Ecstatic Vision demonstrated that they are one of the heaviest pysch/krautrock acts coming out of Philly with their debut album Sonic Praise, The Deli Philly’s July 2015 Record of the Month. And it doesn’t sound like they are letting up anytime soon with the band’s new single, "You Got It (Or You Don’t)". Doug Sabolik’s unrelenting guitar shreds and bellowing howls are what rock ‘n’ roll dreams/nightmares are made of. You’ll be able to find Ecstatic Vision’s latest on their forthcoming LP Raw Rock Fury, which is set to come out on April 7 via Relapse Records. They’ll also be hitting the road in March with Philly pals Creepoid.

Twenty-two pairings will perform at the 10th annual Two Piece Fest, being held on Saturday, February 25 at First Unitarian Church. That’s quite an extensive billing, so one might not be familiar with all these duos. However, the good folks of the fest have created a compilation, providing a sampling of each band involved, which you can stream below. Explore the artists one might not be familier with while simultaneously listening to an organized but varied playlist. Give it a spin to get geared up for Two Piece Fest X!

In continuing support for the ACLU, Joy Riding released an alternate version to "Grad School," a song which will be featured on their forthcoming full-length album, due out this spring. Coupling opposing lyrical ideals versus realities, the track tackles the obstacles of adulthood. Steadied by the pop and bump of rhythm and the subtle electric charge of guitar, the words echo, bouncing off the inner mind while the daily page turns. It’s an isolating recollection of where one is – relative to their dreams.

The Deli’s Yearly Best Emerging Philly Artists Poll keeps rolling along this week with some talented indie-pop acts. You can now take a listen to them HERE, and vote for your favorite artist. Also, remember to check back next week to see who ends up atop our latest list!

Federico Casanova sequences a set of dim imagery in the video for “Cops Come Looking” by The Spirit of the Beehive. The song is the latest snippet from the band’s forthcoming album, Pleasure Suck, scheduled for release on March 24 via Tiny Engines. The video exhibits a desire to hide and/or escape. Movement via flight or automobile serves as a common thread with variations of swimming providing a twisted framework. The Spirit of the Beehive will be performing next in Philly on Monday, February 20 at Baird Mansion Atrium with Naomi Punk, PC Worship, and YCIB.

More of Double, the latest EP from Shelf Life, stirs, led in most part by strumming acoustic guitar with flecks of keys/electronics. Open honesty compels in an unguarded manner as the lyrics dig deep below the surface. These pared-back songs pull one closer, placing the spotlight on the lyrics and leaving it open to interpretation. The overall feel is endearing. Soak in the delicate melancholy remembrance, and head out to All Night Diner this Friday, February 10, where Shelf Life is slated on a bill that also includes Brittle Brian, Chef Kiss, and Microsoft Saint.

A continuous, close-following camera shot is centered on a convenience store with a relaying focus. The newly revealed video for “Microwave” by Mumblr is a work of simple precision. Directed by Sean Devin, the footage captures a casual sense of interconnectivity. You can catch them at Ortlieb’s on Sunday, February 19 as part of an ACLU benefit that also includes Straw Hats and Pine Barons.

From its opening moments DOG, the new EP from Beat Jams, lures one in immediately. The hypnotic, deep-churning, bass-driven beats and Carolyn Wayne’s bewitching vocals comingle in a sometimes riotous, other times seductive, danceable manner. The five-song collection feels both grimy and infectious, a potent punk-garage resin that sticks in your head and feels freeing. Beat Jams will be opening Louie Louie‘s record release celebration for their debut LP Friend of a Stranger this Friday, February 10 at PhilaMOCA, along with Dark Web.

“Death From Above,” the latest single from the duo of Stephen Burdick and Jeremiah Bertin, a.k.a. The Stone Eye, surges from the start as fuzzed-out guitar pairs with pummeling percussion. Sitting in the 90’s grunge/hard rock window, the vocals draw out of a mild valley. Then, those pulverizing guitar riffs and non-stop drums provide the push to the finish line. (Photo by Ian Ong)

Congrats to Mannequin Pussy for winning The Deli Philly’s Readers’/Fans’ and Overall (readers/fans + jurors) Polls for the Punk/Metal category! There are few emerging bands that can match the energy and ferocity of a live performance from Marisa Dabice, Thanasi Paul, Kaleen Reading and Colins Regisford. The band also released one of the best Philly albums of 2016 in Romantic (Tiny Engines), which was our November Record of the Month. "Mannequin Pussy’s ability to transition between melody and dissonance from track to track is mesmerizing." The quartet will be performing next in Philly on February 24 at Johnny Brenda’s as part of The Trevor Project Benefit. 

We also need to mention Pinkwash, who placed second in the overall chart, and Soul Glo, who was runner-up in our readers’/fans’ poll and third overall in this category – well done guys and gal!

Krust Toons: "How Suzie Got Her Groove Back" 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.

Electropop outfit LOUDS is taking a different, more organic approach to recording in the studio. Bypassing a digital audio workstation, the group, led by brothers Charlie and Petie Brooks, discovered "a burst of creativity" while doing all the recording for their latest song, "Touch My Body With Your Skin," on a vintage 1/4" reel-to-reel 8-track. "We love the limiting aspects of being forced to use only what’s in front us." All proceeds from the new single will be donated to the ACLU and Planned Parenthood. Also, expect to hear more new music from the band shortly!