We had great time this past Friday at Kung Fu Necktie with White Birds, Univox and Tutlie. A bunch of The Deli staff were able to make it out so it was nice to grab drinks together, and check out some fine local acts. The big surprise of the night was Tutlie. None of us had ever seen them perform live before, but we were very intrigued due to their lone single online “Giantess” (which we all agreed is a bona fide hit once the interweb catches a hold of it). The band is very young fronted by the pretty vocals of Jesse Radlow and Christina Klaproth (college roommates who were very happy to be twenty-one and in a bar). The most familiar face on stage was Josa Lazas (Golden Ages, Strand of Oaks) who had just joined the band about two weeks ago and didn’t know the names of their songs yet. Drummer Tony Rossi (Streaks of Light) created a strong backbone for their compositions while programmer/multi-instrumentalist Asher Brooks orchestrated the band’s moody backdrop. We liked their positive energy and genuine joy to be on stage together which showed on their painted faces. We expect to see them around and hear a lot more from them in the future. (Haha…as long as Klaproth doesn’t handle the business end of things after hearing her exclaim to the door man, “Oh, we get paid!” The room was well-attended throughout the evening.)
Recap & Photos: White Birds, Univox & Tutlie at KFN
Univox seemed like the odd band out on this bill with their punk-ish glam rock stylings matched with the mellowed out indie pop of the other bands. However, it’s probably hard not to look a bit odd when drummer Kent Boersma is sporting a homemade Wolverine outfit (we loved it). The four-piece played mostly new material that they had been working on lately in singer/guitarist Josh Jones’ new home studio. They thrashed away belting out their four-part harmonies on their latest tunes as their fans adoringly gyrated on the dance floor. The set was a good warm-up as the band prepared for their mini-run of shows this week in the Midwest.
White Birds made the trip down from Doylestown which took a bit longer than they had planned. The band has been hidden away in their new home in the suburbs where they’ve been free to practice, work on new material, and have jam sessions as late as they please. It showed in the tightness of their set. It was great to hear what they’ve been up to lately live. Their former band Drink Up Buttercup was The Deli’s Best of Philly 2008 Poll Winners, and we had been attending their shows long before then so it was refreshing to hear their new material. And quite frankly though we enjoyed DUB, we had been listening to the same tunes for years long before they were released on their debut album via Yep Roc so we can completely understand how the change in direction was necessary for Jim Harvey, Farzad Houshiarnejad, and Mike Cammarata. We’re glad to see that their fans have also come along on their latest journey as well as new ones. It was a night filled with good vibes and familiar faces. We also had a chance to check out the new upstairs bar at KFN. Just for the record we LOVED the upstairs green room, but the new setup is pretty sweet with the pool table, pinball and stuff. However, non-smokers might prefer to stay downstairs. Check out our photos from the show HERE.