Sir Babygirl’s recent debut has already caught the eyes and ears of the queer community with her coined ‘hardcore bubblegum’ pop and transgender diva attitude. Positioning herself as a voice for LGBTQ individuals, this artist uses her shamelessly effervescent sound and relatable content as a tool to disrupt our culture’s binary view on gender. Her songs provide tastes of her own conflict with identity, using her music as a medium to reach those grappling with similar issues. The lyrics in debut singles “Flirting With Her” and “Heels” teeter between exposing the insecurities of transitioning and divulging candidly about queer romances, appealing to both sides of the emotional spectrum. “Heels” shimmers with hope and insight, intertwining lyrics such as, “I know it’s hard when you think you’re the only target, the mind’s a funny fruit to sell at the market” with passionate vocal swells, all wrapped in a package of cheerful, pristine pop. This artist has created music that shows the extent to which the pop genre can serve as a platform for community and activism, and intends to harness it. Listen to Sir Babygirl’s new material below, and keep an eye out for her full-length album Crush On Me, set for release January 1. -Rebecca Carroll
Jet Setting release new alt-rock single “Come Around”
Alt-rock trio Jet Setting have kept themselves quite busy throughout this past year; since picking up their instruments in the spring, they’ve played several local shows and have released two explosive singles. Now the group have dropped their latest track, a string-back spitting five minutes of heartbreak and desperation called "Come Around". Behind Zach, John, and lyricist Logan — the members of Jet Setting — play a trio of Dayna Osan on violin and viola, Natalie Mays on cello, and Kris Luis on double bass. In non-release related news, the band have just launched their website, and although they have no tour dates scheduled for the time being right now, you’ll find show listings there in the future. Take a listen to "Come Around" now. – Will Sisskind
Brendan Kelly @ Sleeping Village (12/1)
Brendan Kelly and the Wandering Birds are preparing to release a new album, Keep Walkin’ Pal, on October 26th digitally and November 23rd physically via Red Scare Industries. Kelly (The Lawrence Arms, The Falcon) recently released the LP first single, “Shitty Margarita”, ode to the very worst the drink has to offer.
You can catch Brendan Kelly and the Wandering Birds on December 1st at Sleeping Village.
Poison Boys
Poison Boys released a new 7” EP earlier this month called “Poppin’ Eyes and Flashing Feet” via White Zoo Records. This is the throwback rock sounds of Matt Dudzik (vocals, guitar), Adam Sheets (Bass), Steve Elfinger (Guitar), and Matt Chaney (Drums). This is the band’s third 7” in as many years.
The boys released a music video for the EP’s lead track track “Bustin’ Out” over the summer which was directed by Michael Gasher of Gasher Film Works.
Debut Scotty EP Available for Streaming & Download
With an internal monologue that spills out in shimmering, experimental openers, Goodbye, the debut EP from Scotty, has arrived. Acoustic strums and off-kilter keys intermingle as a confessional quality emerges. Isolated observations, brightened by the morphing, instrumental backdrop, generate a zoomed in, but not closed off world. Balancing the stuck-in-your-own-thoughts familiarity with quirky twists, the album is both a place one’s seen, but never been.
Premiere: The Come On rage on “Checker Charlie,” play Bowery Electric 10.18
It’s hard in our contemporary technological landscape to appreciate all of the new music released on a daily basis; existing artists roll out albums with increasing speed, and it’s never been easier for new bands to release music independently. Sam Barron, frontman and guitarist of New York post-punk (or maybe post-garage?) trio The Come On can relate in a personal capacity – fueled by an anger of necessary breakneck art consumption, he wrote the band’s newest bop, “Checker Charlie,” simultaneously lashing out at society’s lessened attention spans and smartphone-induced social habits. Fittingly, “Checker Charlie” is a scorched-earth scream into the heart of darkness that is the recording industrial process, a track bolstered by discordant guitar riffs and sing-speak lyrics by both Barron and keyboardist-vocalist Mimi Oz. It’s an earworm rebuke of the present made stronger by the track’s reliance on classic rock and roll energy.
If you also share a strong desire to abandon social media and destroy your iPhone, you can catch The Come On at The Bowery Electric on 10.18. Before you do that though, watch their video for "Checker Charlie," directed by Dylan Greenberg, below. – Connor Beckett McInerney (@b_ck_tt)
Blake
Fuzz Rock band Blake released their debut album, Return Me To The Sea, last week. This is the work of Peter Norman, Spencer Quigley, Danny Burke, and Nick Cvijovic.
New Music Video: “Siren Song” – Gracie Martin
Directed by Austin Elston and Emily Gallagher, the video for Gracie Martin‘s "Siren Song" immediately draws you in. The beautiful contrast between the darkness of the night and the glittery glow of the makeup highlights the tranquil warmth of her vocals. Then, as the scene shifts to the joy of dancing and performing in the streets, there’s a grace and freedom on full display. Martin will be performing next Friday, October 26 as part of the University of Pennsylvania’s Noontime Concert Series. (Photo by Amy Hernandez)
LEGS return with shadowy new single and music video “Buddies”
Brooklyn indie-pop five-piece LEGS are back today with a new single called “Buddies,” a moody track with ominous visuals to match. Opening with a sparse vocal part, “Buddies” slinks into a slow-building electro breakdown about halfway through. The Juan Miguel Marin-directed video finds frontman Tito Ramsay in (presumably) a cab as he watches vignettes of the city from the vantage point of the backseat. As the track picks up, so does the speed of the car; the lights and images of the city at night blur and flash by, creating a real sense of momentum both sonically and visually. Sara Nuta
Grand Canyon revitalize heartland rock on “Lucinda”
Grand Canyon sound like seasoned veterans on "Lucinda." There’s a clarity and a richness to the roots rock outfit’s first single, which reaches deep into the heart and soul of traditional rock n’ roll with an open-hearted resonance. Led by the songwriting team of Casey Shea and Amy Wilcox, the band tap into a wide tapestry of eighties pop rock and Americana influences with its expansive, blue-collar-leaning sound. But such descriptors are an afterthought to what is essentially a love song through and through, a yearning, bittersweet ballad that is otherwise performed with a tuneful grace.
"Lucinda" is featured on Grand Canyon’s forthcoming self-titled debut record, which is out on November 9 via Bodan Kuma Recordings. Catch them at the Bootleg Theater on November 7. Juan Rodríguez
Ticket Giveaway: Oh Sees & Escape-ism at Union Transfer This Saturday
Whatever they decide to call themselves, John Dwyer and his gang, Oh Sees, are one of our all-time favorite non-Philly acts, and they’ll be bringing their Left Coast brand of psych-punk to Union Transfer for the first time this Saturday, October 20, with Merge Records’ Escape-ism, featuring Ian Svenonious (of D.C. outfits Nation of Ulysses, The Make-Up, Weird War, XYZ, and Chain and The Gang). To enter for a chance to win a pair of tix, just send an email to thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com with the subject line "a.k.a. Thee Oh Sees, OCS, The Oh Sees, etc." Please also include your cell number in the body of the message (in case of an emergency). Good luck!
New Wax Wav EP Available for Streaming & Download
Wax Wav’s sophomore EP, aptly titled EP2, is out now. With Lynna Stancato (formerly of The National Rifle and Bondage & Discipline) joining the fold, the band hits the ground running, addressing societal issues and how they affect our personal lives. Finding a balance between frustration and aggression, the music pushes ahead with an optimistic composure, calling listeners to action in anthemic union. You can catch the band at The Pharmacy on Saturday, November 10, as part of a lineup that also includes Breaklite, Gallons of Pork, and The Valets.