New Track: “Longer Now” – PINKWASH
The noise-rattling punk tandem of Joey Doubek and Ashley Arnwine, otherwise known as PINKWASH, has just shared “Longer Now,” the first single off their debut LP. The much-anticipated Collective Sigh is scheduled for release on May 13 via Don Giovanni Records. “Longer Now” utilizes Doubek’s emotively-charged howling vocals, combing forces with the heavy riff/percussion scenario, keeping you on alert while embracing a strong, smashing wave.
OhBree Berning Down the House at Lavender Town March 11
New Track: “I Can’t Live Without Your Love” (Skylar Spence’s Planning a Remix Like It’s Acid) – A Sunny Day in Glasgow
Skylar Spence (formerly known as Saint Pepsi) has remixed A Sunny Day in Glasgow’s “I Can’t Live Without Your Love”. Originally released as part of the double EP Planning Weed Like It’s Acid / Life is Loss, Spence shifts the song from a churning textured daydream, playing with vocal distance, while adding a funky ticking pulse. It’ll thrust you onto the dance with its icy warmth that snaps into the groove.
New Dear Forbidden EP Available for Streaming & Purchase
The trio of Dear Forbidden recently released a new EP Glitter & Dissonance. The album lyrically offers a jagged edge, smoothed-over by harmony and anchored to the loose grit of instrumentation, which steps up to provide additional muscle. The sound approaches like an impending storm – calm from the interior but tumultuous from the outside; that duality captivates.
So Totally (In Love) at KFN March 10
So Totally, the newest hazy nu-gaze band to emerge in the Philly scene, will be headlining a Guild show at Kung Fu Necktie tonight. Their single, "Zoetrope," incorporates the surreal lassitude that typifies bedroom dream pop with the dark tenor of moody 90’s shoegaze and the sonic dynamics of grunge. The guitar lines are somber and delicate with occasional gentle pitch dives at the end of a line as the melody falls away. Supporting So Totally will be Soft Fangs, whose sound oscillates from driving, full-bodied shoegaze to gently strummed, minimalist bedroom folk ditties. What remains consistent is songwriter John Lutkevich’s light, whispery voice and distinctly unhurried, lolling attitude of the songs. Brandon Can’t Dance, the side project turned main for Brandon Ayres, will be appearing with his arsenal of guitar-and-drum-machine-loop-inspired dark electro pop tunes. Also joining the lineup is Aphra, whose sweet, instrumentally minimalist but melodically intricate compositions will hit your ears like lullabies for yearning, jaded adults. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 8pm, $6, 21+ – Bryce Woodcock
New Track: “Brett” – Vita and the Woolf
Jen Pague’s powerful vocals rush forward in booming sonic command on Vita and the Woolf‘s latest single “Brett”. Surrounded by an ominous, percussive thump and sinister synth, Pague’s words carry an authoritative weight as the instrumentation gathers strength in a danceable exhibition of force. As we await their new LP, Vita and the Woolf (who are currently on tour) have planted seeds that suggest the album is one, whose bloom we patiently anticipate.
New Hotel Neon Album Available for Streaming & Purchase
Sonicly spread out over Iceland with ambient trio Hotel Neon’s latest release Remnants. Absorb the biting Arctic chill as drone guitar and field recordings create layered minimalistic notes of comforting isolation. These bare landscapes wipe away the exterior distractions, causing you to focus on the intricate details, while channeling inward. Hotel Neon is slated to perform at St. Mary’s Church on Saturday, April 9, opening for Slow Meadow as part of The Gatherings Concert Series.
New Music Video: “Super!” – Mumblr
Mumblr will be giving their support at Lavender Town this Friday March 11, as part of a two-day Bernie Sanders Benefit: Berning Man. This video for “Super!”, found on their EP Super! Premium! Deluxe!, captures your attention as a shadowy silhouette crashes and crawls along the evolving color-box backdrop. This shape shifting is paired with running script that questions how one’s current state affects the future. This perplexing/tormenting state of affairs may resonate for a bit.
Daytrotter Session – Free Cake For Every Creature
Daytrotter posted their session with Free Cake For Every Creature that was recorded at the Horseshack in Davenport, IA. The crew did a fine job catching the intimate nature of this performance, while bringing Katie Bennett’s hushed vocals to the forefront. You can now stream the entire session for free HERE. Free Cake For Every Creature will be performing next in Philly on Monday, March 14 at Boot & Saddle opening for Jeffrey Lewis & Los Bolts. (Illustration by Johnnie Cluney)
New Music Video: “Mud” – Alex G
Alex G gets wet and trips out in the woods in his latest video for "Mud." Starring with Emily Yacina, who also provides backing vocals on the track, the two enjoy a rainy day away from the concrete jungle of Philadelphia, but its streets leave a lasting impression. The music video was directed by Colin Acchione, who is the brother of Alex G’s guitarist Sam Acchione. They’ll be co-headlining Union Transfer on Thursday, April 14 with Porches. (Photo by Brent Smith)
Girlpool’s Harmony Tividad Steps Up to the Plate at Everybody Hits March 8
Harmony Tividad (of Girlpool) steps up to the plate at Everybody Hits this evening. With a minimalist, melodic approach, her songs etch an earnest understanding of the transitions and adjustments associated with adulthood. The sheer simplicity and somewhat confessional sound seems addressed to the individual, releasing a revealing internal monologue expressing an array of emotions – anguish, disappointment, hope etc. Exposing these private thoughts publicly gives rise to universal a feeling. With a new record almost completed, Slaughter Beach, Dog (a.k.a. Jake Ewald of Modern Baseball) captures expressively detailed snapshots that shed the protective outer layers, placing the nerves out in the open. They’ll also be joined by Cold Foamers, who recently released a new EP Musketball, and the sincere folk-pop of Florist completes a night at the batting cages that hits home. Everybody Hits, 529 W. Girard Ave., 8:30pm, $7, All Ages (Photo by Scott Troyan) – Michael Colavita