2014 is already looking good for Lantern. The band is headed back into the studio this week to record the follow-up to last year’s release, Rock ‘N’ Roll Rorschach. The blues/70’s rock-inspired album was a departure from grittier, lo-fi Lantern recordings of yore – tightened up, but by no means tidy. Rorschach’s take on the American rock tradition is at once groovy but not vapid, sultry and meaningfully layered, loud and thrashy. Alchemy like that can’t possibly be an accident, but the tone of the LP is too no-fuss to let you dwell on it. For their next album, Zachary Devereux Fairbrother and Emily Robb are teaming up once again with Montreal-based drummer Christian Simmons to take it a step further. In addition to experimenting with different instrumentation, the group’s newfound obsession with 60’s and 70’s Brit rock is sure to translate. “It all started because our drummer Christian lent us a couple of books by the engineers that worked on most of the Beatles catalogue. Now we can’t stop listening,” said Robb. An evolving cross-genre rock ‘n’ roll outfit with a thoughtful, more technical eye on what’s next? Yeah, we’re in. (You can view the rest of The Deli Philly’s Best of 2013 Emerging Artists list HERE.) – Leslie Burnette
Philadelphia
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DRGN King Returns to Philly at JB’s Feb. 28
DRGN King is back in Philly after a tour of the northern middle states. Although the band hasn’t released anything new since its debut LP, Paragraph Nights, the group’s frontman, Dominic Angelella, recently did a stripped-down cover of The Dead Milkmen’s classic, “Punk Rock Girl”, for Root Down in The Shadow’s Cover Club. Hopefully he’ll unleash a more raucous rendition tonight with a full band at Johnny Brenda’s. They’ll be sharing a bill this evening with New York City’s Porches, a band that specializes in dark, slowed-down rock with an undercurrent of world beats; however, their music contains a subtle light, hopeful lilt that keeps its songs from weighing to heavy on a listener’s soul. Also on the night’s roster is another Philly act, Mumblr, playing garage-noise with plenty of fuzz. So shake off the icicles, and let the music warm you up. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Shaylin O’Connell
Philadelphia
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Revolution, I Love You EP Release Show at North Star Bar Feb. 28
Philly electropop duo Revolution, I Love You will be taking over the North Star Bar for an EP release show tonight. With their new record The Atlantic Ocean hot off the presses, you find the group channeling a more experimental but less abrasive sound than previous releases, showing off their songwriting maturation. Heavily influenced by “The Replacements, Bruce Springsteen, and Big Star as they are by the electronica and hip-hop artist,” The Atlantic Ocean proves to be the Revolution, I LOve You’s most accomplished album to date. They’ll be joined this evening by Dokument, the latest project from Jarrett Zerrer (ex-City Rain), and post-punk four-piece The One2s. North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Maggie Grabmeier
Philadelphia
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The Deli Philly’s Year End Poll – Top Performers: Drone Ranger
Drone Ranger released their debut self-titled EP this past spring. The sound is murky, coated in a thick shoegaze-y, psychedelic haze. Yet, while it may be out there, the group finds an endearing air of warmth that engages listeners rather than distancing/alienating them. With an evolving lineup that currently sits as a quartet, the group released a pair of songs at the end of last year “The Dead Isle” and “Mutant Maze” that serve as an optimistic preview of their full-length LP that is projected to arrive later this year. In these songs, Drone Ranger exhibit a clearer, industrious vibe creating multifaceted arrangements that benefit in their ebb and flow movements. This more lively approach still embraces the band’s spacey side; however, now that drifting scenario is in better balance – a piece of the musical puzzle in lieu of being its main component. With a fresh album on the horizon and a steady progression, Drone Ranger is definitely on our radar. (You can view the rest of The Deli Philly’s Best of 2013 Emerging Artists list HERE.) – Michael Colavita
Philadelphia
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The Deli Philly’s Year End Poll – Top Performers: Hop Along
Hop Along is the kind of punk outfit that other punk bands might not want to stand too close to. They almost tend to make intensity look a bit too effortless. Their instrumentals are fairly understated, and Frances Quinlan vocal stylings are a bit more Tegan and Sara than your typical punk outfit. Yet they take that fairly toned-down musical style and explore it with an almost incomprehensible fury. Soulful lyrics are shrieked, while mellow harmonies are shredded rather than strummed. Hop Along takes this somber little vehicle, and drives it at Mach speed. But to really get the appeal, you have to see them live. The band put out a damn good album in Get Disowned, but recordings just don’t do the group justice. Hop Along is that perfect juxtaposition of sweet and vicious, somber and energetic that you don’t get to see very often these days. (You can view the rest of The Deli Philly’s Best of 2013 Emerging Artists list HERE.) – Daniel Ludwig
Philadelphia
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Creepoid Record Release Show at JB’s Feb. 27
I really can’t believe that it’s been three years since the last Creepoid release. Part of the delay had to do with logistics with guitarist Pete Joe Urban spending most of last year living in San Antonio, TX, while his girlfriend attended school, coupled with the ridiculous amount of time it can take to write and record new material as well as the natural volatility of the band. It’s a lot to deal with, and at times, the band and I weren’t exactly sure if a new release would see the light of day. Towards the end of last year, drummer Pat Troxell asked me if the world really wanted another Creepoid album. My response was "DEFINITELY!" So now, here we are as the grungy psych-rock four-piece are finally back together in the same city and ready to unleash their long-awaited self-titled full-length album to the world via No Idea Records. And it was well worth the wait – just listen for yourself below. Come out this evening to Johnny Brenda’s for the gang’s record release show, and experience the intensity of a Creepoid live performance – something that few bands can match! They’ll also be joined by Philly music brethren Far-Out Fangtooth and Ecstatic Vision. Label it as a must-attend event! Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $12, 21+ – Q.D. Tran
Philadelphia
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The Districts Opening for White Denim at Union Transfer Feb. 27
I think, by now, the rise of The Districts has been well-documented on The Deli’s site. If you still haven’t taken a listen to our Philly Emerging Artist of 2013, then you really need to catch up and do it now. But I really think that the best way to experience them is live, which you can do tonight when their tour with Austin rockers White Denim rolls into Union Transfer. And if you plan on going to SXSW, you’ll also be able to find them at numerous showcases this year as they wow the crowds with their youthful exuberance and wise-beyond-their-years songwriting. Before you do all this, check out our recent interview with The Districts’ talented yet humble frontman Rob Grote HERE. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., 8:30pm, $15, All Ages (Photo by Caitlin McCann) – H.M. Kauffman
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Morning” – Abi Reimold
Abi Reimold might tag herself as "folk girl" on her Bandcamp page, but she manages to find her inner rock goddess on the song "Morning" (below). It’s the opening track on her new EP Forget. We’re still finding similarities between her and our folky favorite, Angel Olsen, who has also been rockin’ out on her latest LP Burn Your Fire For No Witness.
Philadelphia
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The Deli Philly’s Year End Poll – Top Performers: Waxahatchee
By now, you should all know Waxahatchee, a.k.a. Katie Crutchfield. Named after the lake on which her family owns a summer home, Waxahatchee captured the attention of critics and fans all over the world with her lyrical magnetism and honesty on 2013’s breakout hit Cerulean Salt (Don Giovanni). The heartfelt sadness is palpable throughout her latest release. Her music has come to embody the bizarre mixture of calm and panic that comes from being alone, while hints of Crutchfield’s punk rock roots are able to bleed through the distortion of tracks like “Misery Over Dispute” and “Coast to Coast.” Though her time spent in West Philly was short-lived, I am sure the city and the people that she met while here will continue to influence her musical journey for many years to come. (You can view the rest of The Deli Philly’s Best of 2013 Emerging Artists list HERE.) – Maggie Grabmeier
Philadelphia
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The Deli Philly’s Year End Poll – Top Performers: Needle Points
About a year ago, a hippie-throwback, psychedelic group was born. Needle Points have come far from their start in the winter of 2013, far enough to land themselves as a top performer in The Deli Philly’s Best of 2013 Emerging Artists Poll. Listening to their music is like watching a lava lamp: It’s colorful and inviting, with a vibe that’s straight out of the 60s and a sound that puts listeners into a hypnotic groove. In November, the band put out their debut EP, Bom Tugangu, a six-song release that’s full of jangly, psychedelic soul. It’s easy to find oneself lost within the heavy guitar riffs and occasional tribal beats, especially when lead vocalist Colin Holloway’s growl fades in and out amidst a heavy bass line. The biggest impact that their music has, however, is that despite the heavy instrumentals, the band manages to put out carefree tunes that don’t weigh on the mind – perfect for frolicking in a field or tuning out in the back of a VW Bus until you see tie-dye. (You can view the rest of The Deli Philly’s Best of 2013 Emerging Artists list HERE.) – Shaylin O’Connell
Philadelphia
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New Video: “Another Man Done Gone” (Johnny Cash Cover) – Our Griffins
To celebrate Johnny Cash’s birthday today, Our Griffins, a.k.a. D.J. Brown, released a cover of "Another Man Done Gone" from Blood, Sweat & Tears. Brown also posted a video (below) to go along with his rendition. Our Griffins will be make the trek down to SXSW this year for the first time.
Philadelphia
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Get Really Bummed w/Pill Friends at The Troc Feb. 26
I’m really not sure why people don’t book more shows in The Balcony of The Troc. I have enjoyed all the ones that I’ve seen there! Is it the talent buyer, their policies, or just people don’t know that it’s a pretty damn nice, small room to play in Philly? Also, grabbing dinner in Chinatown is a definite bonus. Well, whatever it is – it’s pretty rad that the DIY folks of Pill Friends will be headlining the intimate stage tonight so get ready to feel really bummed – in a good way! They’ll also be joined by local indie-rock pals Roof Doctor and NYC folk duo Relatives. The Balcony – The Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., 8:30pm, $6, 21+ – Alexis V.