Kids: it’s time for a short history lesson. Once upon a time, there existed a movement. Guys would tour the country in rundown passenger vans, from dive bars to basements to rock clubs, spreading their gospel of punk rock… or at least how they thought it to be. Similarly, they wore rundown converse, and their bad haircuts were considered badges of honor. In this long ago time, emo, as it was called, was a small respected slice of the punk rock pie. Today, the effigy that was once a fixture in alternative music is but a shell of its former self… tainted by chunky highlights and side-swoop bangs. But in the basements of Philadelphia, one can experience the same sincerity and thoughtfulness that existed back then. Philly-based Kite Party, willing and ready to lead the charge, deliver us from the era of contractual agreement with their own bastarded punk rock child. Drawing reminiscence of Jawbreaker, the playful wrestling of clean bass lines and complementary guitars build an admirable backdrop for Russell Edling’s oddly hypnotic muttering. Supporting New York’s Bridge and Tunnel, it’s home field advantage for these Guildsmen tonight at The Fire. Bring your older brothers and cool slightly-younger-than-your-dad uncles, as this set will appease any purist with a yearning to return to the Golden Age. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 7pm, $8, All Ages – Ed Newton
