Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, August 8 – 10

Posted on:
It’s going to be beautiful weather for a picnic this weekend so luckily, Kensington Picnic II is back with a stellar lineup all-day Saturday at the Liberty Vintage Motorcycles yard. One of my favorite bands, Spacin’, is slated for an earlier set in the day so make sure not to miss them, because you never know when you’ll get a chance again. The band recently finished recording their new album, which (I was told) will be released via Richie Records. Some more rad psych rock news, Birds of Maya, who are performing later in the day, will also be returning with a new album that they recorded in the woods of New York. So excited to hear some new tunes from both crews! Filling out the jam-packed bill of local area talent will be Strapping Fieldhands, Mary Lattimore & Jeff Zeigler, Fursaxa, Laura Baird, Randall of Nazareth (Randy Huth of Pearls & Brass), and Hohlraum (Joe Winters of Pearls & Brass and Sean McGuiness of Pissed Jeans). Yup, it’s definitely where you want to be this weekend! Liberty Vintage Motorcycles Yard, Frankford Ave. (between Susquehanna & Dauphin), 12pm-8pm, Free, All Ages – Q.D. Tran
 
More places to enjoy yourself this weekend…
 
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Haethen, Death Orbit, Sadgiqacea, Vektor, SAT Tygerstrype, Dream Safari, Worshyper
 
The Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI The Bailey Hounds, Levee Drivers, Katie Frank & The Pheromones, SAT Son Little
 
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St) SAT Philly Summer Fest: Cassilis (Record Release), Dogs on Acid, Bubonic Bear, Ape Up!, Amanda X, The Weaks, Mike Bell & the Movies, QUIT
 
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Roof Doctor, Mock Suns Big Tusk / 10 Million, Lapses, Nearest / Illian Village, The Outhouse, The White Cheddar Boys, SAT We Are Fauna / Mumblr, Vivre Sa Vie, Legs Like Tree Trunks (solo set), SUN Rosetta, Maniacs on Wheels
 
Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St.) FRI Mad Decent Block Party After Party: Swizzymack, Noah Breakfast
 
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI West Philadelphia Orchestra, SAT Mason Porter
 
Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing (601 N. Columbus Blvd.) Mad Decent Block Party
 
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI (Balcony) Foxtrot & The Get Down, Ten Cent Days, SAT (Early) Girls Rock Philly Showcase (Evening) Wizard Eye, Heavy Temple, Brontide
 
TLA (334 South St.)  FRI The Snails
 
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT Philly BLOCO, New Sound Brass Band
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.)  FRI Giovanna Kline SAT (Early) In Writing, Plainview
(Late) Fishtown Beats, Bleu Velvet, ialive, Sky System SUN Dizzy Santana, Lil Benji
 
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Joey Sweeney Sat Kuf Knotz, The Rosemary Fiki Band
 
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Mercury Radio Theater, A Brood of Vipers, Josh Jones, SAT In Place, A Day Without Love, Willow Talk, SUN  Blank Stare: Katie K|Rex
 
Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI Reed Streets, SAT DJ DEEJAY
 
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) SAT Lydia Rene, Lloyd Alexander
 
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.)  SAT Dave Steel Blues Band SUN (Early) Rustic Music Service
 
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) FRI McRad / Testosteroso, Stellarscope, SAT Black Sun Rising, The Madeleine Haze, Fate 88, Heather Heather, Suns Of Krypton, Jay Skull In Spades
 
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI I Yahn I Arkestra
 
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) SUN Mista Heard, L.E.O, SefLuv
 
The Grape Room (105 Grape St) FRI Dave Joyce, The Tetis, Jason Reed, Sailing Sweater, SAT No Outlet, Morningside One and a Quarter, Natalie Chapkis
 
Bourbon and Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) FRI Meddlesome Meddlesome Meddlesome Bells, The Flashing Thoughts, Paul Hocynec, SAT Palm Ghosts, North Lawrence Midnight Singers, On The Cooling Board
 
Ardmore Music Hall  FRI The Wallace Brothers Band, SAT Splintered Sunlight
 
Morgan’s Pier (221 N. Columbus Boulevard) FRI Matpat, SAT Pink Skull
 
The Pharmacy (1300-1302 S. 18th St.) FRI Torito, Frankie Vado, ASPCP, Rhetoric Wallace, Silly Mane
 
Everybody Hits (529 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Lantern, Laser Background
 
Duff Gardens (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Future
 
The Sound Hole (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Cranes are Flying, Beer Breakfast Dungeness Crab
 
Mt. Thrashmore (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.)  SAT Katahajime, Satyagraha
 
Whatsitsname House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) Twin Pines, Robins, Brokehead
 
Golden Tea House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN The Ambulars, Allison Crutchfield
 
Mile High House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN Limits, Blankbook
 
4074 Spring Garden St. SUN The Backyard Show Series: The Chairman Dances, Reform Spelling
 
Little Berlin Annex (2430 Coral St.) SUN Mike Bruno & the Black Magic  Family Band, Elkhorn
 
L.A.

Video: Modern Time Machines, “Loveletters”

Posted on:

Despite the rising number of shoegaze-inspired bands that have come into sight in the last few years, Modern Time Machines have gradually developed into one of the most exhilitaring acts in the local scene. Their latest single, "Loveletters", actually comes eerily close to replicating the sound that Shields brought to the fore in the late eighties. The knockout production elements in "Loveletters" are really what elevates the track to a higher plane, its searing, yet seducing guitars and reverb-drenched vocals coalesced with the video’s variegated visuals. "Loveletters" is the first taste off their upcoming EP, which the band will be releasing in late 2014. 

Philadelphia

Lantern & Laser Background Represent at Everybody Hits Aug. 8

Posted on:

Tonight, a pair of local groups represents half of the bill at DIY space Everybody Hits – both tapping into a place that’s a touch twisted. The duo of Zachary Devereux Fairbrother and Emily Robb come together in Lantern, producing a steady diet of assertive, snarly, fuzzed-out rock n’ roll that touches down on the glam realm with its steady-churning accessibility, while still retaining a stick-to-your-ribs foundation chock full of authoritative personality and primal penetrating instrumentation. Having recently recorded at The Bottle Garden Studios, Lantern could potentially shine light on some new material. Speaking of which and joining in the festivities, Laser Background, the Andy Moholt-driven pop-psych carnival concoction, has also been hard at work on their next album, Correct. Laser Background balances infectious, poppy, playful bursts, simultaneously wrapping that package in a slightly distorted, oddball point of view. This evening’s lineup is rounded out by Staten Island’s Bueno, who approach punk from a dark shadowy synth shadow, and the ongoing sonic experimentations of Zula. Everybody Hits, 529 W. Girard Ave., 8pm, $5-$7 Donation, All Ages – Michael Colavita

NYC

Hey Anna celebrates single release at Mercury tonight (08.08)

Posted on:

In the midst of recording their newest album, pop trio Hey Anna is set to release their single “By the Bay (La Revolucion)” and will celebrate with a performance at Mercury Lounge tonight, August 8th.  Fronted by the three eclectic Rauch-Sasseen sisters, the single follows self-titled EP “Hey Anna” and their more recent “Pompette,” both short collections of energetic pop layered with quirky synths and dissonant harmonies.  Crafting intricate vocal layers like only sisters can, the girls are bringing unabashed joy to the Brooklyn music scene, and we are loving their energy. Be sure to come party with the band tonight, and watch their video for our favorite Pompette track “Dance Until Three” here. – Jillian Dooley

NYC

The Motor Tom releases video for ‘Late’ + plays Mercury on August 12th

Posted on:

The Motor Tom are a dance rock group out of New York whose recent album, Tracks, was produced by Gregory Lattimer (Albert Hammond Jr.’s Yours to Keep).  The record is hook-heavy, with themes that embody New York City street wandering, from being haunted by Elizabeth Browning, to being stranded on the subway tracks.  There’s no question that one of The Motor Tom’s main priorities is to get you up and moving.  The songs are aggressively catchy – you might find it hard to prevent your head from bobbing as you stream the song below. You can let your dancing instincts loose at their live set at The Mercury Lounge on August 12th. – Jake Saunders

Philadelphia

The Bailey Hounds Headline at The Boot & Saddle Aug. 8

Posted on:

A stacked lineup happens at The Boot & Saddle tonight that sees The Bailey Hounds headlining their first local show since they rocked Laurel Hill Cemetery in June. And they’ll be set to deliver their melodic blend of dark country rock ballads with metal undertones. The show will be a great chance to catch Levee Drivers while they take a break from recording a new album in the studio, so it’s possible that you may be treated to some new material in the process. It will also be a good chance to catch Katie Frank & The Pheromones before they play the local fest circuit at Philadelphia Folk Festival and Clark Park Music & Arts Festival. The Boot & Saddle, 1131 S. Broad St., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Bill McThrill

Nashville

Friday Feature: Vinyl Thief, “Fathoms”

Posted on:

For this Friday Feature we review Vinyl Thief’s "Fathoms." It is their first full-length album released July 22nd, and it is every bit of the masterful synth-pop joyride you would expect from the quartet.  To read on, simply avert your eyes to the left sidebar. Yep, we loved it so much, it’s our Record of the Month!

 

NYC

Folding Legs releases sophomore EP ‘Glorious’ + plays Pianos on 08.19

Posted on:

Next Tuesday, August 12th, Folding Legs will unleash their second EP, simply entitled “Glorious”. The collection will follow their debut “Drown in Light,” which was released last year and received a lot of attention from the ‘indie’ blogs, Deli included. Fronted by songstress Katharina Stenbeck and her arresting vocals, the band is a worldly bunch – they hail from NYC, Stockholm, and Vienna, and manage to incorporate influences from each region into their sophisticated, borderline decadent pop sound. Their newest release comes complete with 80’s dance beats, grungy bass lines, and some charming vocal shrieks from the front lady. Listen to the preview single ‘Grounding’ and be sure to watch out for the release of the remaining tracks next week. Catch the band live at Pianos on August 19. – Jillian Dooley

Portland

Preview: PALS FEST 2014

Posted on:

Despite the arguably volatile conditions that have developed around the Portland music community as of late – hyper increased development in inner urban areas displacing low-income artist types and forcing venues to close; increased noise curfew enforcement; obtusely racist police interference with hip hop shows – there is still one beautiful, unalienable force that is overflowing throughout our tired and artistic collective: FRIENDSHIP.

PALS FEST 2014, taking place August 9th through 15th, is the perfect celebration of the friendship that ties together Portland’s musical community, and back for the festival’s third year, the lineup couldn’t include any better best-bud-bands. This year, the celebration offers seven crazy nights of music, each at a different venue across town and curated by different local tastemakers, and all free or $5 entry. However, if you’re like most day-job slaving humanoids and don’t have the stamina to take in seven nights of live music in a row, here is our abridged list of shows you probably don’t want to miss:

Saturday, 8.9, FREE – Hustle & Drone and Hosannas at Pals Clubhouse
Danceable and soulful, electronic based pop music in an intimate backyard setting close enough for you to walk there and stumble home.
 
Sunday, 8.10, FREE – Wooden Indian Burial Ground and Cambrian Explosion at Rontoms
Portland’s psych revival at its finest, playing out on the back patio of Rontoms, these bands will have you looking in your head or towards the stars.
 
Friday, 8.15, FREE – AAN, Grandparents and Mascaras at the Firkin Tavern
You couldn’t get more bang for your buck even if you paid a cover for it. Easily three of the city’s best bands in one of the last few true dive-bar venues, this type of thing won’t happen much longer.  
 
– Travis Leipzig
Philadelphia

Debut Sheer Mag EP Available for Streaming

Posted on:

Fledgling Point Breeze female-fronted garage rock outfit Sheer Mag was invited to participate in last weekend’s OK FEST, and if you take a listen to their debut EP 7" below, you’ll know why. The bratty-yet-endearing vocals, combined with big riffs and anthemic melodies, form the foundation that just might make them your new rock ‘n’ roll crush. 7" won’t be officially released until next month, but we highly recommend that you keep tabs on this crew.

NYC

The Almond Butters debut EP, From The Grave

Posted on:

The Almond Butters‘ debut EP, From The Grave, is my new favorite thing in local music (they’re from Williamsburg, VA). I’m a really big fan of psych-rock, and roots music, and crazy psychedelic rootsy music. Captain Beefheart’s Safe As Milk. I’m trying to think of other good examples, but my mind is busy being blown by this new EP I finally got around to listening to. If you know how amazing Safe As Milk is, then you know why I’m so mesmerized by From The Grave. I’m so happy this exists. I’m so sad that this was released on July 8th and I only got around to it now. I’m truly sorry that I’m a month late sharing this, and that we haven’t all been enjoying it from the second it came out. 

Every track is a different idea. There’s blues, and rock, and jazz but in a super psych-rock kinda way, and rap (yes, rap–Crackbilly, dude. Hell Yes). All kinds of fuzziness and echo and electricity and them changes coming at you from all directions. But it’s not messy. This is not some Trout Mask Replica bullshit. Every song is a tight and forceful statement. It’s a bit lo-fi, which is cool, but I’d love to hear what these guys put together in a serious analog studio. I can’t find any upcoming live dates and this makes me sad. For now we’ll have to settle for these 6 songs streaming below (and a bunch of other worthwhile stuff on their soundcloud). –Natan Press