As 2014 was drawing to a close, Out Of Town Films recorded on the 5th of Novemebr the duo of Jeff Lucci and Josh Aptner, better known as Air is Human, performing "Fugue {Ø}." With a heart thumping grit, they slither like a snake maintaining a sense of continuity while also shifting shape throughout. Soak it in, and for those looking for a bit more, you can head to Ortlieb’s tonight where Air is Human is slated on the bill that also includes Ill Delta and Chen City. (Photo by Out Of Town Films)
R.I.P. Golden Tea House
Talk about the Golden Tea House closing its doors to shows have been floating around for a while now, and unfortunately, all that talk has become a reality. Earlier today, the post below appeared on the house’s Facebook page. There are a lot of heavy hearts in the DIY community in Philly and all over right now, but also a lot of fond memories. R.I.P. Golden Tea House.
golden tea house is no more. everything we’ve got booked right now will be moving elsewhere, and we won’t be doing any more shows. the why and how aren’t really important but suffice it to say it was one of the more predictable inevitable causes. this whole thing has been an absolute pleasure, and we’ve done so much more than i ever would have predicted. so many absurd, beautiful, brilliant, fun, stupid stupid shows. i can’t help but get sappy and sentimental about something that’s consumed most of my free time for so long, but we want to most of all say thank you to everyone who ever lived here, booked shows here, played here, helped out, or just came out to support what we were doing. I don’t think we did anything that great, and we fucked up more times than i can count, but it was fucking magical nonetheless, and hopefully some of you feel the same. we love you all. keep in touch, we’ll be around.
xoxo
house
http://youtu.be/gFRMpJXWC-4
New Music Video: “Bobby Pins” – Cyberbully Mom Club
We have been absolutely charmed by the bedroom pop of Shari Heck’s Cyberbully Mom Club. Her sadcore lyrical style, accompanied by beautifully melodic lo-fi instrumentation and production, simply warms our hearts. And in Cyberbully Mom Club’s new music video for their latest single "Bobby Pins," it’s easy to see why others may grow to love Heck and her crew as well.
New Video: “Standard Human” (Purples Cover) – TJ Kong
The latest Root Down In The Shadow’s #CoverClub video finds TJ Kong performing their take of “Standard Human” by local pals Purples. This version slows down the tempo momentarily allowing that whiskey-warmed vocal to wraparound the one-two punch of bass and guitar, before pushing things a bit harder. The video was directed by Bob Sweeney and recorded at Cambridge Sounds Studios.
Seesins’ Reepins’ Residency Kicks Off at Ortlieb’s Feb. 4
A pair of talented songwriters/guitarists in bands originally hailing from Bucks County team up to host a month-long Wednesday residency starting this evening at the revamped Ortlieb’s. While both Joe Montone (of Heat Thunder) and Brian Dale Allen Strouse (of The Lawsuits) each exhibit a strong foundation based around crafting songs inspired by folk styles, each is open to grabbing from a large uninhibited toolbox. This freedom and flexibility offers a wide range of possibilities. Each week will also feature a special guest and a clean slate of tunes. Tonight, soulful crooning Ron Gallo (formerly of Toy Soldiers) throws his hat into the ring. Ortlieb’s, 847 N. Third St., 8pm, $3, 21+ – Michael Colavita
New Track: “Hanging On The Telephone” (The Nerves Cover) – Eel Bros
A special, limited edition seven-inch box set was released to commemorate the third annual Thirty Three and a Third art show held at Gallery1988 in Los Angeles. The collection, which was curated by Dana Lechtenberg, had artists reimagine and reinterpret classic album covers so it was fitting to have some musicians do the same, sharing renditions of some of their favorite songs. Below is a cover by Eel Bros (consisting of Man Man‘s Honus Honus and Hot Karate’s King Cyrus) of "Hanging On The Telephone," a song by The Nerves, which was made popular by Blondie. For the B-side of the 7-inch, the duo also took on Danzig’s "Blood and Tears." Other artists such as No Age, Rozwell Kid, and Andrew Jackson Jihad’s Sean Bonnette took on bands like Black Flag, Misfits and Wheatus for the box set as well.
New Music Video: “Cancer Money” – Pinkwash
Anyone can fall into the hypnotic trance-like state of unquestioningly accepting routine. As a result, sometimes harsh reality needs to be brought into focus. Pinkwash’s new single “Cancer Money” featured on their upcoming 7’’, which Sister Polygon will release next month, does just that. The song tears away the façade of the cancer industry as Joey Doubek openly shrieks his frustrations amid the continuous surge of volatile venting guitar and drum combination. Pinkwash also plans to release a full-length album via Don Giovanni this year.
New Track: “20 Grand Palace” – rjd2
With a jazz-awakening start, flowing into the boogie-down funk with a touch of strings and some spacey keys, “20 Grand Palace,” rjd2’s latest offering is certain to solicit movement no matter where your listening to it. Taking advantage of the free sample library of loops and sounds recorded in its studio, Brooklyn’s Converse Rubber Tracks is providing musicians access to its collection worldwide. This track is a fine example within a plethora of possibilities.
Girlpool Opening for Alex G at PhilaMOCA Feb. 3
So, the good news first – a trio of excellent bands are performing tonight in the intimately close quarters of PhilaMOCA. The recently transplanted LA-native pairing of Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad, better known as Girlpool, excel at creating music whose stripped-down guitar and bass instrumentation musters significant substance with a catchy twist. The sincere emotional expression through their songs conjures a real, resonating power. Tightly weaving vocals demonstrate a united front, which whether it aches or smiles in the first-hand storytelling of their lyrics, leaves a listener feeling that he/she were witness to (or given access to) private personal moments and thoughts. Former The Deli Philly’s Year End Readers’/Fans’ Poll Winner, Alex G headlines this evening bringing an infectiously intimate dose of melodic lo-fi that seeps into your conscience, while the noise friendly pop-punk marriage of Maryland’s on-again, off-again band Teen Suicide is sandwiched in the middle. However, the bad news is that this show is sold out so hopefully you already have your ticket in hand. PhilaMOCA, 531 N. 12th St., 7:30pm, $12, All Ages (Girlpool Photo by Alice Baxley) – Michael Colavita

New Track: “Jackal” – Bad Braids
Bad Braids new album Eye of Night is due out next month. The Megan Biscieglia-guided project delivers chilling, eerily layered folk tunes. Here is the album cut of “Jackal” (a song that you may remember from our Choice/Cuts session), which has the potential to rattle one’s bones. (Cover Art by Sarah Guck)
The Deli Philly’s February Record of the Month: Suburban Living – Suburban Living
Opening with “Faded Lover,” the album’s first track unfolds with guttural riffs and an unrelenting backbeat that perfectly frames frontman Wesley Bunch’s emotionally wrought yet controlled vocals. The song falls somewhere between the driving tempo of Echo & The Bunnymen’s “Stars Are Stars” and The Cure’s “Primary,” making it a suitable metaphor for willing romantics. A crystallization of everything quintessential about the dissonance of post-punk and the catchy melodics of shoegaze, “Faded Lover” lingers like a ghost with its listener, dissipating into a silence that begs for subsequent returns.
Krust Toons: “First Album” by Teddy Hazard
Krust Toons: "First Album" by Teddy 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 HERE.