So this weather sure has been jerking us around, hasn’t it? One day it’s spring and the next I can’t feel my toes. But that’s the beauty about a band like Conversations with Enemies. No matter the season, their groovy rhythms, surf guitar, and joyous trumpets remind you of those prime summer days when you had plenty of friends and no responsibilities. Corey Duncan, former Pattern Is Movement guitarist, is the man behind Oh! Pears, who utilize their 13-person line-up to sculpt some of the most densely orchestrated folk-pop you’re likely to hear. Listen to the dizzying ascent of “Fill Your Lungs” for a taste. Bensalem rockers Cow Pals sound lighthearted for the most part, but it’s easy to sense a little sinister edge underneath, like in the spaghetti western-ish “It Was Hard”. Millcreek Tavern, 4200 Chester Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Joe Poteracki
The rock gods called out in desperate need of a sign; a sign that rock was still alive in us mortals and not being led by a bunch of namby-pambies with script chest tattoos and forearms the size of garden snakes. The boisterous Fishtown trio Purling Hiss answered their call by kicking into “Almost Washed My Hair” ruining the rock gods’ hearing. The thing about Purling Hiss, and there are many, is that they could easily go up on stage and perform Satriani-esque songs, i.e., hastily crafted excuses for soloing, and probably get away with it. Instead, Purling Hiss create super catchy tunes like “Don’t Even Try It” (I can’t stop thinking of Ducktails when I listen), but with the flip of a switch can take it to the next level with Mike Polizze’s frantic and explorative guitar work. You can tell that these guys are children of the 90’s and fans of their buddies Kurt Vile and the Violators, and the similarities can be heard in Polizze’s lazy drawl and driving rhythms provided by drummer Michael Sneeringer (The Loved Ones) and bassist Kiel Everett (Tin Horses). These guys have been getting a bunch of attention recently, and rightfully so. Their songs are rough around the edges, but it only adds to their appeal. They are a band without pretentions, but with a hell of a lot of talent. Also on the bill is Watery Love, the new punk band from the mind of Charles Richie (Clockcleaner/Richie Records//TestosterTunes). The band also features Meg Baird of Espers on drums and was recently written about in Philly Weekly by Kurt Vile himself (who had tried out to be their bass player). Rounding out the bill is garage-goth crew Far-Out Fangtooth, who I would be remiss not to mention these guys. Bring your earplugs for this one (and no dancing)! Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 Front St., 8pm, $8, 21+ (Photo by Steve Cross; Video Recorded by pilgrimsprogress) – Adam G.
Moon Women just digitally released a new EP Live at WXPN that is available for FREE download here. The recordings are from their live sessions on WXPN, and contain 3 unreleased tracks. Moon Women have a two-song 7" being pressed right now called Light which features the songs "Light Moves Slowly" and "When The Lights Go Out". They are self-releasing it, and there will be 300 copies available. Each cover will be hand-painted/printed, using the same color scheme, with different unique outcomes on each record. The band HOPES to have the 7" available by the time they open for The Black Lips and Vivian Girls at The Troc on Saturday, April 9. Now, go download the new EP! – The Deli Staff
There is a seriously packed local bill tonight for the Mad Dragon Showcase at Mandell Theater. They’ll be showing off current and future label talents such as Kuf Knotz, Toy Soldiers, Hezekiah Jones, and The Spinning Leaves. Headlining the evening will be retro guitar rock/pop hot tub-lovin’ outfit Free Energy. The event is free for Drexel University students with ID, and ten beans for the rest of the world. (BTW: For those who are used to kicking back a few drinks for a show, I do remember a bar close by where you’ll be able to grab drinks before and between sets.) Mandell Theater, 33rd & Chestnut St., $10/Free with Drexel ID, All Ages – Alexis V.
Many Arms is a nasty power trio made up of 6- and 12-string electric guitarist Nick Millevoi (Make A Rising, Joe Lally), electric bassist John DeBlase (Zevious), and drummer Ricardo Lagomasino (Capillary Action, Joe Lally). Having sited influences of equal parts Ornette Coleman, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and latter-day Black Flag, they combine the powers of free jazz and punk rock creating experimental compositions for music enthusiast to simply geek out to. And there will be an uber-amount of geeking out tonight at First Unitarian Church when they open for my latest rock ‘n’ roll crush Marnie Stern who will be accompanied by the Hella awesome drumming octopus Zach Hill. There will be plenty of talented folks showing off their chops this evening so prepare to “set your faces to stunned”. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8pm, $12, All Ages – Q.D. Tran
If you’re lookin’ for a little hoedown with some soul cleansing, then the TLA might be housing what you want when they host Carolina Chocolate Drops who will be getting a double dose of some fine Philly folk when Birdie Busch and The Great Unknown open the festivities for them. Miss Birdie Busch a.k.a. DJ Slowpoke is simply a fixture in the local music community by now. Her ballads are like a comfortable old pair of shoes finely polished to look brand spankin’ new again. The Great Unknown continue to inch their way closer to being known, but I think that they’ll certainly leave an impression on those smart and/or lucky enough to catch their set. This evening should flow “like water for chocolate”. Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., 8pm, $25, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman
It’s definitely someone’s birthday today! Because we’ve got not one but two recorded live studio sessions of Purling Hiss dropping today at The Key and Daytrotter. Go check them out. It’s a very rad day for Mike Polizze and crew! Now, puff that bowl, blunt, vaporizer, whatever you use these days, sit back, press play, and turn that shit up! Cheers! (Photo by Olivia Vaughn; Illustration by Johnnie Cluney) – The Deli Staff
Buried Beds will be swinging by Johnny Brenda’s tonight as part of their tour with buddies Murder by Death. (They performed together at the TLA the last time Murder by Death was in town when both of them opened for mewithoutYou. You can check out our review of that concert here.) Our West Philly-based crew just officially released their latest album Tremble the Sail nationally yesterday so they should have plenty to celebrate with family, friends and fans. You can check out their second single from the album, "Ivory Tower", below to help get you psyched up for the evening, but make sure that you get to JB’s early because it looks like Buried Beds will be opening the evening. So stop on by, and wish them a happy and safe rest of the tour! But hopefully you have your tix already because this baby is SOLD OUT. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $13, 21+ – H.M. Kauffman
According to a letter from the folks at the OX to A.V. Club Philadelphia (which you can read in its entirety here), our much-beloved DIY venue has plans to move forward and become LEGIT! (Collective – YAY!) “At the start of the meeting, the subject of whether we should legitimize and proceed with shows was voted in the affirmative by unanimous consent.” The group of 11 roommates (Amber, Andy, Brendan, Colin, Dan, Dominic, Greg, Jorgan, Kostya, Philip, and Sam) plan to bring the space up to code, register themselves as a non-profit, and file the necessary permits with the city. Please look out for any future OX benefit shows or fundraisers, and DONATE! :o) – The Deli Staff
Sun Airway’s tracks have been gettin’ the remix treatment. Well, here is one that they did for LA band Seven Saturdays’ “Early Morning Fog Bank”. You can download the track for free here. Enjoy! (Photo by Erica Jewell) – The Deli Staff
Philly’s traveling circus on acid is hitting the road for a Spring Tour. Man Man will be swinging by SXSW to support Bright Eyes at the Ground Control Showcase, and then will be heading out on an intensive trip throughout the U.S. and Canada. You should already know by now that their Philly date will June 4 at The 4th Annual Roots Picnic. They’ll cap things off with a performance down at Bonnaroo. They should be testing out some new material this spring from their upcoming tentatively titled album Life Fantastic. You can check out the rest of Man Man’s tour dates here. Now, the only really bad news is that there is still no Philly date scheduled for Mister Heavenly any time soon. :o( (Photo by Shawn Brackbill) – The Deli Staff
Lillie Ruth Bussey will be performing her first show this year in Philly at The Mitten. Anytime she sets up her little world of toys it is always a treat. It’s hard to believe how this multi-talented artist can be such a one-woman experimental dance party. Be prepared for plenty of jammin’ on the one! She’ll be headlining the evening, and will be supported by Brooklyn’s Lushes and The Binary Marketing Show. Admission is pay what you want, and donations are greatly appreciated. The Mitten, 4918 Kingsessing Ave., 7pm, Donation, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman
