New Music, Emerging from your Local Scene
Maniac by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Back in June, the Eeries released their first vinyl 7-inch, Comes Alive, on Evil Weevil Records after a string of self-released cassettes (refashioned versions of "Like You Do" from e.p.a and "Walk You Home" from TapeTape appear on the record). Self-recorded in one day in the group’s South Philly home, Comes Alive finds the three-piece crafting classic pop songs while still staying true to their lo-fi garage roots. Tonight, the Eeries will bring their ‘60s pop influenced melodies and harmonies to Bookspace alongside fellow Philly-based garage punks Very Happy and touring acts D. Watusi and the Paperhead from Tennesse. So put on your shades, brave the heatwave, and enjoy the sounds of summer. Bookspace, 1113 Frankford Ave., $5-6, 7:30pm, All Ages –Dan Brightcliffe
Ever since its inception, Edible Onion has followed in the footsteps of DIY record labels like Badmaster Records and Punk Rock Payroll, delivering several great albums adorned with equally great and unique craftsmanship, like hand-sewn silk-screen record jackets and hand-painted labels. And now, for the first time, 10 Edible Onion artists and friends will gather under one roof to perform for its very own festival at Danger Danger Gallery tonight (FYI: If you’re worried about the heat, DDG installed air conditioing in the main room–yay! As for the basement, well, it may just be like any DIY basement show). It’s a line-up of extraordinary creative proportions: Br’er and Scallion will be rekindling the chemistry they gained from traveling together during a spring tour (look out for their upcoming split cassette release); Andrew Keller will showcase his minimalist pop solo project Snow Caps before joining the rest of Hermit Thurshes to play tunes from their prolific album, Slight Fountain; A Stick and A Stone (a.k.a. Elliott Harvey) just might preview the collaboration she’s been doing with Oubliette Ensemble cellist Jessica Marcus; and Power Animal’s Keith Hampson will be performing songs from his newest EP, Exorcism, during a rare solo performance. Throw in sets from Eskimeaux, The New Heaven and the New Earth, Healing Trapeze, and The Horror, The Horror, and your evening will be jammed packed with experimental music that you’d expect from an Edible Onion Music Festival! Extra treat: Donate more than $5 at the door, and you’ll receive the label’s signed comp, A Cure for the Broken-Hearted. Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 6:30pm, $5-$10 Donation, All Ages -Bill McThrill
Oh dear, it’s so freaking hot out–so hot, just opening your window to conserve energy will give you a heat stroke. We probably won’t see a break from this scorching weather for a while (thanks climate change!) but if you’re willing to brave the raging sun and possibility of getting shot in Camden (come on, you live in Philly), sweat your way to the 2011 XPoNential Music Festival at Wiggins Park on the Waterfront. The weekend-long fest will feature a slew of scary talented local acts like crowd (and Deli) favorites Sun Airway, Nicos Gun (read our hilarious recent interview with NG HERE), Kuf Knotz, Queen Electric, buzz-builders Jukebox the Ghost, the smashing team-up of Hezekiah Jones & Andrew Lipke, and the dual-city dwellers Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, who’ll break sonic ground at the Union Transfer unveiling in late September. There are also a few featured national acts that are worthy of a watch, namely Ra Ra Riot, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Keb’ Mo’, Emmylou Harris, and the Smithereens. Just the depth of the diverse lineup should make you forget you’re a UV ray closer to leathery skin, fo’ sure. Wiggins Park at the Waterfront, Mickle Blvd & Riverside Dr. (Camden), Fri – Sun, $20-$65, All Ages
Former Belle‘s recently released 6-track EP, Sounds from the Ground, is Americana fun incarnate. The local four-piece combines plucky neo-blue grass and warbly, earnest vocals to create foot-tapping folk, even during their most bittersweet sullen moments, like the willows of "Amsterdam." And they’ll join forces with another equally fun local folk act, the Holcomb Family, tonight at North Star Bar. It should be a classy show. North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Annamarya Scaccia
Catchy riffs and rhythmic diction places Title Tracks’ sound somewhere comfortably between indie rock and power pop. Formed in ’08 by ex-Q and Not U’s John Davis, Title Tracks’ pop friendly backbeats are subtly reminiscent of what made Davis’ former outfit so memorable. With the opening lines of songs like “Winner’s Cry,” the persistent thump of drums collides with crisp cymbal and chords, rendering it lush and melodic without being complicated. Much like their lyricism, Title Tracks’ instrumentation is upfront with unfettered charm. Anchored live by a rhythm section consisting of Mike Sneeringer (Purling Hiss, The Loved Ones) on drums and Michael Cotterman (Kid Dynamite) on bass, pop smith gems like “All Tricks” and “No Air” will pair well with the onstage efforts of local favorites Everyone Everywhere. Sincere like a basement show from the late 90s or early 2000’s, consider tonight’s lineup a revamp of all the anthems you cherished in your formative years, but with more craft and legitimate feelings nix any dramatics or exaggerated metaphors. Kung Fu Necktie , 1250 Front St. , 7:30pm, $10, 21+ – Dianca Potts
As an artist formerly known as Hellmouth, Andrew Gray has achieved modest success while touring with the venerable folk outfit Hoots & Hellmouth. But after years of boot stomping rollicking shows with the group, Gray made the tough decision to leave the already established and much-beloved band to venture off alone to perform his own music. The end result is stripped-down acoustic acoustic that does justice to his folk background, as well as songwriting in its purest form. And when Gray opens for William Elliott Whitmore tonight at Johnny Brenda’s, it will be his biggest show to date while embarking upon the new chapter in his musical career. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Bill McThrill
