you want to focus on, whether it be the grody bass popping constantly with the ever-bouncing drums, the dexterous guitar lines outlining high-pitched chords, or the vocals sneering over everything in a sarcastic whine. Currently, I’m focused on the oo-oohs that come so frantically and frequently you’d think Cousin Brian were meeting a quota. At any rate, First is an album begging for repeated listens in order to discover the myriad of layers that make it tick.
 
And this thing ticks anxiously, like the last band practice before a big gig. That’s what gives it charm. Cousin Brian have the songwriting chops and the talent, but they also have an earnestness about them. The brevity and geek-punk chic of First makes it sound like it was thrown together haphazardly, but Cousin Brian’s tightness and the intricate musicianship of the record indicate that the record is well thought out. In short, it manages to be awesome without sounding like it’s trying too hard. It’s a bit left field – the surreal, grotesque barbecue depicted on the album cover is a good visual representation of the album’s sound – and that only serves to help it stand out. First is an awesome rock record that wastes no time not being awesome.
 
You can grab your copy HERE or via Mallrat Records.

Philadelphia

Dream BBQ w/Far-Out Fangtooth & Acid Kicks at PhilaMOCA Aug. 1

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I don’t know about y’all, but I, for one, have had quite enough of the heat, smelliness and swamp-ass for one summer. The good news is that today is the start August, which means autumn sits on the horizon just a month away, and what better way to celebrate the beginning of the end than with beer, barbeque, and ambient, dirty, gut-punch, echo punk? Tonight this trio of awesomeness converges at PhilaMOCA for what is aptly being called a Dream BBQ. For a reasonable donation, you get cooked foods, drinks, and the soothing musical stylings of Far-Out Fangtooth, Acid Kicks, Dope Body, and Wet Hair. Also promised are DJs, “weird video projections,” and “an ethereal, strange party vibe.” Celebrate the coming end of oppressive heat tonight with the coolest possible version of dinner and a show. Also, just kidding about the “soothing musical stylings” bit. It’s gonna be LOUD AS FUCK (well, that’s if you are doing it right). PhilaMOCA, 531 N 112th St., Party at 6pm/Bands at 7:30pm, $7 – $10 Donation, All Ages – Adam Downer

Philadelphia

Juston Stens & The Get Real Gang Opening for Zeus at North Star Bar Aug. 1

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Juston Stens & The Get Real Gang are the type of band that re-imagines the past. Taking cues from classic rock, yet spinning them off in a new direction, Stens and the gang create music that share the traits of their musical predecessors – the casually addictive groove of the bass guitar, memorable guitar licks that beg for increased decibel levels. While energy is a key component, the group plays it cool rarely going into overdrive, yet somehow moving at a steady pace: cruising along. These songs serve as tributes to their music heroes, while also taking triumphant modern steps – a band that knows where it’s going because it knows where it’s been. They’ll be opening for Toronto rock gods Zeus at the North Star tonight. North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita

Philadelphia

Album Review: Grace & Lies – Family Band

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“And I told you there was nothing I have to hide…” Kim Krans declares in the bewitchingly insomniatic track “Night Song,” the opener to Grace & Lies (No Quarter), the collaboration with her husband Jonny Ollsin aptly named Family Band. Its crushing static and hypnotic guitar line serves as a bone-chilling invitation inside the group’s second full-length album, and is an obvious standout to the collection. In “Ride,” an acoustic finger-picked guitar opens the songs, while Krans’ words “let a story be told in full, boy you write the ending kind, the prettiest words you can find” play out like a letter. The interplay between the acoustic and electric guitar develop an interesting dynamic – the acoustic pattern playing off the electric which resonates with ever increasing ferocity as it progresses ultimately reaching a climax where the drums make a late appearance pushing the torment over the edge causing the musical unit to burst with epic force.

The album has the ability to shift gears while also remaining on a steady course. For “Again,” the track produced by Grizzly Bear’s Daniel Rossen for and episode of Shaking Through, a steady backbeat of percussion opens the door for Krans latest narrative. While the percussion is always present in its background serving as a foundation in the song, the guitar contributes in a prominent fashion. The music morphs to accompany her vocals. At each lyrical turn, a new or augmented element emerges adding anticipation to each line, and on the following song and the album’s title track, a simple throbbing bass and harmonized backing vocals elevate as if a communal sacrifice is being made. Krans has the listener’s complete attention as the guitar stirs and her voice pushes the boundaries of the powerful mantra-like words.

Overall, the album is moody with its sparse instrumentation that lays as a backdrop for Krans’ meditative, siren-esque vocals. It’s introverted, but longs to be heard. And it should be.  

Family Band will be performing songs from Grace & Lies live in its rightful setting tonight at their Philly album release show in the Side Chapel of The First Unitarian Church. You can also purchase the album HERE. – Michael Colavita

Philadelphia

What’s This?: Literature

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The great thing about our burgeoning local music scene is as word spreads about what an amazing, nurturing city we have for creativity; more and more gifted artists gravitate towards us. While naysayers might proclaim how annoyingly saturated our community is getting with struggling musicians/artists, I say, “the more the merrier!” I’d rather see people struggling to create their art than rising up the corporate ladder or shadily maneuvering their way through politics. Sorry, I’ll get off this soapbox, and get back to what inspired this rant. While slowly becoming a larger mammal at the Vendy Awards this weekend, I had a chance to chat with drummer (sometimes bassist) and all-around nice guy Adam Herndon, who was working the Sixpoint tent. He mentioned a band named Literature that just transplanted from Austin (another great music town). He’s been sitting in behind the kit with them, and said that from learning their tunes they’ve become his new favorite band, which is a bold statement, especially coming from such a music lover who also performs with notable local acts like A Sunny Day in Glasgow, Pet Milk and Faux Slang. I was intrigued, and checked them out. Yup – these guys are awesome – completely worthy of his praise and future accolades to come! Their music is infectious, feel good powerpop that could easily brighten anyone’s mood with melodies that get lodged in your head and endearing Britpop vocals. Welcome them this evening to Philly (it’s their first show since they moved) at PhilaMOCA for another installation of mad chill Tuesday Tune-Out! You won’t regret it. (Photo by Kyle LaValley) – Q.D. Tran

Philadelphia

Dangerous Ponies & Ghost Light Are Worth Losing Sleep Over at JB’s July 31

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If you’ve ever been to a Dangerous Ponies show, then you should know that it’s bound to be a good time. And tonight at Johnny Brenda’s should be no different, except you might be treated to some new tunes. The colorful guys and gals are working on a new album at The Headroom, and you should expect a new surf rock vibe coming through your speakers in the not-so-distant future as well as a new bassist, who will be joining the traveling party. It’s also being produced by Algernon Cadwallader’s Joe Reinhardt. Barrett Lindgren’s Ghost Light will be kicking things off this evening. His EP Awful Things is The Deli Philly’s July Album of the Month, and you should definitely take a listen to it HERE. However, his tunes will be taking on a life of its own with the help of his recently recruited backing band. This Tuesday night show is definitely worth sacrificing some sleep. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ (Photo by Nicky Devine) – H.M. Kauffman


Philadelphia

Free Download: Paisley Montage – Purling Hiss & “New” Official Music Video for “The Hoodoo”

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Purling Hiss released a tour only two-song cassette entitled Paisley Montage, which is all sold out, but you can download it for free HERE. Also check out below (if you didn’t already) their "new" official music video (which actually hit the internet last year courtesy of PhiladelphiaPhilms) for the track “The Hoodoo” off their EP Lounge Lizards available via Mexican Summer. It was directed by Jon Khanlian.