There’s a new split out now from Strange Parts & Ogikubo Station via This & That Tapes. A serene, psych-pop ambiance reflects a sunsetting warmth. The mesmerizing effect of the vocals, coupled with the undercurrent of grooves, simply draws you in. You can find Strange Parts performing at Johnny Brenda’s tomorrow night, along with Weekender and Native Sun.

“Housefly” is the new single from Cheeky, a.k.a. Kaylee Sabatino. A ghostly, ominous, electro-percussive suspense lingers in the bare atmosphere – one that is reinforced by the isolated chill of the vocals and the wind-blowing, veiled, noir minimalism of the video. Looking back on what once was, the narrator appears to be in a period of change/transition. Cheeky is slated to take part in Ellen Siberian Tiger’s Halloween Bash, at Underground Arts on Thiursday, October 24, which also features Rana Ransom and Soul Cannon.

“The City’s Our Song” is the latest single from Harmony Woods‘s forthcoming album, Make Yourself At Home, which is scheduled for release on October 4 via Skeletal Lightning. The track explores the temporary euphoria of a freshly kindled connection. For at least one evening, everything appears to fall into place, and this infectious, melodic rocker captures those memorable moments. Harmony Woods will be hosting the record’s release celebration at Everybody Hits on Friday, October 11, joined by Highnoon, Sammy Heck, and Monster Bad.

Conversations‘s forthcoming album, Journey to Edge of the Galaxy, is scheduled to arrive on September 27. As a precursor, the band recently shared a new single, “Dead Batteries”. Its narrator embraces what lies ahead as it reflects on a former relationship in an energetic, hook-fueled fashion. You can catch the band’s free record release show at The Barbary on Friday, September 27, with support from The Towering Pine and South On Sunday.

The quartet of False Tracks recently released a new album, Either World, which was recorded by Uniform Recording’s Jeff Ziegler. A spacious, new-wave jangle melds with persistent backend and bass-thumping rhythms, creating an urgent, adventurous dynamic. The ability to push the pace, exuding a timely grit while remaining instrumentally locked-in, produces a memorable collection of tracks. The band also has a new video to accompany album opener "Psyops". ("Fans of the Amazing Kreskin, Smell-o-vision, and Horrors of the Black Museum, indulge yourselves.")

Garage-rock power trio The Retinas has a new full-length self-titled album coming out on October 25 via Medical Records. The LP’s lead single, "Problem With The World," is an oldie but a goodie from the bands catalogue, with new arrangements and lyrics. It’s an anthem for the misunderstood. You’re not alone. Enjoy!

Krust Toons: "Be Your Merch Guy?" 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.

Sheena, Anika and Augusta, a.k.a. Sheena Ozzella (Lemuria), Anika Pyle (Katie Ellen, Chumped), and Augusta Koch (Cayetana, Gladie) recently dropped their debut EP Simple Pleasures. Mellifulous harmonies are the foundation for aching vignettes. These four soul-searching tracks can now be found via San Jose, CA’s Asian Man Records. The Philly trio has also moved its previously scheduled performance at TRUCK this Saturday, September 14 to Ortlieb’s, where they will be joined by Hemming, The Goodbye Party, Jordyn Occhipinti, and the poetry of Sean Kearney.

Tonight, a pair of excellent new releases are commemorated. Heartfelt harmonious songs that explore personal narratives in an emotively expressive, warm way, Queen of Jeans’s new album, If you’re not afraid, I’m not afraid (Topshelf Records), will be celebrated this evening at Boot & Saddle. The songwriting and graceful air of the vocals invite you along for a ride, utilizing delicately detailed instrumental elegance to reinforce the mood with a refined rhythmic drive. 

You can also find Underground Arts hosting Curtis Cooper’s record release celebration, as part of The House Key Showcase, presented by House Cat & The Key. The album holds true to its name, Graceful, as Cooper taps into vulnerability across a diverse musical landscape, which resonates in its authentic, interconnected, ethereal through lines, harnessing a passionate power and precision. (Queen of Jeans Photo by Bob Sweeney) – Michael Colavita 

Other places where you can fall into this weekend…

Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI Queen Of Jeans (Album Release), Gladie, SAT Bells, Everywhen, SUN Elison Jackson

Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI XPN Welcomes: The House Key Showcase: Curtis Cooper (Record Release), Amanda X (European Farewell Show), Jacqueline Constance

Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI West Philadelphia Orchestra, Tubular

Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI DJ Deejay, SAT  DJ Aktive, DJ AMH, SUN Tiny Hueman, Droopies

PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12^th St.) Crypt Sermon (Record Release), Plague Dogs, SAT The Divine Hand Ensemble (10th Anniversary Celebration)

Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St,) FRI Soul Glo

The Fillmore Philadelphia (1100 Canal St.) FRI So Far Gone: Dirty South Joe, Magglezzz, SUN Simply Christopher

The Foundry (1000 Frankford Ave.) FRI Goalkeeper, SUN Anthony Green

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) Conjunto Philadelphia

The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) SAT Scarlet and the Degenerates, Socko/Big Mind

MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Creem Circus, Ruby Dear, SAT CHOP Benefit: Greg Sover Band, Blues Reincarnation Project, Mighty Joe Castro & the Gravamen

Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3^rd St.) FRI Philip James, Hannah Krupa, Stillwatcher, SAT The Classic Hunt, Rocky Kaminski, Yeenar

The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) SUN Bad Heaven Limited, Highnoon, Very Bad Vibes

Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI DJ Day, Reed Streets, SAT DJ Deejay

Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2^nd St.) FRI Pizzle and the Sizzle Sisters (Album Release), Euphonious, My Funky Brethren, SAT Stone Cold Grace, SUN Matthew Schuler, Grant Owen, Just Shad 

Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI Live Band Karaoke, SAT The Paul Green Rock & Roll Brunch, SUN Rusty Cadillac 

Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9^th St.) FRI Reverend TJ McGlinchey, The Wonder Bars, Jack Shoudy, SAT Wolves Can’t Dance, The Side Chicks, Rabbit Heart

The Tusk (430 South St.) FRI Overcoming Gravity, Ketosis, Loafass, Primadonnaz, SAT The Tone Bandits, Lust for Nothing, Burned In Effigy, Live Not On Evil

Century (1350 S. 29^th St.) SAT PLOT (Tape Release), Nowhere, Body Spray

Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7^th St.) SAT Here/Now, Vague Advice

Morgan’s Pier (221 N. Columbus Blvd.) FRI DJ Beatstreet

The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Rebecca & The City, Curtis Jr., SAT Pet Lizard, The Smoking Lightbulb

Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) FRI Spaga, Grimace Federation, SAT AM Radio Tribute Band, Idlewild South 

First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) SAT Ramona, Hurry

The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18^th St.) FRI Mike Kennedy, Brushstroke, Shoot the Messenger, SAT The Magnificent Shit Hawks Of The Greater Northern Americas, Manikineter, The Plibmen, Gristmill

Warehouse on Watts (923 N. Watts St.) SAT PiERSON, Jabair .

Anthorna Gallery (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Noera, Georgey V, Emospacebird

Haus of Yarga (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Schotzi

Tide Pool (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Yahnboi, Slowsie, Telyscopes, City Dressed

Sad Mattress, the new release from Coping Skills, is a compilation of covers recorded over the last half-decade. Set in chronological order as well as remixed and edited, the duo demonstrates progression and growth throughout their time together. The eight-song selection is reinforced by retrospective commentary and banter that provides further insight & context to the recordings. All downloads of the album with a digital companion zine.

Sun Organ just dropped a new self-titled full-length album. Eerie, heavy instrumentation paints an unforgiving sonic landscape, which is cut through and given a personal, peaceful perspective by the vocals. That shifting balance of melody and mysterious danger is a vibrant, volatile dynamic. Dig in!

Formerly known as COMPs, Blush Cameron recently shared a new song, called “Politics of Love”. A tale of leaving yourself exposed in the hope of finding love, the track embodies an optimistic, yearning, bedroom-pop sound. Accentuated by the warmth of keys, it hopefully progresses describing how despite the pitfalls of failure, you keep getting up to try again. Trust us. You aren’t alone.