Before 2016 ended, we were delighted by the news of Sun Airway‘s return after a four-year hiatus with his single "FOAM". And now, just barely into 2017, we are treated once again to the second sampling from his forthcoming LP, Heraldic Black Cherry, called "All In". The vibrant calm of Sun Airway’s latest track also features backing vocals by Philly singer-songwriter Cynthia G. Mason.

Free-floating between joy-inducing, synth-steering, playful, electronic grooves and juxtaposing disenchantment, Loadcard, a.k.a. Cameron Konner, consistently shifts gears on his latest EP Perfect Balance, available via DZ Tapes. Those experimental twists between bright soundscapes and desolate, moody, melodic avenues dictate an odd-ideal sense of equilibrium. (Photo by Jordy Lyric)

Thin Lips are heading out on a sweet European tour with Philly pals Modern Baseball and The Superweaks towards the end of this month. The three tourmates will also be joining forces for a split 7" that will be released by Oxfordshire indie label Big Scary Monsters. You can check out Thin Lips’ piece of the pie, a power-pop gem titled "Not Losing Sleep," which premiered yesterday over at GoldFlakePaint. 

The Mysteries get freaky in the streets (and sometimes the bushes) of Philadelphia in their new video for "Bread Eyes". Sporting the latest in eyewear that seems to be catching on throughout the city, the band provides an odd interpretation of the song’s title. It’s the lead single from the group’s upcoming release, New Age Psychedelic Experiment. The Mysteries will bring their Doors-inspired brand of psych-pop to Johnny Brenda’s on Friday, January 20, where they’ll be sharing the bill with Ceramic Animal and Satellite Hearts.

The opening steps of illuminating keys broaden via synth/strings before unifying vocals engage in Spirits‘ latest single “Doesn’t Matter”. As the ethereal instrumentation expands its territory, intricately overlapping vocals hit from odd, encompassing angles. Exploring freewill, the song gathers strength, and overflows with emotion.

One of the beautiful things that has provided me with hope when faced with the imminent reality of living in a Trump kleptocracy is witnessing the natural outpour of kindness and compassion that has spread throughout our communities, as we learn more than ever the necessity to be the keepers of our brothers and sisters. It is the responsibility of all of us to make sure our neighbors, friends, family and loved ones are safe. Lame-O Records and multitude of talented artists will be taking over Boot & Saddle every Thursday in January to raise money for organizations in need of our help. Tonight will be the kick-off of the Philly label’s "Rock Residency" with family members Hurry, Dominic, and Cherry, who will be donating their proceeds to Planned Parenthood, followed by Slaughter Beach, Dog, Loose Tooth, and No Thank You for Juntos, Thin Lips, The Superweaks, and The Obsessives for The Attic Youth Center, and Three Man Cannon, Kate Ellen, and The Afterglows for the Philly ACLU. You’ll have plenty of chances to do some good this month, while still getting to rock out – a bit of guilt-free partying, except maybe when you decide to not go to work or school on Friday, which I totally give you permission to do. Boot & Saddle, 1131 S. Broad St., 8:30pm, $8, 21+ – Q.D. Tran

Philly four-piece Loose Tooth just annouced that it will be part of a split release by Lame-O Records and Father/Daughter Records. The band’s forthcoming album, Big Day, is scheduled for release on April 7. Its lead single, "Garlic Soup," is now available for streaming below, and you’ll find Loose Tooth performing next in Philly on Thursday, January 12 at Boot & Saddle as part of the Lame-O Records "Rock Residency". All proceeds from the showcase will be donated to Juntos, a community-led, Latinx immigrant organization in South Philadelphia fighting for our human rights as workers, parents, youth, and immigrants. (Photo by Craig Scheihing)

Toeing the threshold between hope and reality, Narra delivers an emotively energetic tug and pull on “22”. Served up on a pop-punk platter, the song fortuitously flows lyrically, sticking on a universal tale of growing up, punctuated by accelerating, melodic instrumentation. You can catch the band as part of an Aleppo Relief fundraiser at Space 1026 on Thursday, January 26 with Shannen Moser and Loadcard.

The slow recovery process from a brain aneurysm remains the primary focus for Hezekiah. However, a steady backlog of unreleased material comes in its place, including the new EP GODS, which will be released on January 20. Featuring Peedi Crakk, its lead single, “Shorty Wanna Chill,” smacks with an immediate bass-booming beat, knocking off the remains of recent past. Give it a spin, and wish Hezekiah well on his continued road to recovery.

Residuels frontman Justin Pittney has a cathartic moment with the band’s new single, "I Got Mine". It’s "a classic revenge tale to kickstart the New Year and celebrate the passing of 2016 with just the right amount of swagger." Recorded in mono and direct to tape, the outlaw ballad is an intimate look into the stripped-down recording sessions for the band’s first full-length album, which is due out later this year. Residuels will be taking a break from the studio, and debuting a ton of new tunes tomorrow night at Kung Fu Necktie, where they’ll also be supported by The Nude Party and The Robotrippers. (Photo by Liz Bretz)

Deep Six, the new album Ghost Heron, bristles with a bluesy Americana feel. Slipping into that barroom, piano twinkling, harp-blowing zone, or pushing the tempo with harmony-powered, up-tempo folk, the band gathers steam from a myriad of road-tested sonic stylings. However, those time-stamped moments, whether it’s the grit of funky blues-rock or the sway of earnest barrelhouse, hold a fresh breath.