Christian Coated Ethical Arena, the new full-length album from prolific Philly songwriter/recording artist Scotty Leicht, a.k.a. Shelf Life, negotiates an emotive maze of melody. Jarring, noisy instrumentation surrounds even-keeled vocals, creating a consoling, in-the-eye-of-the-storm sound. A calming pensive but potentially volatile environment takes shape, easing one into a comfortable but ever alert awareness. Shelf Life will be sharing these new ditties at The Pharmacy this evening with Blue Smiley, Fond Han, and Options.

Last month, West Chester-based quartet Father Figure released their debut record Weird Love. The collection is littered with an exuberant, emotive blend of melodic power pop that will aid in shedding those rainy day blues away. "Bailey" glides in a gentle roll while discussing the desire to alter the dynamics of a relationship or abandon it all together. What starts as an inviting inside take quickly shifts toward an agitated ultimatum.

Heart Peach, the new EP from Boosegumps, is the type of brightly lit, melodic music that can temporarily lift the shades. An inherent, honest optimism radiates from the keyboard-driven, percussive-sequenced tracks, whose unassuming, swift nature sheds any barriers. It’s a much-needed glimmer of hope amid all this negativity. Boosegumps will be part of the Witch H(c)unt LP release show this evening at All Nite Diner that also includes Curtis Cooper and S.T.A.R.W.O.O.D.

Wearing a creepy mask while strolling through the streets, the new video for Haunted Homes‘ "CoastGhost2Coast" leaves one in an uneasy state. Directed by Bob Sweeney, the song’s ominous vibe is captured with its dim, black & white aesthetic. Then, as if a spell had been cast, those dressed in ghostly apparel lurk into the night to see over their surroundings. You can catch the band in the flesh on Thursday, April 13 at Johnny Brenda’s with Sallie Ford and Molly Burch. (Photo by Bob Sweeney)

Half of Slomo Sapiens‘ recent EP Fishtown Tapes, “Tongues,” sets out on a mysterious journey. Paced by the snap and thump backend, the trio ventures off into the night. Gradually, the murkiness comes to a head as the guitar weaves a shadowy path. Then, the band unites in a complementing instrumental thunderclap. Digging a significant groove, Slomo Sapiens push the tempo, unleashing a can of whoopass.

Raw Rock Fury, the new album from psych-rockers Ecstatic Vision, will be released via Relapse Records on April 7; however, the wait is over because the album is currently streaming over at Noisey. The band unleashes their unrelenting charge of backend rhythm, sorcerer-style, guttural vocals, projected from the mountaintop or down in the dungeon with blistering blasts of saxophone and stealthy floating flutes. The concoction pulls listeners into an intoxicating brand of heavy, one which soars toward the cosmos, simultaneously exorcising demons. Ecstatic Vision is scheduled to perform on Saturday, April 15 at the First Unitarian Church on a bill that also includes EyeHateGod, Rosetta, and Moros.

Camae Ayewa, a.k.a. Moor Mother, takes to the woods in her latest lyric video for "Parallel Nightmares," with co-director Bob Sweeney. Found on 2016’s Fetish Bones (Don Giovanni Records), the track comingles with the shaky, blurry, black & white footage in ominous fashion that feels more frightening than a hike with the folks of Blair Witch Project or doctored video sightings of Slender Man. It’s a match made in your deepest, darkest fears. Moor Mother is set to kickoff her European tour tomorrow at the World Minimal Music Festival in Amsterdam. (Photo by Bob Sweeney)

Henceforth, Alex Giannascoli will now be referred to as (Sandy) Alex G. With his new album, Rocket, slated for release on May 19 via Domino, “Proud” is its latest single to arrive. A relaxing weave of twinkling keys, strumming and tambourine develops the low-key, heart-warming, country-folk tune. It’s a sticky, slow-down-and-look-around ode, whose slow-motion style, lyric-depicting video complements it tone. You’ll find yourself humming that melody before too long. You can catch (Sandy) Alex G performing next in Philly on Saturday, July 8 at Union Transfer with Japanese Breakfast and Cende.

Led by Tom Contarino, Empty Stable‘ self-titled EP ties into a straightforward, earnest, musical thread. Coasting on an acoustic folk-country-blues plain, the songs take on a wise and weathered tone of experience. As the temperatures shift in a pleasant direction, listening to Empty Stable ushers the desire to branch outward and explore the possibilities. It’s bare in its minimalistic nature, but full of feeling.

Krust Toons: "If There’s Two Things I Hate… " 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.

It feels like it’s been a minute since we’ve heard new material from Philly gothic post-punk power trio Psychic Teens. And the wait was well worth it! "SICKO," the band’s latest incendiary single, sets ablaze all in its path with bloodcurdling guitar slashes and unrelenting percussive bombardments. No one will be spared. It’s an unfiltered, revealing, dystopian depiction of our modern day society. "SICKO" can be found on the group’s forthcoming EP HEX, due out April 21 via Hex Records.