In our last interview with Sun Airway’s Jon Barthmus, he talked about “Wild Palms”, the first post-Nocturne track that was recorded. Well, you can check out the single and ownload it below, which was made available earlier today by Pitchfork, and the 7” will be released via Dead Oceans on July 19 with a song called “Symphony in White, No. 2” on its B-side. BTW: Did you check out our beautiful pics from their show last Friday in The Sanctuary at the First Unitarian Church yet? You should HERE. Enjoy! – The Deli Staff

 

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up about a couple of fun events that we will be involved with this week. First off, we are co-presenting a show with Y-Not Radio this Thursday at the North Star Bar. Headlining the event will be the charismatic Brit-pop/psych rockers Cheers Elephant who will also be supported by Springs (the feel good collaboration of Dr. Dog’s Scott McMicken and Brooklyn’s Mike Visser), Crills Wilson (rollicking countrified rock), and Michigan’s Chris Bathgate (heartfelt indie folk and a Hezekiah Jones favorite). We’ll also be helping to close out Philly Beer Week this Sunday. You do like beer, right? We’ll be working with West Philly’s Dock Street Brewery for their 3rd Annual Philly Beer Week Music Fest which will feature the legendary psych outfit Bardo Pond, debaucherous TJ Kong and the Atomic Bomb and the entertaining weirdness of Da Comrade! as well as plenty of tasty beers and pizza. It will also double as a fundraiser for the kind folks at Mariposa Co-op. We hope to see everyone out having a good time this week! Cheers! (Cheers Elephant Photo by Tyler R Westnedge; Bardo Pond Photo by Chris Becker) – The Deli Staff

 

Total Fucking Destruction is an interesting mix of prophetic Doomsday wisdom, Incredible Hulk-type rage and absurdist comedy wrapped in a Philly blunt sprinkled with cocaine. It’s more likely that you’ll see the hard-grinding trio touring around the world than touring around the local music venues like most up-and-coming Philly acts. They’ll be starting their European Tour this Thursday with a doubleheader in Belgium and the Netherlands (jealous? – don’t hate) in support of their latest effort Hater. We had a chance to unsuccessfully Skype and then chat on the phone with TFD’s Richard Hoak (formerly of Brutal Truth) about everything and nothing, especially the slow motion apocalypse that we are all doomed to face. You can check out how things went down HERE. And oh yeah – did we mention slow motion apocalypse? (Nice band photo guys!)

 

If you didn’t make it to Drink Up Buttercup’s final performance at the Sundrops Music & Arts Fest, then you missed out on what White Birds, the new project from Jim Harvey, Farzad Houshiarnejad, and Mike Cammarata, sound like live. Don’t worry because you’ll have your chance on Wednesday, June 29 at Kung Fu Necktie when they open for Crooked Fingers. The show will be their official debut live performance so grab your tix ahead of time because this show might very well sell out! You can purchase them HERE. – The Deli Staff

 

The Sun Airway show in The Sanctuary at the First Unitarian Church this past Friday night was certainly a treat for the senses for all who attended. Dustin Wong from Ponytail opened the evening captivating the crowd with his mastery of his electric guitar and effects pedals looping and morphing notes and chords into such dense compositions with driving (often times danceable) beats that had the seated audience nodding their heads in approval. The combination of Sun Airway’s atmospheric and contemplative songs and Klip Collective’s Ricardo Rivera’s visual artistry provided otherworldly moments that lead to a deserved standing ovation. We wish that we could recreate the sights and sounds that filled the hallowed walls of The Sanctuary (I did see someone filming the show so hopefully that footage will surface sooner than later), but until then, you can check out some of our sweet pics from this unforgettable event HERE. Enjoy! (Photo by David Turcotte) – Q.D. Tran

 

Rock to the Future, an after-school program located in North Philadelphia that gives students the opportunity to learn a musical instrument while also getting homework assistance, is having their year end showcase of live music and a silent auction to help raise funds for the much-needed program. They’ve recruited local area do-gooders Grandchildren, The Grand National, and Creeping Weeds to thank their supporters. You will also be treated to performances by their students, who will be sharing what they’ve learned with a variety of original songs as well as covers from Elvis, The Beatles, Muse, and more. Please come out and show your support for the future of our city and its local music scene! World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 5pm – 7pm (Students) & 7:30pm – 10pm (Local Bands), $13 (w/fees), All Ages – H.M. Kauffman

 

2011 was a breakout year for Mad Dragon Records that kicked off with them being nominated for 7 Independent Music Awards. It also saw them put out some brilliant new releases from the likes of Kuf Knotz and Hezekiah Leaves & Spinning Joneses. Tonight the Drexel University established music label is set to take the breakout year in stride with an eclectic showcase of music that will feature 9 acts. And if you bring your own t-shirt you will be able to get a one of a kind silk-screened logo for any one of the bands for just $5! Mad Dragon signed artists Kuf Knotz will be on hand to perform as well as The Spinning Leaves (who will be bringing their horn section) and Hezekiah Jones so an appearance from Hezekiah Leaves & Spinning Joneses could be a possibility. But the showcase will also feature sets from many up-and-coming acts like Swift Technique, When I Was 12, Gypsy Death and You, and many others for this all ages event. Theater of Living Arts, 334 South St., 3pm, $5 (if purchased from acts)/$10.50 (w/fees), All Ages – Bill McThrill

 

I’m not a big fan of live albums, mainly because the recordings never capture the true, unadulterated energy of the band at the other end of your headphones. But Sunny Ali & the Kid’s recent Poco Party release, Live @ Shea Stadium, may just be the record to change my mind. The 13-track album captures the duo’s garage-rock rage and sneering country splashes with sharp precision, it’s almost like you’re right there amidst the sweat drops and body jerks. But seriously, it’s not as electrifying as experiencing Sunny Ali and the Kid live underneath the blanket of venue darkness with the smell of spilt beer seeping into your clothes. And guess what? Instead of watching reruns of CBS shows on TNT tonight (because that’s sooooo exciting), you can slink your way to Kung Fu Necktie this evening and see what I mean for yourself. Opening up for Brooklyn’s the So So Glos, Sunny Ali and the Kid will also share the bill with local pop-rock trio, the Fleeting Ends, who released their polished Brit pop-infused three-track EP, Goldmine in the Gutter, in February. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., $10, 7pm 21+ – Annamarya Scaccia

 

Kuf Knotz has been making a name for himself throughout Philly’s alternative hip hop scene. So far in his young career, Knotz has been a founding member of the BurnDown All-Stars crew and The Hustle, his own hip hop/soul collective. More recently, though, a solo career has taken front seat since Knotz dropped his debut full-length, BoomBox Logic, back in October. And since the release, Kuf Knotz has hit the show circuit hard, even hosting the “Boombox Collective” series at World Café Live. Tonight, he’ll be looking to further promote his name in the hip hop scene by sharing the stage with Philly favorites Black Landlord at Johnny Brenda’s. Bringing the show to a close, the nine-piece soul/funk/jazz/hip hop collective led by founder MAxx Stoyanoff-Williams (formerly of the legendary Goats) is made of an all-star crew of local music vets mostly known for their wild live performances, which are reminiscent of a Philly Block Party. Aside from their normal live antics, the crew will also give away free digital downloads of their new EP, What You Mean to We. But before Black Landlord performs, the shindig’s host, Philadelphia Brewing Company, will debut its newest commercial filmed by local filmmakers for its Kenzinger beer starring MAxx (fans of both Black Landlord and PBC can look forward to the commercial’s outtakes as well). Local beer, local music, and free downloads. . . What excuse do you have not to be there? Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave, $10, 9pm, 21+ (Kuf Knotz Photo by David Turcotte) – Dan Brightcliffe

 

If summer and free are two of your favorite things, then the Brothers Murphy have your hookup in the best way possible. Because Penrose are teaming up with WXPN and Danger! Danger! Gallery to bring you the No Excuses! Summer Series. This exclusive set of all ages shows kicks off tonight, and will carry on throughout the first Saturday of July, August, and September. And since it’s free to all who show up before 9 PM (and just $5 after). It’s the perfect time to catch up on some of the fine local acts that you may have been missing out on. With a stunning performance at last weeks Sundrop Music and Arts Festival and an appearance at tomorrow’s Mad Dragon Records Showcase at the TLA, Toy Soldiers are already on their way to being the goodwill ambassadors of summer music fests in Philly. So Ron Gallo & the gang are a nice addition to kicking off this series. Between their involvement with Rock to the Future (which has a benefit tomorrow night at World Café Live), Conversations with Enemies is a band that manages to find themselves quite busy. But the artistic gypsy surf rockers will also find the time to deliver an energetic and eclectic set this evening. BTW: You’ll also be treated to some free refreshments. Danger! Danger! Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 8pm, $5 (Free before 9pm), All Ages – Bill McThrill

 

Honestly, we’re just trying to get the hell out of here for Happy Hour before we head over to Sun Airway at the Church tonight, and we are super stoked about The Roots Picnic tomorrow so you know where we’ll be this weekend. Hope to see you out because the weather should be fantastic! Cheers!

 

Other things to get down to this weekend…

 

Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) SAT Debut of PBC Kenzinger Commerical w/ Black Landlord and Kuf Knotz

 

Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI S.T.O.P., North Lawrence Midnight Singers, Le Fits, SAT The Fleeting Ends and Sunny Ali & The Kid, SUN Ladder Devils and Halo of Snakes

 

North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) SUN Dive

 

The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI (All Ages) Sexoffice and Dirty Cartoons, (Late) Sunshine Superman and The Heat Run, SAT (All Ages) The Great Explainer, (Late) SAT The Warhawks and The Assembly Line, SUN (All Ages) Common Enemy and Scareho, SUN Royal Shoals and Kelly & The Ruths

 

M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) SAT The Left Lingo and Old Rival Hope, SUN Agent Moosehead

 

Tritone (1508 South St.) FRI Betty Iron Thumbs CD release w/Levee Drivers and Cow Pals, SAT Boogie Witch, Broken Prayers, Dixie Blood, SUN Dancing Goats and Moon Dawgs

 

Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) FRI Jeffrey Gaines, SAT Philly Fusion Project

 

The Blockley (3801 Chestnut St.) SAT Enlighten Philadelphia feat. PEX/Playloop, SUN Hamburger Hunt and Natural Selection

 

Danger Danger Gallery (5013 Baltimore Ave.) FRI Psalmships, Annachristie of Sisters 3, Former Belle, SAT Bikeworks Benefit w/The Shakes, Skin Cells, Sour Mash, Pinelands, SUN Party Photographers and Dangerbird

 

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI One.25 Benefit Concert w/Wild Rompit, Woodlane Ave, Grind City, SUN Rock to the Future Year End Showcase w/Grandchildren and The Creeping Weeds

 

The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) FRI Eco-RAGE Fundraiser, Saturday (Day) Sic Bacchus and Philly Youth Poetry Movement, SAT (Night) Penrose & WXPN Present: NO EXCUSES! Summer Series w/Penrose, Conversations with Enemies, Toy Soldiers

 

Triumph Brewery (117 Chestnut St.) FRI First Friday Showcase Hosted by Dani Mari & Boy Wonder, SAT West Philadelphia Orchestra

 

The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) FRI Tapas – A Roots Pre Picnic Treat w/ Dice Raw, Money Making Jam Boys, and Much More, SAT Welter, SUN The Fetals

 

PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St.) SAT Phonographiq and Gabreal

 

Bookspace (Please contact one of the acts for details.) FRI Time Hitler & the Assholes from Space and Dan Malloy, SAT Birthday Bashing Show w/Combine, Suncrusher, Cousin Brian, The Sniffles, Harsh Vibes

 

First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) FRI Sun Airway

 

Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI Missing Keys

 

The Barbary (951 N. Frankford St.) SAT F.O.D.

 

Theatre of Living Arts (334 South St.) FRI Lebowski Fest Philly w/Chipocrite, SUN MAD Dragon Records Showcase w/ Hezekiah Jones, The Spinning Leaves, Kuf Knotz, When I Was 12, Gypsy Death and You, and More

 

The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St.) FRI Certain Circuits Issue 1.1 Issue Launch w/Horsey, Apogee, Radio
Eris

 

Highwire Gallery (2040 Frankford Ave.) SUN Scott Churchman and Jeff Carter

 

Hong Kong Garden (Please contact one of the acts for details.) FRI Art Show Punk Show II w/HK, Old Scratch, Cool Moms, UANDI

 

The Shorehouse (Contact ECBLAST@gmail.com for more info.) FRI Lie Still (Ex-Benumb), Triac, Nothing Is Over, Amputee

 

Nicos Gun is a band of a chill dudes. Not only do they have their crazy loose hooks, dance-rock freak outs, and fuzzy electric struts, the four-piece – that is Barney Cortez, Andrew Black, Nick Bockrath, and Harry Zelnick, who snagged a Grammy at 17 for his work with Ludacris on “War With God” – also has one hell of an unrelenting sense of humor. It’s a part of their appeal as a local indie outfit that, while only together as a recording act for about a year, has amassed a sick amount of buzz and praise. They’re on their second tour of 2011 already, hitting new cities and playing the major festival circuit (Roots Picnic this weekend, XPoNential, MTK Festival and PEX Festival to name a few). They’re also working on some new EPs that will come out soon like gunfire, and if the names of their DIY EPs are any indications, the titles of the forthcoming EPs should be beyond interesting. We spoke with the guys via phone the Friday before their performance at the Disco Biscuits‘ BISCO INFERNO at Colorado’s hallowed Red Rocks Amphitheater on May 28. We’d tell you what they talked about, but it’s much better if you go in not knowing what to expect. ‘Coz Nicos Gun is nothing if not unpredictable. You can check out the interview HERE.