Are you the type who understands the word “edible” as a noun more so than an adjective? If so, you might be interested in what’s going down tonight at The Level Room, as psych-rock vets Bardo Pond bring their space-rock drones to Market St. Formed in 1991, the sextet are led by the vocal shadings of Isobel Sollenberger and the guitar haze of the brothers Gibbons, making music comparable to what My Bloody Valentine might sound like after a week of smoking with Boris. Bardo Pond keep no secrets about their influences; many of their albums are named after “esoteric psychedelic substances,” and the way their instruments blend into a wall of white noise puts listeners under such influences as well. With openers Creepoid and Suishou No Fune, the atmosphere this evening is sure to be chill, so if you happen to have a dynamite brownie recipe you learned from a guy at college, get baking and come by The Level Room to rock (or zone) out. The Level Room, 2102 Market St., 8pm, $8, 21+ – Adam Downer
New Video: “Polish Thuggz” (Live – Acoustic) – The Homophones
Check out one of our favorite characters/musicians in the local music scene The Homophones’ Jason Ferraro performing a solo acoustic version of “Polish Thuggz” in Johnny Brenda’s downstairs men’s bathroom! It was filmed and edited by the guys from Out of Town Films. (Photo by Shadowscene)
Dry Feet and Sunny Ali & the Kid Added to JEFF the Brotherhood Show at FUC June 16
Looks like there will be a last minute change in the lineup for the JEFF the Botherhood show this evening at the First Unitarian Church. The Nashville duo will be joined by Philly surf rockers Dry Feet (who are led by the Brotherhood’s roadie extraordinaire Perry Shall) and the country-tinged garage rock of Sunny Ali & the Kid. This is going to be a killer show, and will be the highlight of your weekend so don’t sleep on it! You’ve been warned. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8:30pm, $12, All Ages (Sunny Ali & the Kid Photo by Meredith Edlow) – Alexis V.
Boogie Down w/Toy Soldiers at WCL June 16
Bar room boogie music – that’s what Toy Soldiers will bring to World Café Live tonight. All the individual pieces required for a good time are united in a complimentary effort. The steady downhill ramble of the bass and piano in “Heart in a Mousetrap” hints at a bluesy-Americana vibe that is truly established when the backing vocal harmonies enhance Ron Gallo’s straightforward, earnest vocals. The use of steel guitar place yet another worthy item in the band’s overflowing toolbox and lyrics such as “you got my heart in a mousetrap, you’re like a brick thrown at my head” provide a common ground level of relatability that seals the deal. You’ll also want to catch opener Thom McCarthy (and ask him for a little Elvis). A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Sophie Jane Darr Children’s Foundation, an organization that provides financial assistance to families with children affected by cancer and other diseases. World Café Live 3025 Walnut St., $10 adv (+fees)/$15 door (+fees), 8pm, All Ages (Photo by Seth Klinger) – Michael Colavita
Goodnight Lights CD Release Party at JB’s June 16
Goodnight Lights are having the CD release party for their latest LP, As Far As The Moon, tonight at Johnny Brenda’s. The Philly by way of Collingswood, NJ five-piece has been creating songs with pretty harmonies and fuzzy guitars since their self-titled debut in 2009. The band is comprised of a brother-sister combo, the sister’s boyfriend, old neighbors and a college roommate, leading to an intimate bond which shows in their music. Also on the local’s only bill are indie rockers The Quelle Source and dark folk-rockers The Bailey Hounds. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Dan Brightcliffe
Weekend Warrior, June 15 – 17
Everyone loves a good booze and barbecue filled block party, especially when it’s one with plenty of good tunes. The Jefferson Palace Block Party is going to be LOUD & LIVE when it hosts vendors like Zsa’s Ice Cream and Spot 95 Burgers. And 8 hours worth of music! Shorty boy-boy will kick your ass and smoke your grass with his guitar-fueled rock tunes, while Sex pop band Night Panther (featuring members of White Birds) will be making the ladies purr. Countrified roots rockers The Lawsuits will be delivering some Hot Love. And when Mountjoy aren’t playing tunes from their Squam Lake Tapes, they’ll be sure to give you a preview of songs from their upcoming album. The afternoon will also feature sets from Cherokee Red, Safari Dudes, Los Ombres, New York’s Fishdoctor, and more. “Summer, summer, summertime – time to sit back and unwind!” Jefferson Palace Block Party, 200 Block of Jefferson St., 11am, Free, All Ages – Bill McThrill
Sherman (the band) Bringing the Fire at North Star Bar June 15
At the start of “The Fire” by Sherman (the band), who will be opening at North Star Bar tonight, the electric guitar walks up slowly establishing stride with the bass providing dark undertones and then a grungy voice tells a personal narrative “…I’ve got time on my hands, I’ve got blood in my teeth for you.” When the drums smash in the door, it naturally brings the tension to a head. Slowly the track picks up steam the tempo consistently elevates as the trio gains more slack, the guitar once again takes the lead gradually accelerating until it reaches a peddle to the floor and in classic southern rock style, blisters through – a southern twang with a story to tell: Sherman (the band). Get there early for this one! North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St. 9pm, $8, 21+ – Michael Colavita
Catnaps Opening for Eternal Summers at MilkBoy Philly June 15
Virginia’s Eternal Summers are coming to town and headlining the bill at MilkBoy Philly tonight with support from locals Catnaps and Bedroom Problems. Eternal Summers originally started as a lo-fi two-piece on their debut, Silver, but they have recently expanded to a three-piece for their sophomore LP, Correct Behavior. The addition of a bassist has allowed for the former duo to start experimenting with more complex song ideas. Opening the show is Catnaps (formerly When I was 12), the twee/indie-pop group released their debut LP, Why Don’t You Whisper, last July and has steadily been winning over audiences with their songs of innocence and first love. Their most recent recording, Boys Drool, which was released for Valentine’s Day, finds the group adding some harsher sounding electric guitars to the mix, for a more ‘90s alt rock sound. It’ll be interesting to see which version of Catnaps decides to come out for tonight’s show. Also on the bill are local “adultwavers,” Bedroom Problems, who recently released a new digital single, “Oceans/Obligated.” MilkBoy Philly, 1100 Chestnut St., 8:30 pm, $10, 21+ (Photo by Dominick Mastrangelo) – Dan Brightcliffe
Recap & Photos: Work Drugs & Grimace Federation Opening for Battles at TLA
Rain fell at a leisurely pace this past Tuesday night on South Street, but the weather couldn’t dampen the spirit of the crowd that had gathered at the Theatre of the Living Arts to hear Philly natives Work Drugs’ laidback dance grooves, a rare DJ set from Grimace Federation, and of course, Brooklyn’s trio of musical intensity aptly named Battles.
Wes Schwartz from Grimace Federation led the way by helping to set the mood conjuring up dance-y beats from behind his MacBook Pro, gear and wires that were set up at the right side of the stage. Schwartz (being a lover of electronica and obscure underground hip hop) laid down soundscapes and segues that naturally flowed and fit the vibe of the evening. He was also assisted by Grimace Federation’s bassist Jim Calverese, who added his sonic flourishes on the MPC sampler. The band will be in full-effect for their every other week Wednesday night summer residency at Kung Fu Necktie starting July 18.
Work Drugs took over the stage next with their simple infectious grooves that methodically swept through the audience. The symptoms progressed in the following order. Initially, the hazy rhythms of songs like “Flying Zambo” and “Third Wave” implored you into a state of relaxation releasing the built-up tension from a long day. Once the body was set free; the mind followed suit. The multi-voiced whispers of the line “Static starts to break through” in “Flying Zambo” hypnotically engaged the onlookers while the pulsating beats and question of “Whatever happened to brotherly?” in “Physical Acts” roused the locals. The up-tempo percussion of “License to Drive” melded extremely well with the cool injection of guitar quickly gaining the crowd’s approval.
Shortly after the conclusion of Work Drugs’ set, Battles hit the stage and the energy in the room skyrocketed. Drummer John Stanier was flanked on each side by keyboardist/guitarist Ian Williams and bassist/guitarist Dave Konopka. Kicking off their set with “Africastle,” the band jumped out of the gate at a sprinter’s pace and never looked backed. The beginning of “Africastle” combined tiptoeing keys with stirring guitar work that seemed to instruct the rest of the outfit before heavy-hitting drums crashed the party and the full-on musical assault began. While some bands demonstrate a nonchalant attitude, this trio continuously advanced – not settling for brief flashes of heat, instead building a sonic fire as each member fanned the flames. Williams played a balancing act between a pair of keyboards while interjecting guitar riffs, and Konopka demonstrated similar dexterity handling bass and guitar duties. Stanier’s unrelenting attack on the drum kit was a sight to behold. On the few tracks that contained vocals such as “Atlas,” “Ice Cream,” or “My Machines” the vocalist were projected on monitors, which were synced to the set throughout the evening adding visual simulation to the aural experience. No amount of precipitation could put out Battles’ fire on this evening.
Psychic Teens & True Gold Dare to Dream at Little Berlin June 14
The Dream Oven is hosting an art exhibit and concert tonight at Little Berlin Gallery featuring Philly’s own Psychic Teens and True Gold. The art exhibit in the courtyard has a dream theme and features a segment entitled, “Bicycles & Umbrellas,” which includes dance/movement by Mauri Walton, a freestanding sculpture by Augustus and sound by Benjamin Hunter. There will also be a film called “Distraught” by Jim Garvey. After the exhibit, local psych-rockers True Gold will take the stage. The relatively mysterious four-piece is currently working on their debut 12-inch for Phonographic Arts, “once they stop being so busy with booking so many shows.” Headlining will be goth-punks, Psychic Teens with their dark, ominous basslines and wailing guitars that are played with the urgency of ‘80s hardcore punks. The three-piece has been making a name for themselves over the last year and we’re looking forward to hearing some new material from them sooner than later. They’ll be hosting visiting acts White Fang and Nude Sunrise. Come out and get weird with a night of dreamy psychedelic art and music! Little Berlin, 2430 Coral St., Art at 7:30pm/Music at 8 pm, $5 – $7 (Donation for Touring Bands), All Ages – Dan Brightcliffe
Young Gliss x De’Ko Release Debut EP & Available for Streaming
