Palm is making waves by finding a common ground between the fractured repetition heard in sample-based electronic music and the driving force of a full rock outfit. The band announced the upcoming release of its second full-length album, Rock Island, which is slated to drop on February 9 via Carpark Records. Coupled with the announcement is a new video for “Pearly,” the first single off of the LP. Moving through pixelated fields under an indigo sky, an array of shapes and colors are layered against one another in the roving, point-of-view footage, while a pair of disembodied hands hover mid-screen. The track and its visual accompaniment evoke the feeling of exploration into a digital world tethered to reality, which very much seems to be the case for this stunningly inventive band. – Josh Kelly

Born Under 76, the new LP from the hard-rockin’ trio of Hound, was recently released, with Let’s Pretend Records handling vinyl and cassette formats, while CDs are available via SRA Records. Oozing an inherent vocal-commanding, riff-galvanizing, classically heavy sound, a loose, energetic clarity resounds. Saturated in fuzz and quaking backend, the band finds a manner to channel its, at times, psych-inflected, adrenaline-laced tone, while maintaining a tank full of fun. That dynamic groove/riff combo seeps into your skull, and won’t let go.

“Pulp,” the new single from The Twindows serves as a haunting/humorous reminder of the inescapable nature of the current political environment. Our very own Tedd Hazard (Krust Toons) created this video, which hovers between a playful Halloween-centric aesthetic and the downward spiral of panic and dread that the news cycle can create. Maybe it’s best to view this all as some bizzaro alternative reality.

Certain aesthetics may survive from one generation to the next, but in the process often undergo a metamorphosis as a culture’s approach toward making music changes. We have become gifted multi-taskers – all the different roles we have to take on to make a living wage, attention spans doled out between phones and friends, apps running side by side, our browsers buried deep in open tabs. Our ability as time-shifters to bounce through multiple worlds at a given moment, to pick up and pause a multitude of running stories – these features of our daily lives are teased out in the works of Philly sound maverick Ada Babar. Babar’s music conveys a sublime terror, a highly technical and often hilarious succession of musical splendor laid out before a lush backdrop. His newest release, Nino Tomorrow (Favourite Tapes), is a split EP with Palm frontman Kasra Kurt. The first half of the album is Babar, transitioning via a phone call sequence midway through to Kurt’s laidback, drifting contribution. The production value is painstakingly consistent throughout, maintaining a sense of space and tone as the songs progress. In many cases, split releases give the impression that the album is a converging point for two distinct worlds, but on Nino Tomorrow, both artists are enmeshed within the other’s sonic palate, resulting in music that feels alien yet wholly relatable. – Josh Kelly

Former River City Extension frontman Joe Michelini’s latest slew of songs is a vibrant tribute to Americana-infused indie rock, romance, and self-determination.

Opening with the effervescent sound of “Soot,” Amuse-oreille, Vol. 1 seduces its listener via visceral guitar licks, yearning, melodic vocals, and straight-forward lyricism. As Michelini and Hemming’s Candice Martello croon, “Things get rough when you don’t know who you are”; American Trappist’s audience is reminded just how vital honesty is, not only with others, but with yourself as well. “Soot” is an homage to self-discovery and the trials and triumphs that go hand in hand with embracing your inner truth. Like early aughts Drug Rug meets The Babies’ Our House on the Hill, the sonic energy of it smolders, with each line reaffirming the track’s pathos with urgency.

“Fear Nothing” gradually swells to a lush and rhythmic ode to the joy that can be found in uncertainty on the brink of new beginnings. Adequately titled, the EP’s second offering is an uplifting, yet practical anthem that urges listeners to seize the day. Giving way to the bouncing keys of “Heaven,” Michelini builds the tale gradually, before it tears away at the seams with distorted riffs and reverb that eventually disintegrate into “Fireworks.” Channeling his inner Springsteen and Walt Whitman, the artist shares what feels like a love song, penned specifically for our beloved Philadelphia. Vibrant, catchy, and the perfect balance between innovation and nostalgia, “Fireworks” is a realist’s portrait of the contradictions, complexities, and brash beauty of the American Dream.

American Trappist’s songs are sincere, subtly sentimental (in a good way), and absolutely memorable. Amuse-oreille, Vol. 1 will fill your heart with warmth and light as fall gives way to winter. – Dianca London 

With six tracks that leave you in tatters, Anxiety Driven Nervous Worship, the debut EP from the Plaque Marks, is a primal force to be reckoned with. Available on vinyl via Learning Curve Records and CD courtesy of Reptilian Records, the short selection from the supergroup of local heavyweights exhibits a relentless, haunting, rhythmic and vocal snarl. That chainsaw-grinding tension and power looms, before boiling over the surface in ominous, heart-pumping sludge. Kung Fu Necktie will play host to the band’s EP release show on Wednesday, November 15, with additional support from Bardus, Rubber, and Buildings. (Photo by Dan Torrieri)

Orindal Records will be releasing Friendship‘s new album, Shock Out Of Season, on November 3; however, one can sample it early – courtesy of HyperMachine. A continuous flow of introspective, lyrical assessments loosely travels on a road paved with the timely tap and twinkle of percussion and synth, forging both unity and space. A serene sense of progress pushes these compositions forward, without abandoning the earnest imagery that serves as its foundation. Friendship and Power Animal will be co-headlining a dual record release show, supported by Tall Friend and Free Cake For Every Creature, on Friday, November 17 at Everybody Hits. (Photo by Abi Reimold)

In a time when many are more likely to engage with their phones rather than another individual, Bahamadia has turned technology into an efficient means of working on the go. Dialed Up 2 serves as the 2nd installment of her series, recorded/produced on a cellphone. The twelve-minute EP, which was sequenced with the aid of Bear One, smoothly transitions as a diverse range of emcees add their unique, lyrical flava. Step into the front seat, and take a listen as a relaying crew sounds off.

Krust Toons: "Buying Bass Gear on Facebook" 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.

A lot has changed in our world since Shamir Bailey’s debut full-length, Ratchet, landed via XL Recordings in 2015. In a social climate heated by derision on high, a pervasive distrust in information, and an undesiring malaise out-sourced upon youth culture, the messaging voiced on Shamir’s latest release, Revelations, rings all the more pertinent to our present moment. The new LP (which is currently streaming over at NPR and officially drops on November 3 via Father/Daughter Records) is the product of soul-searching; the result is a collection of burgeoning, guitar-laden, lo-fi pop that sets the stage for Shamir to speak candidly of his experiences, while also conveying the desire to do so through a musical vocabulary that marks a departure from what the industry came to expect of the young artist. As a moment of reclamation for the Vegas transplant, Revelations is a call to action to empower a generation of disenfranchised kids mangled by financial burdens, grappling with existential anxieties and self-hate. Finding one’s voice is a solitary task, yet the result is often surprisingly resonant within a collective struggle. The result of Shamir’s inward journey is a collection of bedroom pop bliss that sounds stripped down and vulnerable, yet wholly confident in their prevailing over adversity. – Josh Kelly

Louisville classic guitar rockers White Reaper have sweet riffs-n-hooks aplenty on their new full-length album The World’s Best American Band (Polyvinyl). They’ll be rollin’ the rock caravan into town next Monday, November 6 at The Foundry, joined by Chicago psych-pop outfit Post Animal. To enter for a chance to win a pair of tix, just send an email to thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com with the subject line "The World’s Best American Band". Please also include your cell number in the body of the message (in case of an emergency). Good luck!

We know. What to do? What to do…this Halloween weekend? We love the all hallow-est of eves! And Philly does not have a shortage of diverse things to do. If you find the idea of swanky surroundings with the echo of groove-oriented experimental beats flowing through your ears and tarot card readings blowing your mind, Final Friday’s AfroFuturist Affair Costume Ball at the Philadelphia Art Museum this evening with locals Moor Mother, Sammus, and Fholston Paradigm is a no-brainer. And since things will be wrapping up relatively early, you still have plenty of time to catch Dark Thoughts at the LAVA Space benefit. On Saturday, the 8^th annual TJ Kong Halloween Murdershow will be doing debaucherous things in the below ground lair of Underground Arts. The familiar faces of Levee Drivers and Tutlie will be joined by sexified newcomers OOLALA and Shy Boyz. And if you don’t really feel like leaving the Fishtown/Kensington/NoLibs area, tomorrow will be a nice evening to take a buzzed walk to your favorite neighborhood DIY space Everybody Hits for Hurry’s 2^nd Annual Halloween Spooktacular, with pals Shannen Moser, Cave People, and Anomie. All proceeds will go to The Humane League of Philadelphia. For those who really haven’t had enough this Halloween weekend, you might need to chill out at Union Transfer, where Petal will be performing a solo set, opening for the always captivating Julien Baker and Half Waif. Wherever you find yourself, enjoy that you are there – cheers! – Alexis V.

More Halloween Weekend Fun…

Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI Hezekiah Jones, DeadFellow, Ali Wadsworth, SAT TJ Kong Halloween Murdershow VIII: TJ Kong & The Atomic Bomb, Tutlie, Levee Drivers, Shy Boyz, Red 40 and the Last Groovement, OOLALA

Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) SAT Minka, Thrills

Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI Street Stains, SAT Pink Slip Daddy, Dixy Blood, SUN Spent Flesh, Dumal, Mob Terror, Atomic Cretins

Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Throbbing Chakra, Rubber/DJSC/Duffy’s Cut, SAT Black Urn/Fame Lust, SUN Deathmonger AD, Mota, Plot/Erik Kramer, Maggie Mae

Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St,) SUN Petal (Solo)

The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) SAT Dead Milkmen, Green Meteor

TLA (334 South St.) SAT Tweed

The Fillmore Philadelphia (1100 Canal St.) SAT Baceface

The Foundry (1000 Frankford Ave.) FRI DJ Grotzy Versace

Electric Factory (421 N. 7^th St.) SAT Pluto Era

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FR I (Upstairs) Dirty Dozen Dance Band/(Downstairs) Greg Sover Band

Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2^nd St.) FRI Tektonic, Muscle Tough, Darla, SAT My Son Bison, Rosali, Oldermost, SUN Shon Goner

The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) SUN The Old Souls, Chalk and The Beige Americans, Gringo Motel, The Sideshow Prophets

The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) FRI Apex Predator, Mesmeria, Ketosis, SAT Secret Nudist Friends, The Pretty Greens, SUN Bad Luck 13, Eaten Alive, Gloves Off/Dirty Purple, Moonroof, Vague Advice, It Makes Sounds

Century (1350 S. 29^th St.) FRI Conflict Theory, War Vomit

MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) SAT Suburban Living (DJ Set)

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

Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SAT The Jersey Corn Pickers, SUN Rusty Cadillac

Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9^th St.) FRI Pravda, Endless Taile, Tantra, SAT Stinking Lizavetta, Thorazine, Workhorse III, The End AD, Thee Minks, Mojo Machine

Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) SUN The Roddenberries

The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Slomo Sapiens, Local Smokes, SAT Duke Brothers, Bonehead

Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) FRI Philly Bloco, SUN Philly Loves Petty: Low Cut Connie, Ben Arnold, Mo Lowda & The Humble (with Joe Reinhart), Smash Palace, Travel Lanes, Hinton Bower Jones, Big Jangle, No Good Sister, Nik Greeley Ross Bellenoit

Philadelphia Museum of Art (2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.) FRI Afrofuturistic Affair Costume Ball: Moor Mother, Sammus, Fhloston Paradigm

Everybody Hits (529 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Italoween SAT Hurry, Cave People, Shannen Moser, Anomie

The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18^th St.) SUN Matthew W. Charles, Side Pocket Louie, Everyone Except Me, Rasan Allbritton

LAVA Space (4134 Lancaster Ave.) FRI Dark Thoughts, Jenna and The Pups, Dialer

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

Spank Banquet (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Ceramic Animal, Attic Tapes, Sixteen Jackies, Chifa