The first impression and debut single from Philly trio Goldenaire, "No Memory," is a solid one. A buoyant psych-pop balloon dreamily drifts; however, the continuous, rhythmic push helps to ground the track, as swirls of guitar and vocals keep it afloat. A pleasant duality of focus comes to fruition.

A weary, ghostly element permeates throughout Dark Thoughts freshly released Halloween Tape. Meshing that cautiously, creepy aesthetic with the band’s infectious brand of exuberance, the four-song demo set is both befitting the season and a preview of what’s to come from the Philly punk crew. Dark Thoughts are scheduled to perform at the LAVA Space tonight, as part of a benefit for the venue that also includes Jenna and the Pups, Dialer, and a Germs cover set, before heading out on a Midwest Halloween run.

It’s been way too long since we’ve heard from CBMC (Cyberbully Mom Club). So somewhat naturally, a double take was in order when a new song, “.000125,” popped up on our radar. Delicately splicing and unraveling warm guitar with a simple drum machine backdrop, the soothing, solution-oriented lyrics seem to tip the instinctual scales, in whimsical bedroom-pop fashion. Hopefully this is an indication that more will be on the way from Shari Heck.

Ahead of its official release date, you can now stream and purchase Slaughter Beach, Dog‘s new full-length album Birdie (Lame-O Records). Jake Ewald reinforces his ability to write songs that have an inherent, familiar, folk ease, crafting detail-rich, animated scenes. One naturally transplants himself/herself into the self-evaluating, melancholy-tinged moments, finding a new place of refuge. Next week, Slaughter Beach, Dog will be heading out on a November-spanning tour with Shannen Moser and Walter Etc.

Earlier this month, hardcore outfit Body Party released a new album, Who Is Cool, which is available on cassette via Ranch Records. As if shot out of a cannon, its lead track, “Ready Set Rock,” immediately bombards. That sonic storm sets the tone for an all-out expulsion of emotion. Establishing a barrier, the band digs its heels in, and dares anyone to push back.

Movie Was Bad, the debut EP from Sixteen Jackies, has recently found its way out into the world. Reassuring vocal warmth is countered by an eerily haunting element, lurking in the distance. However, there is an elegance in the band’s songwriting that collides with a sense of audaciousness, calling to mind such artists as Of Montreal and Ziggy Stardust-era Bowie. The quartet is slated to stir things up this Saturday, October 28 at Spank Banquet’s Halloween Party, with Ceramic Animal, Attic Tapes, and Chifa.

Get ready to swoon for Sheer Mag‘s Christina Halladay and Dirty Fences new collaboration! "One More Step" brings on the old-timey feels, transporting us to the days when people excitedly sat by their radios or diner jukeboxes to hear the latest and greatest tunes. You can find the heartfelt rock ballad on Dirty Fences forthcoming album, Goodbye Love, due out this Friday via Greenway Records. Enjoy!

Philly’s own Honey Radar and Bloomington, Indiana’s Mike Adams at His Honest Weight share musical territory on their new split release, Frogman / Weather On, co-issued via Third Uncle Records and Flannelgraph Records. For their part, Honey Radar meshes coarse rough-n-tumble rock with an alluring psych invitation, while their counterpart contrasts with a clairvoyant polish. You can catch Jason Henn and company next Thursday, November 2 at Kung Fu Necktie, as part of a locals-only bill that also includes Dark Web, Andrew Jeffrey Wright, Telepathic, and Soft Crime.

Released via Box Theory Records, "Stop the Sunrise" is the new single from the Justin Geller-led electro-rock project Remote Places. Co-produced with Jeff Zeigler, the song wax and wanes from mysterious wafts of keys to palpitating kick-drum action, courtesy of Pissed Jeans‘ Sean McGuinness. Guitar flourishes are also provided by former Pink Skull partner-in-crime Julian Grefe, with Mikele Edwards (Myrrias) on piano and vocal harmony, contributing to the track’s danceable AM haze.

100% of the proceeds from Pill Friends‘ new compilation, Let’s Be Nice – B-sides, Covers & Demos (Out of Breath Records), will go to a trust for Ryan Wilson’s daughter, Laurel. Weaving a communicable blend of lo-fi fragility and enthusiasm, this collection continues to exhibit bedroom-door-ajar, personal narratives. Drenched in vocal sensitivity and sparse, into-the-void instrumental accompaniment, the songs take hold. Orchestrating an inherent sadness with cathartic ends, one is reminded of Wilson’s brilliant vulnerability.

Stripped-down strings and piano instrumentation cast cathedral-style closeness on the recently issued EP, We Were Babies & We Were Dirtbags (Polyvinyl Records), from Beach Slang‘s James Alex, under the moniker Quiet Slang. Coupling a pair of originals, "Future Mixtape For the Art Kids" and "Bad Art & Weirdo Ideas," with a tandem of covers in The Replacements’ "Androgynous" and Big Star’s “Thirteen,” Alex temporarily trades his unabashed fury for a more subdued, still-spirited sound. Shifting one’s perspective and expectations, this Quiet Slang scenario appears to be the start of something rather than merely a standalone. Currently on the road as part of an extensive touring schedule, Beach Slang will be back in town on Saturday, December 2 at the TLA, supported by Dave Hause & The Mermaid and The Homeless Gospel Choir.

Ohio transplants Sports are a much-welcomed addition to the local music landscape of Philly. The rambunctious powerpop gets our booty shaking and limbs joyously flailing in all directions, before we collapse, gasping for air. Below is "Calling Out," the band’s second contribution to its split 7" with San Francisco’s Plush, which is now available via Father/Daughter Records. You can find the gang at Pilam on Wednesday, November 8, where they’ll be joined by Boosegumps and Brooklyn’s Yucky Dusters and Fits. (Photo by Hunter Prunty)