Experimental noise-punk outfit Ursula is just the type of weird that Philly enjoys nurturing. The dizzying guitarwork stands at the forefront, firing at you with unapologetic defiance. The Boston transplants bring a refreshing air of unpredictability – never afraid to test the boundaries with each sonic excursion. Ursula will be opening for Laser Background, the psych-pop project from the mind of Andy Molholt, this evening at DIY space BMA. They’ll also be playing host to Vermont’s Grape Room and Cali’s Banny Grove. BMA, (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.), 8pm, $7, All Ages – Alexis V.
American Trappist Opening for Oldermost at JB’s Aug. 27
A commanding presence draws one towards the songs of American Trappist, the new project from Joe Michelini (formerly of River City Extension). After releasing three EPs in succession, compromising the totality of his self-titled debut album, which will be available on September 2 via Death Salon, American Trappist places spellbinding lyricism at the forefront. While the context shifts from the ghostly mysterious to a heartfelt, emotional spectrum, it’s equally captivating in sincerity, shrouded in Americana. The gripping, soulful folk of Candice Martello, a.k.a. Hemming, opens the evening. She’ll be performing solo, which may give her the freedom to unleash some new material. Oldermost closes out the bill, providing a sense of calm. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita
American Trappist – Nothing Short of Faithful from Brian L. Tice Jr.
Weekend Warrior, Aug. 26-28
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI S.T.O.P., SAT Oldermost, American Trappist, Hemming
The Deli Philly’s Featured Artist(s) Poll Winner: Kodiak Park
The Chairman Dances Record Release Show at Boot & Saddle Aug. 26
Today marks the release of the latest album from The Chairman Dances, titled Time Without Measure, which is available via Black Rd Records. Forging a cleansing yet socially conscious framework, this collection focuses on both a societal and a personal level. It’s folk that gather additional sonic complexity with instrumental additions. Those provocatively thoughtful glimpses serve as commentary while also evoking deeper contemplation. The arrival of the band’s new LP will be celebrated this evening at Boot & Saddle. Rolling a combination of folk, country, and bluegrass with vocal harmonies, fingerpicking and a steady-striding sense of storytelling, the trio of The Chip Breakers dish out their recipe for Americana, while the Reading rockers Jonathan Monument harness energy in measured, melodic flashes. Boot & Saddle, 1131 S. Broad St., $10, 8pm, 21+ (Photo by Jonathan Brown) – Michael Colavita
New Posers EP Available for Streaming & Purchase
With an exuberant, attitude-drenched energy, the punk quartet of Posers hits the ground running. Their second EP, aptly titled Posers, Too, is a catchy combination of speed and snarl. Pissed off and punchy with escalating instrumentation, it’s tenaciously accessible, and will be released on vinyl at a future date via Enthrall Records, but you can stream and purchase the download below. (Photo by Michael Bucher – JUMP Philly)
New Video: “Stars” (Live) – Abi Reimold
Abi Reimold is currently working on the follow-up to this year’s critically-acclaimed release Wriggling. However, we so have a sampling of a new song for you today called "Stars," which was recorded live by Josh Nesmith and Brian Firestone at DIY space The Treehouse in Harrisburg, PA while on tour with Emily Yacina. In an email to Stereogum, Reimold shares, "I have a lot of full band arrangements on the record, but I wrote many of the songs with a loop pedal. Although I’m excited about how the recordings are turning out, I think that the truest and most honest form of these songs is just me playing them by myself with my looper.”
Debut Very Bad Vibes LP Available for Streaming & Download
A few months back, The Original Crooks and Nannies announced that they were disbanding. Now, Sam Huntington has released the debut album from his new, technically solo venture Very Bad Vibes, though former bandmate Madeline Rafter did contribute vocals on two of the tracks ("Flu Season" and "Please"). Toothpaste has a sly, electro-R&B aesthetic, balancing magnetic songwriting with a knack to establish well-rounded, percussion-forward instrumentation. Personally navigating through an introspective lyrical approach, the collection of songs springs forth, while capable of hitting the core with a bare sense of exposure.
New Track: “Be Good” – Young Pilgrims
"This song took a lot to happen; I hope you get something out of it." Young Pilgrims lay it all on the line in their latest single, "Be Good". Lost love combined with longing and regret is a theme old as time yet the universal feelings shared continue to inspire. Share it with someone you love(d).
Debut The Afterglows LP Available for Streaming & Purchase
The Afterglows, the musical union of Sam Cook-Parrott (Radiator Hospital) and Michael Cantor (The Goodbye Party), recently shared their self-titled debut full-length album. The home-recordings capture the innate ability of the duo to turn heartache into melody, with Cook-Parrott’s acoustic strums and Cantor’s layered electric tones as backdrops. It’s an intimate look into the late-night, open, honest dialogue between the two housemates. You can stream and download the album below, which is also available on vinyl via Salinas Records.
Blood Sound Opening for Suburban Living at KFN Aug. 24
An evening of saturated dreams, fueled by a soundtrack of guitar/synth-driven nostalgia rock. Layers of dark and provocative melodies with haunted lyrics, supported by well-crafted songs with heart, this is not just one band, but a truly explosive lineup of artists. Philly’s own Blood Sound captures the pop sensibilities of 80’s UK rock, fusing well-orchestrated drum programming with shadowy guitars and vocal melodies. They’ll be opening for Suburban Living, the brainchild of Virginia transplant Wesley Bunch, which weaves a lattice of reverberant longing, ensnaring the listener to join them on their sonic quest. Manchester has much to be jealous about these days. Hailing from Brooklyn, Surf Rock is Dead have a defibrillator and a heroic dose of mushrooms for the genre, while Monograms is balls out rock that isn’t afraid to have insidiously catchy vocal melodies. Prepare your headspace accordingly. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 8pm, $6, 21+ – Keith Kelley
New Videos: “Mudmouth” & “Domingo” (Live – Out Of Town Films) – Mumblr
Mumblr recently spent some time with the folks from Out of Town Films at their Berks Warehouse HQ. The two resulting performance videos for “Mudmouth” and “Domingo” – both of which are featured on band’s latest release The Never Ending Get Down (Fleeting Youth Records) – display an alluring fragile yet volatile dynamic. “Mudmouth” gently wades in, before the gushing instrumental stream is opened, while “Domingo” immediately brews an ambiance of expansive, entrenching heaviness.