OK – it should be no surprise that I’m a fan of Spacin’, Birds of Maya bassist Jason Killinger’s offshoot project. After all, their debut album Deep Thuds did top my list of “Favorite Philly Releases of 2012” (which you can check out HERE), and from the get-go, I don’t think that I’ve repeatedly listened to anyone’s demos more since starting to write for The Deli. The guy simply creates killer hooks that make me incessantly nod my head and at times want to fist-pump (in the least Jersey Shore way possible). I often find myself randomly humming the melodies to tracks like “Ego-go” and “Empty Mind.” Killinger is a former punk kid who more recently discovered his love for expansive ‘70s Grateful Dead jams, and it shows in his fearless yet fun, loose musical explorations. Deep Thuds is certainly a sleeper in my book, and surely deserved to make many more of last year’s “Best of” lists. I highly suggest everyone grab a copy while you can from Richie Records, if you haven’t already. Unfortunately, The Rolling Stones made sure that the original cover art was discontinued – really glad that I have mine. Only wished that it came with a download card too. Or did I miss something in the packaging? (BTW: You can check out the full list of Top Performers from The Deli Philly’s Best of 2012 Poll HERE.) – Q.D. Tran