Darkwavers rejoice as former Philly native Wesley Eisold, a.k.a. Cold Cave, returns to the City of Brotherly Love this Saturday, January 21 at Underground Arts with Drab Majesty and DJ Shari Vari (Void Vision). To enter for a chance to win a pair of tix, just send an email to thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com with the subject line "Heartworm". Please also include your cell number in the body of the message (in case of an emergency). Good luck! (Photo by Tiffany Cruz)

Allison Crutchfield first cut her teeth in music in high school, co-fronting The Ackleys with her sister Katie (of now Waxahatchee fame). They were later inspired to form pop-punk outfit P.S. Eliot after catching a So So Glos performance in their native home state of Alabama. Allison began appearing on The Deli Philly site with her band Swearin’, and later on charmed us with her lo-fi solo effort, Lean Into It. And after the initial spin of her new LP Tourist In This Town, via NPR Music’s First Listen, we are totally lovin’ it, and predict that 2017 is going to be a most excellent year for the talented artist. The album officially comes out January 27 via Merge Records, and her hometown record release show will be held on Friday, February 10 at the First Unitarian Church, where she’ll be joined by her backing band The Fizz, as well as good buddies Radiator Hospital, Pinkwash, Empath, and Try The Pie.

We are happy to hear that The Spirit and the Beehive‘s highly anticipated forthcoming album, Pleasure Suck, now has an official release date. Due out March 24 via Tiny Engines, the band just shared the LP’s lead single, "Ricky (Caught Me Tryin’)". The track is also accompanied by a seriously tripped-out video, which came from the mind of Nnamdi Ogbonnaya. The Spirit and the Beehive will be performing next in Philly on February 20 at Baird Mansion Atrium as part of a rad lineup that also includes Naomi Punk, PC Worship, and Dark Mtns. 

Joy Again celebrates their freshly released EP with a show this evening at PhilaMOCA. Available via Never Grow Up Records, the album hovers between its succinctly woven instrumental threads and its unassuming lo-fi inflections. An instant gravitational pull is the result, as the close connection of relaxed but reverberating vocals combine with the subtly strong steer of layered instrumentation, sparking fine grooves. It’s a fine example of the depths and power of simplicity. Ian Sweet, Acid Dad, and Shelf Life complete tonight’s lineup presented by Smilin’ Ambassador.

The quartet of Louie Louie is slated as part of a three-pronged (but sold out) show with Sheer Mag and Amanda X tonight at Boot & Saddle that will benefit New Sanctuary Philadelphia. Their latest single, “Do It (In Your Mind),” breaks through with a humorous, primal growl before a smooth guitar lick paves the way for assertive vocals to emerge backed by fanned-out harmonies. The band’s debut LP, Friend of a Stranger, is scheduled for release on February 10 via Philly’s own Born Losers, and you can celebrate it with them that evening at PhilaMOCA.

Philly producer/emcee Lushlife, a.k.a. Raj Haldar, has released a new mixtape, titled My Idols Are Dead + My Enemies Are in Power, "in the face of an incoming administration that has openly threatened our basic constitutional freedoms." All proceeds from the album will be donated to the ACLU. The project also features guest appearances from Moor Mother, Sad13, Sun Airway, Killer Mike, and many others.

“The Curious Cat’s Eyes,” the latest installment from The Vernes, can be heard in 2 parts below. The first captures a more straight-ahead, downhill variation, as percussion clears a path, flanked by the steady, cruising ring of guitar and the vocal narrative unfolds in a leisurely jog, before pushing the pace. The second finds keys/synth in the forefront, taking on more of a mind-wandering, head-in-the-clouds aesthetic. Either way, we’re onboard. Catch the band alongside Sonnder, Stadium Armory, and Very Bad Vibes this Friday, January 20 at The Fire!

Graveyard of Good Times is the new full-length album from Brandon Ayres, a.k.a. Brandon Can’t Dance, and is now available via London-based indie label Lucky Number Music. Traversing an electro-pop/rock landscape, the collection of songs continuously switches lanes, pushing the pace and then sitting back, before tearing ahead and maintaining a danceable yet mesmerizingly odd tone. Everybody Hits will be hosting a dual record release show this Sunday, January 22 with Marge, and will also include a solo set from The Goodbye Party. (Photo by Ali Lotz)

Krust Toons: "How Come All the Good Musicians Died in 2016?!?" 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.

Released on cassette via Lost Sound Tapes, 2016, the debut EP from Neutral Shirt, a.k.a. Matt Terrones, appears like many of us, primed for a fresh start. Terrones embraces vocal harmony as a catalyst to transform apathetic monotony into rejuvenating optimism. The album cycles through the simply rundown to the invigorating upbeat spectrum, acknowledging his shortcomings yet maintaining a hopeful outlook.

Philly’s own Camp Candle signed to LA-based indie label Maniml Vinyl, who will be releasing the group’s forthcoming sophmore EP this February. The electro-pop duo recently shared its steamy, lead single, "Fogged Glass". Hetepsa and Nu Ra invite us to occupy the dance floor with their ode to nightlife. So raise your glasses, and let the evening take you where it must. (Photo by Joe del Tufo)