Pleasure Systems is the soft pop alias of Clarke Sondermann, a Philadelphian who is also a member of the band The Washboard Abs. With Pleasure System’s newest release Terraform, Sondermann strives for intimacy and contact in a digital space, working within the paradox of separation and emotional distance during a time in which we are said to be closer than ever to one another. The stay relatively downtempo, with delicate synths and gentle rhythms swirling around Sondermann’s somber ruminations. Terraform is reminiscent of early 2000’s pop like The Postal Service, but is reimagined in the context of their contemporaries like Body Meat, Ada Babar, and Kasra Kurt. Tracks like “Milk & Honey” actively take time to delve into more experimental musical breaks, embarking into danceable sequences throughout the album. Terraform plays more like a warm herbal tea than a Four Loko, perfect for those quieter moments in this rainy season. – Josh Kelly
Snooze “Familiaris”
Math Rockers Snooze released their latest album, Familiaris, last week. The group blends Math Rock with elements of Punk and Hardcore to create an inventive and addictive sound.
You can catch Snooze on May 17th at HVAC Pub with Man Cub, Moother Goose, and ZØRILA.
Krust Toons: “You’re Booking Cover Bands Now?” by Tedd Hazard
Krust Toons: "You’re Booking Cover Bands Now?" 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.
Dead Ending “(It’s Not) What You Believe”
Dead Ending released a new single, “(It’s Not) What You Believe” b/w “Painkiller”, last week via Alternative Tentacles. This is the first new music we have had the from the hardcore band since 2017.
This is the work of Hardcore legends Vic Bondi, Jeff Dean, Derek Grant, and Nate Gluck.
The Founding Daddies plays 05.14 at The Basement East’s New Faces Night
The Founding Daddies brought their music into full swing in 2019, playing a handful of shows around town and releasing their EP Headcase this past week. The trio will continue their journey into Nashville’s indie rock scene with a show at The Basement East’s New Faces Night on May 14th. The band has played with other local acts of note such as Mel Bryant and the Mercy Makers, Jon Worthy & the Bends, and Molly Martin. The Headcase EP has five tracks showcasing the versatility of The Founding Daddies, with tracks ranging in sound from Green Day to Jason Isbell. Take a listen to the title track below. – Will Sisskind
The Child of Eve
The Child of Eve is the earnest folk music of Benjamin Groth. He released his debut EP, “Bramble”, earlier this year, and it is beautiful, thoughtful independent music.
You can catch The Child of Eve at Bitter Jester Festival in Highland Park on June 14th.
Will Bennett & The Tells “Charades”
Will Bennett & The Tells recently released the first single, “Charades”, from their forthcoming album, All Your Favorite Songs, which is due out July 22nd. This is the Alt-Country band’s first album single 2016’s, Wichita.
In addition to singer/songwriter Will Bennet, The Tells are primarily Wilson Brehmer (Guitar), Ethan Kenvarg (Bass), and Daniel Martinson (Drums, Backing Vocals).
You can catch Will Bennet & The Tells at The Owl on May 8th with Blind Adam & The Federal League.
Retro pop duo Fly By Midnight debuts video for single “Waiting Tables”
A laid-back afternoon in the ‘burbs with your buddy is something many New Yorkers rarely experience, if ever. So it’s somewhat refreshing to stumble upon a video by a NYC band that’s just about that: walking in the middle of the streets, dancing on rooftops and in empty parking lots, and picking up Wendy’s are only some of the "adventures" duo Fly By Midnight indulges in to the sound of their own feel-good retro pop. With its addictive, soulful melodies and gentle uptempo rhythms, this single is so uplifting that it can make even a regular day in the ‘burbs feel special. The track and its accompanying video are a preview of the bands’ LP, scheduled for later this year. – Rene Cobar
New Hotel Neon LP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Vanishing Forms, the latest release from ambient-trio Hotel Neon, was is out now via Archives. One is drawn toward the tranquil instrumentation that gradually washes over you, providing and revealing an internal clarity. That peacefulness results from the intricacies of sonic layers wrapping around you and wearing at the troubles of daily life. PhilaMOCA will play host to the band’s record release show, on Friday, May 17, supported by Christopher Tignor and Slow Meadow.
It’s 2019 and Pen Palindrome still makes rainy day loops and pleasingly sad songs with a guitar
Pen Palindrome sets the stage for catharsis with a series of soothing, subtly sad loops on Live @ Third Rail’s opening track, “Pavement". Taking her time, Palindrome’s airy vocals creep in with the words, “I can feel you. In my childhood home I still feel you.” After some skillful wandering, Palindrome dives deeper into her sound on the quintessentially indie track “Anna I’m Sorry”. Painting simple strokes on the bittersweet canvas that she has created, Palindrome sings “Anna I’m sorry, we couldn’t work it out,” and the result is convincing. The rest of the release is a series of similar, successful tracks, closed out by a nice III chord feature on “Song for Mozart”.
The word indie has changed quite a bit over the years, but applying the description to this release seems appropriate. There is real music being made here, a great achievement.
Standout tracks: Anna I’m Sorry, Song for Mozart
-Mike Dranove
Fell Runner weave breezy art-pop on “Come Home,” play Bootleg Bar on 6/19
Every note Fell Runner plays fills the ears with a sense of discovery. The art-rock quartet’s latest, "Come Home," weaves intricate guitar lines over polyrhythmic drum fills. Their integration of instruments blends seamlessly with a vibrancy that reflects their learned abilities, while also showcasing a spontaneity that sounds charmingly personalized. The band presents a melancholic scenario through their yearning pleas, and yet it brims with life—they harmonize together in playful accord, shrugging their lament with a wide-ranging sound that is both breezy and engaging.
"Come Home" is the first single off Fell Runner’s forthcoming second album, Talking, out June 29 via YES PLZ. Catch them at Bootleg Bar on June 19. Juan Rodríguez
Malci “Papaya!”
Malci released his latest album, Papaya!, this week. This is experimental Hip Hop that blends jazz, funk, found sounds, and more while creating complex beats to support Malci’s inventive lyrics.
This is the follow-up to Malci’s 2017 album, Do You Know Yourself, and a fine example of just how sonically diverse Hip Hop is in 2019.
You can catch Malci at Schubas on June 2nd with Jordanna and Little Church.