Twenty years to the day that Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G., passed, Mega Ran released Notorious R.​A​.​N: Ready To Live. Produced by Fresh Kils and DJ DN3, the album re-samples tracks that have become cornerstones of hip hop. The LP is a nostalgic tribute, while simultaneously providing a modern reimagining. It’s a tough task to step into the shoes of a legend; however, this release offers an invigorating, lyrical wit in the midst of a timeless backdrop.

The forthcoming Honey Radar/Telepathic split, which will be released on limited edition cassette on April 20 via Third Uncle Records, is currently available for streaming/pre-order below. Honey Radar continue to percolate in their raw-riff, reserved, lo-fi, psych station, while Telepathic pushes the pace in controlled, melodic aggression. Honey Radar is slated to perform at The Storefront on April 19, on a lineup that also includes Faults, Daytime Cleaners, and The Red F.

Kerin Maguire explores personal philosophy and emotional intimacy in her recently released full-length album Self-Titled. Minimally adorned in folk instrumentation, the songs gravitate toward an ever-evolving understanding of the world and one’s place in it. Exhibiting an essence of hope for the future and an honest evaluation of past moments through narrative vignettes, Maguire finds a mechanism to relate on a universal note without sacrificing communicative closeness. We’re all just trying to figure things out one day/moment at a time.

Singles, the latest collection of tracks from Teef, echoes another era, with beats centered on a combination of keys and patterned, percussive grooves. It’s that relaxed, sitting back in the pocket, before flowing free with a smooth air that locks things down. However, that chill state can quickly ramp up, switching the musical plot into suspenseful drama. Teef will be laying it down at Connie’s Ric Rac on Thursday, March 30, as part of the Biz Mighty Variety Show.

Merge Records’ Lambchop is coming to Underground Arts this Friday, March 31 with 75 Dollar Bill, and we would love to send you and a guest to enjoy what will surely be an unforgettable night of music! To enter for a chance to win a pair of tix, just send an email to thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com with the subject line "For Love Often Turns Us Still". Please also include your cell number in the body of the message (in case of an emergency). Good luck!

Bruising percussion and sludgy, scorching guitars, tempered by Isobel Sollenberger’s peacefully permeating vocals, Under The Pines is the newly released record from Philly psychedelic stalwarts Bardo Pond. Available via UK label Fire Records, the album creates a crushing sense of catharsis. Its brooding, reserved appeal to fuzzed-out aggression steadily murmurs in one’s mind. Bardo Pond will be celebrating its arrival this Friday, March 31 at Johnny Brenda’s with Sparrow Steeple and Eric Arn.

Music from a new band prototypically trickles out a few songs at a time. However, the quintet of Henry, a.k.a. Evan Luther, Jason Baxter, Sean Mckenty, Grey Durham, and Edward Leinheiser, have abandoned the methodical crawl in favor of sprinting out of the gates, issuing a pair of releases Oui Ja Yes! and Is Paris Burning?. The band exhibits a knack for creating mellowing melodies within an experimental trajectory that are capable of shifting into an aggressive gear.

“Authentic Alien Perfume,” the first single off Taiwan Housing Project forthcoming album Veblen Death Mask (available on May 5 via Kill Rock Stars) lights a fire under you. With an intoxicating, immediate, rolling-through-the-neighborhood groove complemented by unrestrained, rattling, noise-guitar riffs, the interplay of dual-fronted vocals, and brisk brutal blasts of saxophone, the track refuses to be bound by a predetermined script. Catch the band’s record release show on May 6 at Johnny Brenda’s with Igneous Eyes, Ursula, and Ian Svenonius!

First Time’s the Charm was initially held in 2013 at PhilaMOCA, providing a supportive environment for women, members of the LBGTQ community, and people of color to form bands and perform on stage for the first time. The rad event raised funds to help start the DIY PHL PA Share program, which has provided amplification for nearly 250 events in the Philly community. The sophomore incarnation of FTTC returned last year to the beloved, former mausoleum/Mad Decent HQ, expanding to a two-night festival. Well, 15 of its participating acts came together once again to contribute recordings to the No Gatekeepers: First Time’s the Charm 2016 compilation, which was recorded/mixed by James Clark Connor and produced by John Vettese at WXPN. Check out tracks from fledgling acts such as Aster More, Dumb Hair, Heretrix, Sister Trudy, and many others! You can stream and purchase the album below, and all proceeds will be donated towards putting together the next FTTC.

Scotty Leitch, a.k.a. Shelf Life, will release his latest album, Christian Coated Ethical Arena, early next week (April 3). It’s latest glimpse, “Ginger Tea,” hangs in an intimate, disenchanting space. The calm closeness of soft, cohabitating lead vocals is countered by the friction and promise of an external storm. Shelf Life is also slated to perform on Thursday, April 6 at The Pharmacy with Blue Smiley, Fond Han, and Options.

Krust Toons: "One More Song" 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.