Philadelphia

Unpredictable Magic Provided by Marshall Allen & Extreme Fishkin at The Fire June 30

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Whether it’s been from a memory of yesteryear that goes far beyond space or time consisting of him jamming alongside the prolific jazz composer Sun Ra or during his current role of fronting the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra, you have seen/heard incendiary saxophone impresario Marshall Allen perform for a number of occasions throughout the year. But it’s been quite some time, since you’ve had the chance to experience this interplanetary jazz master perform solo. Well, that is exactly what will be happening tonight at The Fire on this very rare bill, which will also feature jazz-noise artisans Extreme Fishkin. And given the improvisational talents of both acts and the number of musicians that they’re connected to, there’s bound to be plenty of unpredictable magic in store. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave, 9pm, $10, 21+ – Bill McThrill 

 
NYC

Deli NYC’s Album of the Month: WRITER – “Brotherface”

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Brother acts have been a staple of rock music history since the very beginning of it all. From the Everlys to the Kinks’ Davies through the JAMC’s Reids, The Black Crowes’ Robinsons and Oasis’ Gallaghers, a rich tradition has continued throughout each new generation. Enter Andy and James Ralph and their wonderfully named band WRITER to the mix. Celebrating this alignment to the fullest, they’ve titled their debut album “Brotherface,” a record that marries an edgy, "uber-saturated" production with impressively consistent songwriting.

Leadoff track “Head to Toe” booms with percussive force and well placed buzz-bomb guitars, yet the space left open allows for emphasis to be placed on the voices and the story they tell. "Hot Days" (streaming), is the closest thing to "pop" this band can offer, coming off as an even fuzzier version of old time favorite Enon. “Miss Mermaid” kicks the production value up a notch. The booming, live sounding drums are still there, but guitar layers are introduced together with heavily effected vocals, creating an otherworldly sheen. There’s a Ska rhythm guitar progression alternating with a twangy western melody line. The under two minute “Swamp Fire Lake” pairs submerged vocal effects against a swampy delta blues, bringing to mind the rawness of The Kills’ first album. “Family Dinner” continues the loose tom tom and tambourine percussion motif, this time matched with guitars placing emphasis on the low end bass notes. “Barefoot Art” finds buzzy electronic keyboards pulsing like a telephone receiver left off the hook after the call has ended. Tambourine stands out as the primary percussive motion, providing ample space for the vocal storytelling. “Cash For Gold” pummels like The Velvet Underground through a Jesus & Mary Chain filter. The observatory lyrics “better find some gold and sell it quickly” underscores the instant money grab imagery we are bombarded with on a daily basis. “North Park Fairies” emphasizes clock ticking percussion (with the ever present tambourine) supporting further processed multi-layered vocals in a wide open spaciousness. Album closer “Dry Hands” serves as the big and bombastic finale. Heavily reverberated voices ride atop booming drums and hard plucked guitar notes. The mood is all vibe and texture. With “oh yeah, oh yeah” as the essential lyrical theme. – Dave Cromwell

NYC

Album review: Clairaudients – I’m A Loudmouth, You’re A Puppet (EP)

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(Photo by Todd Zimmer)
 
Speaking personally, I’m a Loudmouth, You’re a Puppet has been on my list of most anticipated local albums for 2013. I’ve been a fervent fan of Clairaudients since their days under the moniker The Atlantic. I’ve seen the band add members to their lineup (Chase Horseman joined at the beginning of 2013), perform numerous times at numerous venues, and now I’ll see them through their first album release.
 
I’m a Loudmouth, You’re a Puppet has been in the works for quite some time. And after listening to the album several times, it’s easy to say that the wait was well worth it. The album has so many subtle intricacies and deep meanings that anyone can tell it wasn’t recorded on the fly—a lot of thought and heart went into the album.
 
Clairaudients introduces itself with a nearly four-minute song simply entitled “Intro,” a chilling, soothing number which serves its purpose well as a lead-off track. With nothing but harmonized vocals and twinkling guitars, you’ll get lost in the ambiance.
 
Keeping in style, the first track fades out and another calming track slide into slot two. “Like a Song” is full of metaphors, which in my case, are up for interpretation. It’s the kind of song that you can listen to to find meaning, or a song that you can just jam to.
 
The album picks up halfway through with “Cellar.” This song easily takes the cake for heaviest track on the album. Vocalist Patrick Robinson definitely brings out his angry voice here. Deep, gravely, and abrasive sounds pour out of his mouth as the rest of the band falls in suit, striking heavy chords and pounding big drums. 
 
And again, before you know it, the tempo slows back down with “Broken Mend,” a solemn track full of heart-melting lyrics. The last track opens up with a strong organ chord, and is quickly followed by a jaunty guitar tune. “Back to the Sun” is a seven-minute anthem, and seems to carry a much lighter attitude than that of the other four. It appears to be more laid back and cheerful due in part to the upbeat, intricate mesh of instrumentals.
 
As I’ve mentioned already, I’m a Loudmouth is a great piece of work. There is so much content and impact stuffed into a small five-song album. The incredible musical accompaniment that is created by this sextet is something to be in awe of in itself, with the added element of Robinson’s lyrics.
 
I’m A Loudmouth, You’re A Puppet was recorded and produced at Massive Sound Studios by Jeff Pickman.
 
Tonight is the long-awaited release party for I’m A Loudmouth, You’re A Puppet. Clairaudients will be celebrating at Davey’s Uptown this evening with special guests Not A Planet and we are voices. Doors open at 8, show at 9. This is an 18+ show; $12 if under 21, $10 for 21+. All attending ticket holders will receive a digital download of the album. Facebook event page.
 
 
–Steven Ervay 
 

Steven Ervay is super rad. 

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Philadelphia

Stinking Lizaveta Keeping Philly Weird at KFN June 29

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Cult favorites Stinking Lizaveta will be taking on late night duties tonight at Kung Fu Necktie. The power trio recorded their 1996 debut album …Hopelessness and Shame with legendary producer Steve Albini, and they’ve spent nearly two decades inspiring the local music community with their unrelentingly passionate live shows and technical prowess. Combining stoner-sludge metal with boogie-jazz, the band has been a beloved staple in keeping Philly weird. They’ll be joined this evening by socially conscious, hard-rockin’ feminist duo Trophy Wife, whose drummer Katy Otto recently posted, “From now on, when someone asks me why I moved to Philadelphia I am going to say Stinking Lizaveta.” Expect plenty of good vibes and bludgeoning beats! Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 Front St., 11pm, $10, 21+ – Alexis V.

New England

Krill to Play Great Scott this Saturday

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All Joan Jett references aside, I love rock n’ roll. Really. And Krill’s latest release, Lucky Leaves, piles on the rock in heaping portions. I really like the guitar work on this record–loud and distorted, in-your-face, but reserved at the same time. The guys in this band really know how to play their instruments. The vocal melodies on this album sound like Alec Ounsworth of CYHSY had one too many beers and went out singing on Boylston St. What sort of sound is that, you ask? A glorious one, that’s what. I particularly liked the last half of “Purity of Heart.” The vocals, guitars, drums–everything comes together in this super-loud, super-emotional punch in the face of rock n’ roll goodness. Definitely worth a listen. While you’re at it, if you’re in the Boston area this weekend, you can check out the band at Great Scott in Allston on Saturday, June 29. Or just listen to/buy the record on their bandcamp site. Or both! — Dan McMahon

L.A.

Broken Anchor complete trilogy of retro-influenced rock n’ roll

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Earning comparisons to Wilco and Fleet Foxes, atmospheric, retro-influenced pop/rock band Broken Anchor evolved through a collaboration between singer/songwriter Austin Hartley-Leonard and producer Brad Gordon. After honing his craft as a solo artist with songs featured on TV shows such as “Burn Notice,” “Hart of Dixie,” “Jane By Design” and “The Ghost Whisperer,” Hartley-Leonard originally imagined Broken Anchor as a studio project. Yet, with time, Harley-Leonard and Gordon soon saw the songs take on a life of their own. By adding drummer/percussionist Mike Duffy to the mix, Broken Anchor is now a memorable, high-energy duo, and has released a series of EPs, titled Broken Anchor Vol. I, II, and III.

L.A.

Max and the Moon Release Video for “Lighthouse”, Announce July Residency

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OC boys, Max and the Moon are hard at work. Their latest single, “Lighthouse,” has been given the cinematic treatment. Another joyous anthemic indie pop tune from the quartet. The song is an artistically approached radio-friendly hit, in the same vein as their previous release that we featured, “The Way I See.” The video intercuts between images of desolate landscapes and faceless men roaming in the dark, which leads to these worlds colliding; a slightly unsettling poetic narrative that weaves throughout as the cheerful production belies the song’s darker meaning. The band has also announced a July Residency at the Constellation Room – July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. The lineup is stacked with impressive local talent including Blonde Summer, Warships, The Steelwells, and A House for Lions. A new EP is expected next month as well. – Jacqueline Caruso

NYC

Weekly Feature: Coastgaard – live at Cameo on August 01

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After struggling with the dark unmotivational sound of their former endeavor, Sons of Sons, frontman Matt Miller and drummer Brian Dalessandro decided it was time for a change. The artists recruited the ideas of guitar/keys player Sean Glassman and bassist Paolo Codega and blending them all together as a fusion of talent, Coastgaard was born. – Read Michael Haskoor’s interview with the band here, see them live at Cameo on August 1.

NYC

Steel Phantoms release EP + video

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Brooklyn’s guitar/drum duo Steel Phantoms marries an indie rock sound with a songwriting elegance often foreign to the genre. Their single "Curtain Call" (video streaming below) features a reversed (and a little anti-climatic) chorus-verse structure, with a melody that could have come out of a Paul Simon song, but filled with distortion and unpredictable breaks. The band will be releasing a self titled EP on July 16.

NYC

White Hills lands on an unlikely compilation + tours

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Corporations have been buying in to youth culture in a big way as of late, and it’s especially true for music, but it’s great to see that also emerging and/or less accessible bands are benefiting from this… To celebrate a decade of, well, car sales, Scion is putting out the Scion 10 Series Music Release, a varied compilation featuring some of the best and brightest in independent music. Among those is NYC’s own White Hills, who contributed their otherworldly “Forever in Space (Enlightened)” to the set – streaming. White Hills have a pretty busy schedule ahead of them—they’re opening for Georgia sludge-riffers Kylesa, and later this year they’re doing the same for The Cult on their “Electric 13” tour. They already came through New York this time around, but be sure to catch them here later this year. – Zack Kraimer

We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best Psych Rock songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!

Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, June 28 – 30

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This Saturday night at Johnny Brenda’s, there will be a celebration for the release of Pillar Without Mercy from Deveykus, a new project from trombonist and Pew fellowship recipient Dan Blacksberg with partner-in-crime and alien shredder Nick Millevoi, guitarist Yoshie Fruchter (Pitom), bassist Johnny DeBlase (Many Arms), and drummer Eli Litwin (Normal Love, Intensus). Inspired by acts such as Sunn O))) and Earth, the quintet meshes doom metal with traditional Hasidic melodies. Their debut album is available via John Zorn’s avant-garde music label Tzadik, as part of its “Radical Jewish Culture” series. Deveykus will also be joined by fellow Philadelphians Cleric and labelmates Les Rhinocéros. This will surely be an evening of music that you have never before experienced! Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ (Photo by Matt Hurst) – Alexis V.

 
Other things to keep your mind off the heat and thunderstorms this weekend…
 
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Chronicles of Sound, Close To Good, Montoj, SAT Deveykus, Cleric
 
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI (Downstairs) Terrible Things, Modern Suits, (Upstairs) Faking, Ape!, +Church+, The Cloth, SAT (Upstairs) The GTVs, (Downstairs) Stinking Lizaveta, Trophy Wife
 
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI Cheers Elephant
 
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI Drown The Silence, ICD9, SAT George Urgo Band, Anjuli Josephine, Nick Andrew Staver
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Hurry, Wigwams, SAT (Early) Marinda’s Castle, (Late) My Son Bison, Wild Rompit, SUN Marshall Allen, Extreme Fishkin
 
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Les Professionels and Friends, SAT Nicos Gun, Bridge Underwater
 
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Mozaic Flow, SAT Needle Points, L.U.N.A.R. Revolt, SUN Tinmouth, Reese Van Riper
 
M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) FRI The Color Karma, The Unknowns, Get In Gere
 
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) FRI Steam Powered Aero Band, SAT La Overtoner, Todd Henkin, SUN Dani Mari, When Ships Collide, Alec Stewart
 
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI 37 Slurp, No Risk, SUN The Lost Season, Last Minute Hero, Forever Is Never Enough, Avenge The Breaking, Varicella, 609
 
The Blockley (3801 Chestnut St.) FRI Jeremy Isaac, Bohemian Sunrise
 
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI Dave Steel Blues Band, SAT Cris Valkyria, SUN John Byrne, Rusty Cadillac
 
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI Red Letter Life, The Maine STreet Band, Omnivox, Count Me Out, Spoken Life
 
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) SAT Sunshine Acid Tabs, SUN Rowboat Casino, Sat-One Skratch Makaniks
 
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St. Philadelphia) FRI DRGN KING, Busses
 
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) SAT Glim Dropper, The Pheonix Bridge
 
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) SAT D’Vina
 
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Matt Gauss Band, Happy Little Train Wreck, SAT Devil’s Triangle, The Formless Form
 
Space 1026 (1026 Arch St.) FRI Savage Relatives
 
Broad Street Ministry (315 S. Broad St.) SAT Blow The Scene Fest w/ Backslider, Heartless & More
 
Philadelphia’s Magic Garden (1020 South St.) FRI Johnny Showcase and the Lefty Lucy Cabaret
 
Nacho House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN The Eeries
 
Hong Kong Garden (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN The Joint Chiefs of Math, Business Models, Celebrations
 
American Fruit Stand (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI The Love Club,Great Red Spots
 
A House Named Virtue (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Sandy, Bleacher Heat, Luck Mountain
 
Who Cares House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Drums Like Machine Guns, Gun Muffs, Ex Rev
 
L.A.

Live Review: Gothic Tropic at The Echo, June 25, 2013

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Tuesday night in Echo Park was unusually busy and bustling with hipsters. Unable to find parking in my go-to secret spots, I knew something beyond the norm was afoot. As I approached The Echo, pushing past the crowds lingering outside Sage and Masa on this warm summer night, I immediately knew I was in for a memorable experience. Red Bull Sound Select has been putting on monthly shows with local lineups supporting nationally touring headliners for the past few months, with a measly $3 cover, which has been creating quit a stir. Past headliners include, Zola Jesus, Wavves, and DIIV. On this particular Tuesday, I headed out to see locals, Gothic Tropic, opening for Com Truise. Little did I know that word had spread so far and fast, that the entire line of hopeful and devoted fans, who previously, I’m sure, had been waltzing right in to these monthly events, had not only wrapped themselves around the block beyond the bridge, but by 9pm, had all been sent home. Having been lucky enough to make it through the velvet rope, I was ushered in just as Gothic Tropic took the stage. The room was filled with an electric energy, as the crowd was clearly aware that their presence was now a gift that so many others would have traded them for. A gratitude and genuine excitement filled the air, as the Krautpunk trio opened with a slow builiding jam session that led right into their upcoming single, “Underwater Games,” set to be released as a split 7” with HOTT MT. Their signature improvisational style weaved throughout their set like slow crashing waves at low tide. If you are a fan and know their songs, you can sense when they are riding the edge of chaos beyond the structure of the tune. The tight-knit group is always in total control on stage, creating their own universe. They have a magical way of authentically connecting with the crowd, while pushing them to step inside their world of experimental eclecticism. As lead singer/guitarist Cecilia Della Peruti wails away on her guitar, there are moments when she and the instrument are one being and it becomes difficult to tell whether her voice or guitar are in the lead. With notes of acid jazz, krautrock, post punk, and garage rock, you always feel like you’re experiencing something revolutionary at a Gothic Tropic show – something you hope will be embraced by the world, but not tarnished by it. The trio closed the set with “Monkey Bars,” to the crowd’s delight. About to embark on a West Coast Tour starting July 4, Gothic Tropic, is one busy group, as they are also slated to play the next Red Bull Sound Select show, July 27 – this time at House of Blues on Sunset, along with Tapioca and the Flea, HOTT MT, and headliners, Frightened Rabbit. – Jacqueline Caruso