New Music, Emerging from your Local Scene
The fuzz is strong with this one.
PO PO’s Dope Boy Magick sounds as if it’s being transmitted through a cloud. The debut full-length of once brother trio-turned-solo project of lone remaining bro Zeb Malik is a collage of outcast-rock past, with influences culled from goth, punk, and even witch house, but as its grungy bass crunch and oodles of reverb blur the borders between styles, the record becomes a sort of “Variations on Alienation for Drum Machine and Distorted Guitar."
I swear this is a good thing. For one, the murky hiss covering each track makes the jumps between creeping electro and squalling garage seamless, not to mention exciting. Malik is an expert appropriator, casually flipping between riff-heavy acid sludge (“Dnt Wnt U, Jst Wnt It All”), raucous surf (“Bummer Summer”), and pristine electro bliss (the phenomenal “Let’s Get Away”), making the record lively and unpredictable, like a mixtape for the counterculture.
It’s also mesmerizing; the reverb on these tracks distorts Malik’s whine to the point where he’s not communicating in words but in a wash of vowel sounds, and the dejection he’s able to convey with a sigh recalls the perpetual disaffection of Bradford Cox. Like Cox, Malik is able to settle comfortably over a noise record’s various faces, flying over Magick’s more interactive first half and becoming another texture on its subtler but-no-less excellent second. He almost disappears in the hypnotic rhythms of the final four tracks, adding the haunting echoes in “Sik Sik Sik” and becoming a droning hook for “POPONGZU.” This section ends the record on a baffling but tantalizing note. These tracks are some of the album’s most realized, and when “Teen Dreamz” slyly slinks away, it feels like a fitting end to such an elusive record.
I say elusive because Dope Boy Magick keeps its audience at a distance. There’s a tangible apathy here. On “Dnt Wnt U, Jst, Wnt It All,” Malik sings, “I fuckin’ love you,” but he doesn’t sound like he’s going to do anything about it. He’s not interested in action. His record’s bare-bones, catch-all ethos encourages thoughtful, meditative listening, and all that haze he provides seems to lend itself to smoky, dimly lit rooms where everyone’s on too many substances to do anything but gaze blankly and bop along. My advice? “Turn on, tune in, drop out.” You can purchase Dope Boy Magick via Mad Decent. – Adam Downer
There’s no better way to start your April than with a chill-out night at Kung Fu Necktie. Thanks to local ambient metabands Moon Bounce and Gracie, those looking for some down time to relax and melt away into a sweet-smelling atmosphere of electronic beeps and experimental wavelengths can do so tonight at the North Front Street venue (ANR was also to play but dropped off the bill). And if you haven’t had the headphone pleasure of losing yourself in Moon Bounce’s Darn Your Best Frock or Gracie’s Treehouse EP, then experiencing them live while lounging around aimlessly will be much more unforgettable. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 8pm, $5, 21+ -Annamarya Scaccia
If it’s possible for a band to sound intense yet soothing to the core, Philadelphia’s shoegazing/psychodelic quintet, The Tweeds, succeeds at just that. Sonic sheets hit you like waves in the ocean. Sometimes, the water is murky as heavily distorted guitars murmur in your mind, the wave taking you under when you least expect it. Yet, at other points the cool calm isolation breaks evenly as if you are one with your surroundings, were the vast openness are a sea of possibilities. The smooth vocals combining with slick consistent licks fit together to create a bigger picture. The constant throughout this experience is no matter were you look or listen, there is a picture, which is what you should expect when they hit the stage tonight at the Station. Sometimes seductive echoing vocals juxtaposed with the apocalyptical guitar will place you on an individual island, but just as you begin to separate yourself a wave will break on the shore and the panoramic view will come into focus allowing you to become one with the world at large.
The Eeries released their debut 7-inch, Comes Alive, last summer after a few self-released tapes.Comes Alive finds the local garage rock trio doing what they do best, which is creating classic ’60s pop songs while staying true to their DIY garage roots. And if you head down to the Level Room tonight, you can catch their free love era influenced jams as part of a six band-bill that include other must-know local outfits including Black Actor and Honey Radar. We’re serious when we say this should be a sweaty, awesome sonic free fall. The Level Room, 2102 Market St., $8, 8p.m., 21+ –Dan Brightcliffe
There’s a simple rolling groove in the Kalob Griffin Band’s “Take Me River,” as the percussive semblance of the bass guitar, drums, and piano meld together in a specific way, which makes the hips naturally sway in that down-home backyard barbeque kind of way, just when a lead guitar solo slices right through upping the ante. It’s the country-dusted rock they’re known for, and they’ll bring it to MilkBoy Philly tonight for their last Philly show before their official release party for their debut album, which was recorded at Milkboy Studios in the fall (BONUS: They’re pre-releasing to album tracks at the show). KGB’s sound varies from an upbeat southern rock/country blues a la the Allman Brothers Band to a dark moody grunge tinged one that screams of Neil Young and Crazy Horse. Sharing the bill is TJ Kong and the Atomic Bomb. TJ Kong’s lead singer Dan Buskewicz has the type of raspy-throaty vocals that make his words ring true and wise. His harmonica playing develops a rustic Americana sense that’s further galvanized by the addition of upright and backing vocals act like echoes in the distant. It’s as if Bob Dylan and the Band are back together, taking us on the back of a pickup truck, passing a bottle of whiskey, riding through the backwoods, telling stories and using the instruments to exemplify their points. MilkBoy Philly, 1100 Chestnut St., 9:30 $12, 21+ (Photo by David Turcotte) – Michael Colavita
There’s nothing we dislike more at the Deli than when a rad local band is playing a show that’s sold out. Sure, we’re totally happy for the band but it’s a bummer for anyone who wants to catch their act. That’s the case with Bleeding Rainbow (the artist formerly known as Reading Rainbow). They’re opening for Cleveland’s Cloud Nothings tonight at Johnny Brenda’s, and if you’re sans a ticket, you’re sadly out of luck because it’s, not surprisingly, sold out. But if you’re one of those lucky ones, then you’re in for a treat. Back from their badass stint at SXSW, Bleeding Rainbow will no doubt rock the audience with their brand of fuzz bomb, frenzied noise pop renderings, which we know will be even more brilliant now that they’ve become a four-piece, with Sara Everton moving from drums to bass, new member Greg Frantz on drums, and Rob Garcia and Al Creedon on guitars. Yes, us non-ticketers are totally jealous of those with the golden pass. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 8pm, SOLD OUT, 21+ -Annamarya Scaccia
Other things to keep you entertained this weekend…
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Bleeding Rainbow, SAT It’s The Year 1996 Hosted by Reef the Lost Cauze
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) SAT Sugar Town w/ Gang, Sgt. Sass
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI Lonesummer, SAT Far Out Fangtooth, the Eeries, the Shakes
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Julie Mullin Raboczi’s Birthday Party w/ Live Bands and DJ Breakfast, SAT Topanga, Seismic Thrust (6pm), Brian Seymour, Swedeland, the Yarrows, Upholstery (9pm), SUN Rasputin’s Secret Police, Alien Father, Dee and the Warlocks, Skin Cells
M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Blayer Pointdujour and his Rockers Galore, I Yahn I Arkestra, the High Five
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) FRI Liat, Suzy Brown, SAT Mia Johnson, SUN Lauryn Peacock
The Blockley (3801 Chestnut St.) FRI Jason Ager, SUN Moosh & Twist
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI Keystone Mountain Boys
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI Ruder Than You (Downstairs), Countdown to Ecstasy (Upstairs)
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) FRI Starskream, Tungsten, Thee Shut Downs, Explosive Head, Travia, SAT Bones Culture, Wyldlyfe, Sound Barrier Experience
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Black Landlord Benefit Show w/ Dong Johnson, SAT Kalob Griffin Band, TJ Kong & the Atomic Bomb, the Peace Creeps, SUN Ladies Rock Philly Showcase
Triumph Brewery (117 Chestnut St.) FRI Mun & McLovins, SAT Turbines w/ Speed
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St) FRI Zoodada Presents Break It Up, Tutlie SAT Fast Car, Rivers Monroe, Robots and Racecars
The Level Room (2102 Market St.) FRI Death Rattle, Laffing Line, Black Gum, SAT Black Actor, The Eeries
JR’s Bar (2327 S. Croskey St.) FRI Keeps, Good Morning Valentine, the Stammer, SAT Minor Motion, Old Nick, Pilots in Orbit
The Station (1550 McKean St.) FRI ggghst, Jared Saltiel, Southwork, SAT Dirty Toms, Beyonder, Horrible Department, Deep Possum, SUN Big Fat Maker, the Tweeds, Figlead
First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) FRI Dry Feet, Halo of Snakes, the Holy Mess
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI Jaime Pannone, Ev Reheard, Christie Lenée, Darienne Rose, Katie Frank, Gina Cardillo, Alexandra Rae and Dani Shay, SAT This Way to the Eggress, the Freakkings
The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St.) FRI Perseverance Jazz Band, SAT Onewayness
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Fang Fang, Mike Weyrauch, SAT Control for Smilers
The Note (142 E. Market St., West Chester) FRI Moosh & Twist, Asaad, Millie Mag, SAT Phillybloco
Tonight, Black Landlord brings the party to MilkBoy Philly for a good cause: the show is a benefit for Bruce, a friend of the group, to help him save his home. The nine-piece soul/funk/jazz/hip hop collective, led by Maxx Stoyanoff-Williams, is known for their wild live performances, which resemble a summer block party in Philly, so tonight’s gig should be nothing short of a good time. And before the show, fans can check out their latest EP, What You Mean to We, on their Bandcamp Page and grab a FREE download of their track, “Watch Out.” Start your weekend off right by checking out Philly’s own self-proclaimed “house band” and support a good cause. MilkBoy Philly, 1100 Chestnut St., $10 – $20, 8:30 p.m., All Ages – Dan Brightcliffe
Zoodada is a special event that showcases all kinds of performance arts. And when it comes to PhilaMOCA tonight, it will feature an eclectic lineup of comedy, storytelling, poetry, dancing, and music. After a string of successful shows at SXSW and Brooklyn’s Cameo Gallery, Break It Up is back in Philly and getting ready to record a split album with Attia Taylor. But tonight they’ll be on hand to play their incendiary blend of hook laden indie tunes. Also on the bill is Tutlie, who recently put out another brand new song, “Freyja” (check out the track HERE). And since they’ve been spending a lot of time in the studio of late, you might just be in for some more new material when they take the stage. PhilaMOCA, 531 N. 12 St., 8pm, $7, All Ages – Bill McThrill
After a string of delays, a minor Twitter beef with 9th Wonder over a beat, and a few singles, Young Gliss has released The Glimmer EP. The follow-up to last year’s Dealing with The Pressure 2 features impressive cameos from rap legends Prodigy and Killer Mike, as well as local Roots Crew affiliates STS and Dice Raw.
The tape starts off with the a cappella track “Intro Song” by R&B vocalist Shane Chris, singing about the dreams of an up-and-coming rapper to living in the fantasy world of a rap superstar, while also acknowledging the problems such success brings. Gliss is at war with the contrasting themes of the opener’s lyrics, “Fancy cars, fancy clothes, movies no one knows, candy canes in their nose, they’re not happy, sold their soul for a check, money, power, respect, platinum chains round their neck and a Grammy” throughout the mixtape.
Title track, “Glimmer” is one of the album’s standouts, putting the struggles of a rising rapper into perspective. The lyrics, “Success is what I vision, some shoes I can’t yet fit in,” speak to the fact that Gliss has not yet reached his goal of being a rap star, and his rhymes explain why he feels that he hasn’t received wide-spread attention for his work. Young Gliss sums up the lyrical themes touched on in this track with his motto, “It’s easy to be Gucci Mane; it’s harder to be Nas.” Many emcees choose to “work on their image making whack dance tracks” or “grab a down South beat and slowly ride the tide” to success, but the Philly native is going to keep doing hip hop his way and stay independent from current hit trends or avoid watering down his music for mainstream success.
On the track “Charles Bradley,” named after the soul singer whom the sample is borrowed from, Young Gliss takes a time-out from his personal dreams of making it as a rapper to discuss social issues of the world over one of the most soulful beats on the album courtesy of Les Professionels. This track was released back around the holiday season as a single to promote The Glimmer EP, but it still remains one of the best songs on the tape.
On the seven minute posse cut, “No One Can Stop Us Now,” Gliss returns to the EP’s themes of making it in the music industry and being a successful rapper. Feature verses from rap legends Prodigy of Mobb Deep and Killer Mike give a different perspective to the track because they have already reached critical success in the rap game. In his verse, Prodigy states, “I reside with the stars, I belong right where I am/these n****s don’t deserve to be where I am,” warning other emcees and their critics that Gliss and his crew deserve to be on top of the rap world and won’t let anyone take it from them once they have it. Gliss also addresses his independent mindset and “it’s easy to be Gucci Mane; it’s harder to be Nas” motto in his lyrics, “I’m on a mission to get rich quick and reaching it all up on our own.”
The EP closes with “Midnight Sonata,” featuring a sample of M83’s massive hit “
You can download The Glimmer EP for free HERE, and look for Young Gliss and the rest of The Roots Crew at this summer’s annual Roots Picnic. – Dan Brightcliffe
Below is the explosive lead single from local crust punks Cop Problem called “Monuments.” Their self-titled 7” EP is available today via War Torn Records (US) and Prejudice Me Records (UK).
Damien DeRose, a.k.a Peasant, has gained critical acclaim for his previous two releases, especially the highly regarded Shady Retreat. But the upcoming follow-up, Bound for Glory might be Peasant’s most complete and multi-layered release to date (it has already gained DeRose some airtime on BBC Radio and MTV Studios). When he celebrates the album’s release at World Café Live tonight, it will also be the local debut of his new full band lineup that features members of Former Belle and Sparta Philharmonic. This will also be Former Belle’s final local show before heading out on a European tour, so it will be a good time to hear some of the new material that they’ve been recording in the studio. The evening will also feature a rare acoustic solo performance from Chris Archibald of Illinois. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8pm, $10 + processing fees, all ages – Bill McThrill