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

 

 

Philadelphia

Thom McCarthy EP Release Party at KFN April 9

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Thom McCarthy packed his bag and left the small coal mining town of Locust Gap, PA so he could pursue the pipedream of playing music in Philly. And if the songs from his debut EP are any indication, it looks like he’s off to an admirable start. It’s a cornucopia of guitars, horns, keyboards, xylophones, and then some. Plus you can easily hear the influences he’s borrowed upon from the likes of Brian Wilson and Hank Williams. Tonight’s show at Kung Fu Necktie marks the album’s release party, and he’ll be joined by fellow singer-songwriter Sonni Shine. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 7:30pm, $5 adv/$7 door, 21+ myspace.com/thommccarthy – Bill McThrill

 

 

Philadelphia

The Deli’s Featured Artist(s) of the Month: Attia Taylor

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We had a chance to catch up with our recent featured artist and poll winner, the adorable Attia Taylor. She’s a girl who’s not afraid “to show you how to love”. You can fall in love with her tonight at The Fire, and here is some background info about her to give you the right words to say.
 
The Deli: When and how did you start recording and performing out?
 
Attia Taylor: My band Oak Oak Okay formed during Girls Rock Philly, and after camp ended in August 2007, we had our first official show at Johnny Brenda’s for a GRP benefit. I’ll never forget it. I started recording in early 2009 with no clue as to what I was doing. My band was on a break, and I just knew that I had a Mac and a condenser mic. I made 8 songs in 8 days as a project. “Flash Photography Class” was one of them. After I finished that, I kept going and I had no idea it would go this far.
 
TD: What are your biggest musical influences?
 
AT: I’d say Badly Drawn Boy, PJ Harvey, Marvin Gaye, Imogen Heap, Grizzly Bear, Stereolab, and Belle & Sebastian.
 
TD: What artists (local, national and/or international) are you currently listening to?
 
AT: I just started listening to Reading Rainbow, so good! I’m also listening to Oh! Pears, St. Vincent, Stereo Total, Cibo Matto (always), Hot Chip, The Bird and The Bee, Joanna Newsom, Dan Deacon, Au Revoir Simone, gosh just so many.
 
TD: What’s the first concert that you ever attended and first album that you ever bought?
 
AT: The first concert was Beyonce when I was 12. It was spectacular. She’s so amazing almost to the point of robot!! I think the first album was The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill which I still listen to from time to time. They have both shaped me musically in some sense.
 
TD: What do you love about Philly?
 
AT: I love the size. You always run into someone who knows someone you know! It’s great. Philly seems so intimate and yet still has so much culture!
 
TD: What do you hate about Philly?
 
AT: Those Tastykakes with just the jelly. Super weird.
 
TD: What are your plans for 2010?
 
AT: Well, I’m currently working on a new EP called Short Stories & Small Glories, which is much different from Dear Universe, but acts as a great follow-up. Each song holds a little gem from my life thus far. It’s almost like opening a book of short stories, and I’ll just say you will dance and cry at the same time! It should hopefully be done by early June.
 
TD: What was your most memorable live show?
 
AT: Gosh, they were all so special. I think the most memorable live show was the one I played just recently with Gemini Wolf and Lillie Ruth Bussey for Sugar Town. I really admire their music so I was psyched to share a stage and so many people came out to show support!  It was just an enchanting night!
 
TD: What’s your favorite thing to get at the deli?
 
AT: I have an unhealthy obsession with Italian Hoagies. It scares me sometimes. 
 
– The Deli Staff
 

 

Philadelphia

Notekillers Reviving a Few Notes at M Room April 8

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Notekillers are so legendary that their 1980 7” was dubbed a significant influence by Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth. When the band first brought their twisted blend of psychedelic noise to the stage from 1977-1981, it was well ahead of its time. But in the present day, it’s the fitting anthem to our flash forward culture, and with the help of Thurston Moore’s Ecstatic Peace Label, the band has reunited and recorded their long-overdue debut full-length studio album We’re Here to Help, scheduled for release this spring from Naction Records, so check out what they’ve been up to lately at the M Room tonight, especially since they’ll be joined by friends Marc Laurick and Howard Harrison of Bunnydrums, who will be making some memorable noises of their own with their newest project Yeah Clementines. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave, 9pm, $10, 21+ myspace.com/notekillers – Bill McThrill

 

Philadelphia

The War On Drugs Totally Killin’ My Buzz Man at KFN April 7

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So how about that potential decriminalization of pot, huh? Now that is what I call progress. Why I bring this up is that one of Philly’s bigger success stories, and pot naysayers (we don’t really believe that), The War On Drugs, are bringing it home tonight at JB’s spunky little neighbor down the street Kung Fu Necktie. The War on Drugs’ own blissed out takes on Petty tinged jams with wall-to-wall feedback and perfectly imperfect Dylan-esque vocals have earned them spots touring with the likes of The Hold Steady and Wilco. The band have been riding the hype of their debut album, Wagonwheel Blues, on Secret Canadian in 2008, but a new album is near completion and should be reaching out to eager ears soon. I’m sure they are going to play a bunch of new stuff, so that’s even more reason to get out tonight! The show is also going to have former 2007 Deli NYC Poll Top Performer and now LA natives High Places on the bill. They have this Beach House meets Lali Puna thing going for them. Also the feminine half of the duo is quite a cutie so that’s a major plus. Don’t miss this super intimate show with two bands that are sure to be making waves on the shores of the indie scene for years to come. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 8pm, $10, 21+ myspace.com/thewarondrugs – Adam G.

 

Philadelphia

The Extraordinaires & Lux Perpetua Go Underground at Ava House April 6

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It’s been brought to our attention that while we love spreading the word about talented artists who might not always get the recognition that they deserve, the location of the underground venues that they enjoy to perform at sometimes might be put in jeopardy by our desire for everyone to join in the fun. Well, we love our local DIY venues, especially the ones that run like “Thunderdome” (where no rules really apply) so we have no problem keeping your locations a secret. But if you have a venue that you want people to know about or not really know about except for the fact that you host some kick-ass music, please feel free to e-mail us at thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com. Now that being said, The Extraordinaires and Lux Perpetua will be hosting Detroit’s Chill Bite and Zoos of Berlin at Ava House. South Philly representing YO! (BTW: Will someone please open up a decent legal South Philly venue for me to see a show at already!?!) OK, if you want directions to Ava House, go to http://www.myspace.com/avahouse215 (telephone numbers and email addresses are on there as venue contacts) or email Tony at deadindustrybooking@gmail.com. Otherwise, google (yup, you know that it’s a verb now, but should it be capitalized?) it, and get general directions to the area. Shhh…listen carefully for the music. Cheers! Ava House, (PLEASE READ ABOVE), 7pm, $5 donation, All Ages myspace.com/theextraordinaires, myspace.com/luxperpetua – Q.D. Tran

 

Philadelphia

The Deli’s April CD of the Month: People Songs – Power Animal

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When I first reviewed Female Wrestler by Power Animal (a.k.a. Keith Hampson) in December 2009, I remember thinking where are those amazing tunes with the ridiculously long names that were on his MySpace. I actually felt bad that more people might not get to hear them. Well, I’m happy to see/hear that those tracks have re-emerged on Power Animal’s official debut full length People Songs released on Waaga Records, an offshoot of indie label Lefse (Neon Indian, Tape Deck Mountain). These bedroom recordings have returned more polished, but certainly have not lost any of their experimental pop goodness that makes People Songs its own unique animal among the herds of lo-fi artists grazing on the landscape of the indie music scene. The album puts you in a dream-like state where there are plenty of moments that you find yourself happily grooving out to the strangest mixtures of polyrhythmic beats and harmonies mixed with samples, handclaps, xylophones, banjoes and anything else that might make noise. The highlight of the album for me is (take a breath) “Dear My Body, I’m Not That Body. Dear Keith Hampson I’m Not Your Name. You Are A Shaky Boat With A Curse Upon It, But I Need You To Get To The Other Side Of The Lake.”, but with other favorites like “Money/Pocket”, “All I Can Hear Are The Bees”, “Birds Have Worries Too!”, “Copernicus”, “Sometimes” – actually just hit Play Repeat All and enjoy. Fun drugs definitely recommended while listening. myspace.com/poweranimalpa – Q.D. Tran

Philadelphia

Artist(s) Who Deserve Your Friendship: Creepoid

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So I’ve been gravitating toward the debut tracks from Creepoid, a new local lo-fi psych dream pop outfit. They’ll have 30 test press 7” records available for their EP Yellow Life Giver out on Phonographic Arts tonight when they open for lo-fi California dreamin’ Best Coast and West Philly 1-2-knockout-punch combination Reading Rainbow at The Barbary. I liked Creepoid’s description of themselves from our Open Blog (yes, we do read and check them out whenever we get a chance) so I thought that I’d share it with you below, but with tracks like “My Rotten Tooth”, I think that the ghost of Kurt Cobain joined their beer-drinking and acid-taking hang with his acoustic guitar. Count me in too!

“Creepoid has a sad, dark sound that would definitely make your third eye cry. Think Beck and Lou Reed drinking beer at The Modern Lovers practice space listening to Mazzy Star on acid.”

myspace.com/creepoidphiladelphia

– Q.D. Tran

Philadelphia

The Swimmers Can Do More Than the Doggy Paddle at JB’s April 3

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Philly quartet The Swimmers’ upbeat pop debut, Fighting Trees, was enough to warrant some local fame. With last November’s People Are Soft, singer-songwriter Steve Yutzy-Burkey and fellow bandmates changed directions and crafted a laid back LP heavily influenced by 80’s New Wave. From the echoed and uttered intro of “Save Me (From the Brightness)” to the atmospheric swell of “The Bells,” The Swimmers songs are magnetically sweeping and equally moving. The energized handclaps of “Give Me Sun” drips with undertones of early Spoon (circa Girls Can Tell) with vocals fashioned after New Wavers like Toni Basil and Gary Newman with a splash of Arcade Fire’s Win Butler. A terribly fun track, “Give Me Sun” competes with the buzzing shred of “Drug Party”, making the most of humming riffs and quintessential tambourine. As catchy as Girls’ Lust For Life but with a higher grade of maturity and skill, The Swimmers’ sound, much like our current weather, is warm, exciting, and rare.  Catch ‘em tonight with BC Camplight, whom you maybe seeing for the last time, and Le Fits at Johnny Brenda’s tonight. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave, 9pm, $10, 21+ myspace.com/helloswimmers – Dianca Potts

 

Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, April 2 – 4

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Our Best of Philly Poll Winner, Reading Rainbow will be playing an early R5 show this Saturday at The Barbary with LA’s Best Coast and local lo-fi psychedelic dream pop outfit Creepoid before all the hip kids chug their Sparks (is that stuff still legal?) and take over the dance floor. Rob and Sarah should have plenty of new material for you after braving one of those ridiculous snowstorms to lay down 12 tracks at the studio of their pals Eternal Summer in Virginia, but they are very happy with how the recordings turned out. We’re all very excited that Reading Rainbow will be headlining The Deli’s Best of Philly Showcase at Pilam on Saturday, April 24th with Grandchildren and Levee Driver! The Barbary, 951 N. Frankford Ave., 7pm, $10, All Ages (Photo by Justin Roman) myspace.com/levarmotherfuckingburton
 
We know that you’d rather be outdoors this weekend, but most of the alcohol and music are inside one of these places…
 
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI The Spinning Leaves, Oso, Toy Soldiers, SAT BC Camplight and The Swimmers
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Wes Mattheu & The New Way Down
 
M Room (12 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Gentlemen Christ, SAT Sonic Spank
 
The Khyber (56 S. 2nd St.) FRI Big Terrible, Surgeon, The Rowdies
 
Blockley Pourhouse (3801 Chestnut St.) FRI High Kick Album Release Show
 
Danger Danger Gallery (5013 Baltimore Ave.) FRI The Chickens
 
Millcreek Tavern (4200 Chester Ave.) FRI Cleric
 
JR’s Bar (2327 S. Croskey St.) FRI Hulk Smash and Fuck Attack
 
Germ Books (2005 Frankford Ave.) FRI Radio Eris
 
Pterodactyl (3237 Amber St.) SAT Supergoose, The Josh and Pete Band, Steve Goldberg & the Arch Enemies
 
Club Polaris (460 N. 9th St.) SAT Major Lazer
 

 

Philadelphia

Major Lazer SOLD OUT at Club Polaris April 2

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BYAP! BYAP! MAJA LAZA BE IN DI HOUSE TONIGHT BYAP! BYAP! Philly’s own Diplo teamed up last year with English fidget house DJ Switch to create what is known as Major Lazer. Major Lazer is the Jamaican commando with a laser arm, and I presume that their debut album Guns Don’t Kill People…Lazers Do is the soundtrack that follows this guy around. Diplo’s production is evident as he forays into grimy, dub-step freak-outs that leave the listener comfortably unhinged. Most likely they will bring along hypeman/pervert Skerrit Bwoy and professional rump shaker Mimi. If you can get yourself into this sold out show, you will be sure to leave with some item of clothing missing, in a good way. Also on the bill is bombastic duo Sleigh Bells. Their jagged guitar riffs and heavy electronic blasts alongside singer Alexis Krauss’ ferocious voice prove their hype every song. Fellow Dubstepper Rusko will be filling out the bill. Club Polaris, 460 N. 9th St., 9pm, SOLD OUT, All Ages myspace.com/majorlazer – Adam G.

 

Philadelphia

The Spinning Leaves Whirl into JB’s April 2

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Since Barbara Gettes and Michael Baker first met in 2006, they’ve crafted a sound that can seamlessly be sewn into the proud tradition of American music which they’d humbly give credit to the assortment of 50+ musicians that they have worked with on their recordings. But at the forefront, you’ll find Michael the Baker’s heartfelt achy rasp and B the Leaf’s charming lilt playfully circling each other. However, they are excited about performing at Johnny Brenda’s tonight with their full band. Also on the bill with The Spinning Leaves are Oso, whose debut The Bellringer was one of my local faves last year. They’re already preparing to release a second album. Newly added to the lineup are Toy Soldiers who will surely have their army of Temple boppers hitting the dance floor. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ myspace.com/thespinningleaves – H.M. Kauffman