Philadelphia

Orbit to Leslie Land at JB’s April 15

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Multi-genre bending super freaks Orbit to Leslie have been keeping things spicy since the release of their album The World Was Saved With Chocolate Cake. From the salsa beats of “Elephant Fist”, to the drum processions, keyboard overtures and echoed up vocals of “Chocolate Cake” – it’s a manic rush of pure excitement. The band has played a bunch of local shows in support of their debut full length. Da Comrade! continue to impress with the songs from their homage album to their defunct West Philly house/venue, Chernobyl, The War From Your Living Room. And this outing might just mark their first big showing at JB’s. They’ll also be joined by Kite Party who just recently released the EP Wish Mountain on Prairie Queen Records and Brooklyn’s Caves (I think you should make an effort to get there early to see). Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ myspace.com/orbittoleslieBill McThrill

Philadelphia

Man Like Machine Make Alliteration Cool Again at M Room April 15

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Philadelphian rock trio Man Like Machine are coming to the M room tonight, and the late blooming 14 year old girl inside of me couldn’t be more excited. These dudes with a capital D create glossy stadium ready rock tunes full of thick synth lines and lofting guitar solos. To be honest, these guys did not rub me the right way from the start, as they not only named Marilyn Manson as an influence, (don’t worry, I’ve seen Bowling For Columbine so I know how ‘multi-dimensional’ and ‘misunderstood’ he is), but they also covered U2. Now, I am not saying that I would have preferred, say, Marilyn Manson, but U2 is just one of those bands that I would like to shank if I got the chance. That being said, their music does highlight some of their more interesting influences at times sounding reminiscent of The Rapture or Q and not U with their aggressive angular guitars and disco drums. Just as easily, though, they make shimmery pop morsels that The Killers would die for. Their influences are quite apparent, which makes it easy to tell if they will be one of your new obsessions or totally forgotten since your nano only has 2 gigs and you finally got your hands on that Wyclef discography. So find out for yourself by coming out tonight to see a band that could very well be making noise in the alt scene in the near future. M Room. 15 W. Girard Ave, 9pm, $8, 21+ myspace.com/manlikemachine – Adam G.

 

 

Philadelphia

U.S. Girls Back from Europe at DDG April 14

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U.S. Girls’ (a.k.a. Meghan Remy a.k.a. Meghan Uremovich) songs contain that beautiful primal instinct inside man and in this case woman to make music. It’s that moment of inspiration by the first person to use a log or a couple of stones as an instrument to joyously express how he or she felt inside. It’s that dire need to create and invent separating the artists from the wannabes. So welcome Remy back from her 2-month jaunt through the U.K., Italy, France and Sweden tonight at Danger Danger Gallery with the always sinister Hot Guts, rockin’ My Mind and interstellar grooves of Mi Ami. You can catch up with her about all the hot topics that she might have missed on the road in Europe like flash mobs, healthcare reform and the recent step closer to the legalization of pot in Philly! Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 8pm, $5 – $10 donation, All Ages myspace.com/usgirlsss (Photo by Jessica Kourkounis from this week’s City Paper cover story) – H.M. Kauffman
 

 

Philadelphia

Pilam in Jeopardy!?!

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Well, I just received some awful news yesterday for our indie music community. As some of you may or may not know, Pilam’s Human BBQ was shutdown early this Saturday by the cops. It was definitely a huge buzzkill for what was a fantastic day/evening! What’s worse is that I was told the venue/house is in jeopardy of being shutdown by Penn which means all future events are currently in limbo that also includes The Deli’s Best of Philly Showcase scheduled for next Saturday w/Reading Rainbow, Grandchildren and Levee Drivers. We are currently looking into an alternative venue just in case Penn decides to shut them down, but we are hoping for the best. I’ll keep you updated about Penn’s decision and the moving or rescheduling of The Deli’s Best of Philly Showcase. We know. This SUCKS! We’re totally bummed too. – Q.D. Tran

 

Philadelphia

Casting Call for Free Energy’s “Bang Pop” Video!

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Did you see the “balloon video” and think “those Free Energy dudes look like fun guys – I’d love to be in one of their videos”? Well, you might have your chance! If you are available for shooting April 16 – 19, come down to Urban Outfitters (1627 Walnut St.) tomorrow Tuesday, April 13th from 5 – 7pm for your chance to be cast in Free Energy’s “Bang Pop” video. There are over 100 parts to be filled for the video. For casting, please bring a photo ID. If you are under 18 years old and want to be in the video, you must have a parent or guardian with you. Come dressed to impress, especially the ladies! – The Deli Staff

Philadelphia

Univox Wanna Rock at North Star Bar April 12

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The Philly four-piece Univox bring a refreshing interpretation of rock ‘n roll to their live performance. They can blister through songs with some serious ferocity often driven by the band’s sturdy backbone drummer Kent Boersma. When their music swells and you find yourself amidst joyous multi-layered harmonies, you can only grin because you know that you are experiencing something that is truly over the top in a good way. Univox will be joined tonight at the North Star by Thinking Machines, Br’er and an interesting new outfit from Chicago, Ornery Little Darlings. North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., 9pm, $8, 21+ myspace.com/univoxmusicH.M. Kauffman  

 

 

Philadelphia

Mikey Galactic CD Release Party at The Troc Balcony April 10

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Mikey Galactic first crashed onto the scene playing a major role in a crazy film called Bikini Bandits Save Christmas alongside Philly’s godfather of gangsta rap Schoolly D and Maynard James Keenan. Since then he disappeared and fell off the radar, but tonight’s show marks the comedy singers triumphant return and album release. And with randomly catchy tunes like “Oh My God” and “Explode”, it’s sure to be memorable. Also on the lineup will be the fantastically freaky Squidling Bros. Circus Sideshow who are ready to give a twisted preview of what their ready to bring to the Tiberino Museum during another amazing season of Carnivolution. The Troc Balcony, 1003 Arch St., 10pm, $12 adv/$14 door, 21+ myspace.com/mikeygalacticBill McThrill

 

Philadelphia

Scott Churchman Record Release Party at The Ox April 10

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Scott Churchman will be celebrating the release of his self-titled album on Single Girl, Married Girl Records tonight at The Ox w/Snow Caps, The New Heaven and The New Earth, and Ramona Cordova. You may know Churchman from his work with local bands Ape School and Folklore, whose members along with The Lilys, Whales and Cops, Kurt Vile and a handful of other musicians that he recruited to make this dark, haunting work which sounds like it channels the spirits that still lingered in the 16th century house where it was recorded. The Ox, (Just Ask myspace.com/theoxphiladelphia), 8pm, $5, All Ages myspace.com/scottchurchmanH.M. Kauffman

 

Philadelphia

Jotto Celebrate New Century Courting at M Room April 10

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Like many of the greats, Jotto formed during art school and managed to survive post-grad. Despite their quasi-cliché origin, this Brooklyn/Philly four-piece is anything but contrived. Setting to unveil their latest EP in a celebratory fashion, last March’s release of New Century Courting marks an end to countless months of recording that took place across the globe. Between Brooklyn and Tel-Aviv, Jotto’s sound remains intact, unpredictable and fresh. Lyrically fueled by their encounters with love, platonic and romantic, songs like “Little Coyotes” pay homage to city landscapes, booze and moonlight while the buzz and thump of “One Distraction” ushers a tribal backbeat into a shimmer of chants. New Century Courting is currently available for FREE download via their website. M Room. 15 W. Girard Ave, 9pm, $8, 21+ myspace.com/jottomusicDianca Potts

 

Philadelphia

‘tine – ‘tine The STDiva with a Ticket to Your Heart at JR’s April 10

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‘tine-‘tine (a.k.a. Christine Griffis) describes her music as having "atrocious sound quality and an accent to match." Her self-deprecating humor and sharp-witted tongue aimed directly at her ex-lovers are the driving force behind her short but sweet lo-fi hip-pop songs. She’s been making music since 2006 and already has two albums under her belt, so she’s spent plenty of time perfecting her craft of being as foul-mouthed as possible. Yes, it sounds like all her songs are made on GarageBand, and certainly that accent hints at a Jersey/NE Philly upbringing with the manners to match, but isn’t that the point? If you don’t get it, then screw ya! If you do get it, then join our STDiva tonight at JR’s where she’ll be sharing the bill with Filmstar, D&M, and Bornpilot. JR’s, 22nd and Passyunk Street, 8 pm, $5, 21+ myspace.com/radicalclaviclesJoe Poteracki

 

 

Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, April 9 – 11

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It’s that time of year again. Can you smell it in the air? Yes, the distinct odor of burning flesh and sweaty, rabid party-goers ready to fuckin’ rock! It’s time for Pilam’s Human BBQ version XXXII! If you missed last year’s surprise performance by The Dead Milkmen, then I don’t think that you are going to want to skip this year’s celebration, especially with such a tasty lineup on the menu for this Saturday, which we so conveniently listed for you below. This is for all those who aren’t hopped up on illegal narcotics or something that you concocted out of your medicine cabinet. We know pacing yourself is key if you want to make it to the virgin sacrifices later in the evening. Are there any virgins on college campuses anymore? Well, that’s what she told you last night, right? BTW: If virgin sacrifices and hanging out with drunken underagers aren’t your thing anymore, but you still like to rock only in a slightly mellower way with your kids then we think Kidrockers on Saturday at World Café Live with Philly’s adopted sons The Spinto Band is certainly a cool option for all you aging hipsters who want to raise a generation of good music lovers. And if you still have some energy left, there is always reliving your college years up the road at Pilam after you pass the kids off to your in-laws, parents, babysitter or any who will take them. Pilam, 3914 Spruce St., 12pm – Infinity, was told $12 but poster says $13 – FREE BBQ if you get there early, All Ages myspace.com/thepilam

 
12:00pm – 12:30pm: Campbell Davis/Mike Murphy (Upstairs)
12:30pm – 12:45pm: Golden Ages (Upstairs)
12:45pm – 1:10pm: Slutever (Upstairs)
1:10pm – 1:25pm: MC Digga (Downstairs)
1:25pm – 2:10pm: Mr. Do (Upstairs)
2:10pm – 2:40pm: Dangerous Ponies 
2:40pm – 3:20pm: The Capstan Shafts
3:10pm – 3:50pm: Netherfriends
3:50pm – 4:35pm: These United States (Upstairs)
4:35pm – 5:10pm: Electric Jellyfish
5:10pm – 5:40pm: Dangerbird 
5:40pm – 6:00pm: My Mind (Downstairs)
6:00pm – 6:30pm: Amateur Party
6:30pm – 7:00pm: Hot Guts (Downstairs)
7:00pm – 7:40pm: Algernon Cadwallader (Upstairs)
7:40pm – 8:20pm: Miniboone (Downstairs)
8:20pm – 9:00pm: The Extraordinaires (Upstairs)
9:15pm – 10:00pm: Double Dagger (Upstairs) 
10:00pm – 10:40pm: Home Blitz (Downstairs)
10:50pm – 11:30pm: Birds of Maya (Downstairs) 
11:30pm – 12:15am: Blues Control (Upstairs)
12:15am – 1:10am: Pink Skull (Downstairs)
1:10am -2:00am: Anamanaguchi (Downstairs)
 
 
Just in case this is a little too much for you, here are some more places to do your thang…
 
The Ox (Just Ask) SAT Scott Churchman CD Release Party w/An American Chinese, The New Heaven & The New Earth, Snow Caps
 
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Thom McCarthy EP Release Party w/ Sonni Shine
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Kuf Knotz and The Lizards from Mars, SAT The Sobriquets
 
M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Busses and Speed Skating, SAT Jotto EP Release Party, SUN Agent Moosehead and Late Night Drifters
 
The Khyber (56 S. 2nd St.) FRI The New Connection
 
Tritone (1508 South St.) SAT Stonethrown
 
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT American Babies

Blockley Pourhouse (3801 Chestnut St.) FRI The Great Unknown

 
Danger Danger Gallery (5013 Baltimore Ave.) FRI Conversations with Enemies
 
Millcreek Tavern (4200 Chester Ave.) FRI Lion Versus and Kettle Pot Black
 
Greenline Café (4239 Locust St.) SAT Caterpillar
 
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) SAT Mikey Galactic
 
JR’s Bar (2327 S. Croskey St.) FRI ‘tine – ‘tine and Filmstar
 
The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St.) SAT Xande Cruz
 
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SAT TJ Kong and the AtomicBomb
 
TLA (334 South St.) FRI Toy Soldiers
 

 

Philadelphia

Busses Stopping at M Room April 9

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What can you say about a band whose frontman looks like Rivers Cuomo but sings like Robert Plant? It’s hard to conceptualize the sound of Philly trio, Busses, especially when they describe themselves as a classic rock/ punk/ progressive act – a combination that makes them seem as though they are in the throws of an identity crisis. But just because it’s difficult to transcribe their sound to words, it doesn’t mean they don’t rock (yes, that’s a double negative in the good way)! Their demos feature songs that are musical montages with funky bass riffs, soaring vocals, wandering drum beats and experimental electric guitar all strung together to create epic four minute tracks. The high point of their set for me will be the head-banging anthem, “Say It Again”, in which Nick Apice releases a climactic howl, “I will not forgive you,” accompanied by crashing cymbals raining down. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 9pm, $8, 21+ myspace.com/bussesbussesbusses (Photo by R. Mott) – Katie Bennett