Hardcore quartet Pithair recently introduced itself with a self-titled debut EP. Instantly cultivating an unadulterated snarl as seething, throat-testing vocals are complimented by the focused, rhythmic rumble, that nonstop push is aided by personal, space-carving, guitar riffs, spiking the guttural roar. Hitting quickly and getting up in your face in the process, Pithair has arrived. (Photo by Georgia Smith)

On March 30, Dig Yourself, the debut full-length album from Queen of Jeans, will be released via Topshelf Records. Its lead single, “More to Love,” finds a blissful balance. The assertive elegance of its lead vocals are reinforced by the polish of a harmonious backing chorus. Simmering in smooth rhythms, the song opens lines of intimate communication. Catch Queen of Jeans’ record release show on Saturday, March 31 at Underground Arts, where they’ll be supported by Katie Ellen and Harmony Woods!

The trio of Sun Opus recently shared its debut album Lucky Man. Person L compatriots Brian Medlin (Legendary Divorce), Charlie Schneider (The Elk Band), and Ryan Zimmaro (Vacationer) once again combine forces. The LP locks into a futuristic rock sound, as noise percolates around the perimeter. The immediacy of gritty guitar and cued danger meshes with limitless orientations of discovery as the music unfolds.

A murky, meandering bassline, woven with acoustic guitar, creates a haunting level of menace in “Dead Town” by Wrapscallion, a.k.a. Cameron Alexander (formerly of Tangiers). Kicking up dust as one walks along the desolate dirt road, the narrative speaks to the dangers of herd mentality and the dreary doom that may follow as a result. The song’s lingering refrain suggests trouble, when one’s ideal paradise transforms into their worst nightmare. How can we escape?

With an album in the works, the quartet of My Name Is Tom recently shared its first official single. “It’s Fine, I’m Sorry” explores the aftermath of a breakup, languishing in reflection, while pushing forward. Oozing with emotives, the song sits in a valley between the melancholy of memory and recognition amid the current state of affairs. That balancing act of having one foot in the past and the other in the future is difficult to maintain. 

New Sunglasses is the latest EP from Matt Terrones, a.k.a. Neutral Shirt. Trekking through turbulent times and emerging on the other side with an optimistic outlook, the collection of tracks offers a fresh optimism. Exuding hopeful, buoyant narratives, these songs let the sunlight in. Embrace the positive possibilities.

Krust Toons: "I Went to a Fall Out Boy Concert and…" by Tedd Hazard – please feel free to drop him a line at teddandthehazards@gmail.com if you dig or have any funny ideas. You can also check out more of his illustrations and animation shorts HERE.

Kyle Graham recently shared his debut album, Less Precious, under the moniker of Littless. Enlisting the help of fellow Hemming bandmates Justin Gorman and Candice Martello on bass and vocal duties respectively, among others, the recordings craft a bubbly, electro-pop atmosphere, with an experimental edge. One becomes absorbed in the lucidity of instrumental combinations. If that isn’t enough, a cover of At The Drive-In’s “Hourglass” adds to the intrigue.

Philly singer-songwriter Ali Awan recently caught our ear with his “Citadel Blues” single release. Its title track rolls out onto the street, riding a compact, loose, percussive groove. Infected with that casual vibe, the song’s protagonist searches for a deeper connection, while “Last Resort” tells a tale of yearning with a folk-country foundation. Intensified by sunny accents of violin, which make way for bouncing piano keys, the song echoes a timeless sentiment, but is steeped in tradition.

Katie Ellen maneuvers through the obstacles of personal narratives, developing momentous, melodic, glistening power pop. Juggling a range of emotion with a sense of balance, there’s a catchy, relatable release of energy. Whether sitting back in countrified twang of heart-rending openness or pushing the pace, the authenticity of the songs shines through. Coupling endearing transparency and energetic exuberance is quite a combination. This Saturday evening at LAVA Space, Katie Ellen will be joined by the folky power pop of Lily Mastrodimos-led Long Neck, who released their new album Will This Do? today via Tiny Engines. You’ll also find Deli Philly favorite Michael Cantor, a.k.a. The Goodbye Party, and the emotive-punk duo of Who Love You will be getting the night started. – Michael Colavita

Other shows to check out this weekend…

LAVA Space (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Katie Ellen, The Goodbye Party, Who Loves You

Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Octave Cat, Grimace Federation, SAT DJ Emynd, Bo Bliz: It’s the Year 2005

The Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) SAT The Naked Sun (Record Release), Madalean Gauze, Dave Bakey, SUN Dreamswell (EP Release), Aster More, Katie Jo Knaub, Haunted Homes

Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Rev. Jeremy Blessing/Something Like a Monument, Violet Phase/DJSC/4 Machines, Yōsuke DJ, Diamond Girl, SAT Done Deal, Please Die, E.D.S./Resilient, Blushed/Fame Lust, SUN The Dull Blue Lights, Behind Deadlines/Sun Organ, Decent Husky Bundles, Line Leader

Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St.) SUN The Stray Birds

The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) SUN Winter Wonder Rock

The Foundry (1000 Frankford Ave.) FRI Fame Lust (Mr. Brightside – 2000’s Indie Night), SAT Shawn Mocey

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) Dukes of Destiny, Nothing Wrong, SAT (Upstairs) Ladies First: A Benefit For Hurricane Relief For Puerto Rico: Danielle & Jennifer, Mixed People, Prima Donna, Roxy Rollz, Sylvia Platypus, SUN (Upstairs) Chestnut Grove

The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Mega Ran’s Rumble Royal/Smash Bros. Tournament, SAT Døllface, Voltheque, Bizarre Ritual

MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Bosom Band, Super Bonanza (Album Release), 2Tones Clash, SAT The Donuts, The Donut Holes, MidnightSingers

Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3^rd St.) FRI Cheeky, SAT Former Belle, Hemming/Suburban Living (DJ Set)

The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) FRI Wax Wav, The Bigness, Hold Down The Ocean

Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2^nd St.) FRI Voss “Lost & Crowned” Listening Party: Terrence Stone, Mason, Major Van Winkle, SAT Dirty Soap Blues Band, River Bones Band, The T.C. Cole Riot, SUN Shon Goner, Internal Rhyme

Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI DJ Aktive, SAT DJ Deejay

Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SAT The Joe Kenney Band, SUN Rusty Cadillac

Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9^th St.) FRI Molly Rhythm, Bern The Bastard, SAT TC Benjamin, George Engel Brooks, Carolyn Thorn, The Discount Heroes

Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7^th St.) FRI M.T.B.

Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) FRI West Philadelphia Orchestra/DJ Chris Urban, SAT Brian Toll

The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Whalewolf, Rover Rover, Somarai, SAT Saint Wilde, Jac with No K

Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) FRI Broken Arrow, AM Radio, SAT Splintered Sunlight, Miz, SUN Amy Faden

Everybody Hits (529 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Suburban Living

The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18^th St.) FRI Miss Cantaloupe, Erica Corbo/I Am Not The Universe, Children’s Books, Baloo, SAT Le Yikes Surf Club, SUN Probably Gonna Suck

Broke Down Palace (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Caffeine, Chalmers, Cocaine Breath, Get Well

The Sound Hole (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Embarker

The Surf Shack (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Rachel Andie, A Day Without Love

Glitter Galaxy (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN Soft Idiot

All Night Diner (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Very Bad Vibes (Record Release), Lidelise, Snake Boy Gang

 

Born from a fledgling hardcore-punk act, made up of former Window Liquor, Rodent Lord, and Occult 45 members, “Narcos Family Band is the Philly Rock n Roll cult you’re already a part of.” The band dropped their latest release Pink Blues (King Pizza Records) just as we ventured into 2018, so if you were a bit preoccupied and haven’t had a chance to take a listen to it yet, you can stream the four-song collection below. We also caught up with NFB drummer Old Rick to get the 411 about the family of rockers coming up from the underbelly of Philly’s DIY community. You can check out the interview HERE!

Raw sparks of electricity are scattered as one listens to dmo, the introductory release from Philly four-piece TVO. The continuous churn of formidable rhythm carves a path for the primal screams/snarls. Blitzing the brain with an immediate onslaught, the recordings trigger a grimy yet groovin’ reaction. Prepare yourself, it hits hard and fast.