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Listen to Beach Slang’s punked-up cover of “Love My Way”

Beach Slang | via Facebook.com/beachslang
Beach Slang | via Facebook.com/beachslang

During their recent US tour with Cursive, Philly fuzz rockers Beach Slang made a pit stop at Converse Rubber Tracks studio in Brooklyn to record their punk rock take on the 80s classic “Love My Way.” Originally by British rockers The Psychedelic Furs, singer-guitarist of Beach Slang James Snyder mastered the raspy, British-accented vocals that are a staple of frontman Richard Butler, but replacing the catchy xylophone sounds from the original track with a funky bass and guitar combo. Continue reading →

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Listen to a summery new song from Work Drugs, “Minor Flaws”

Work Drugs | Photo by Kate Bracaglia
Work Drugs | Photo by Kate Bracaglia

Summertime synth poppers Work Drugs have been tossing out catchy tracks for their upcoming album, Louisa, like it’s nothing. Their latest, “Minor Flaw” opens with an 80s pop sound that is immediately captivating. The well-worked combination of sunny riffs and just the right amount of reverb come together perfectly alongside lyrics like “like a prayer that I used to remember or just a reason to keep me hanging on.” You can catch Work Drugs playing at Johnny Brenda’s tonight with Tutlie, and The Chairman Dances. Tickets are still available, more information at the XPN Concert Calendar; you can check out “Minor Flaws” below. Continue reading →

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Meet Clique: An emo punk band taking over Philadelphia basement shows

Clique | Photo by Emily Scott
Clique | Photo by Emily Scott

The four twenty-something guys of the Philly band Clique wanted to break in their new outdoor chairs that their friend Michael Kuhn (aka experimental percussionist Nah) trash-picked. So we sat on bassist Travis Arterburn’s porch and talked as the four-piece band smoked cigarettes and slung back a few beers and the sun began to set.

Since releasing their self-titled EP, Clique has made a name for themselves within Philadelphia basements and DIY spaces. This isn’t their first take as a band, as members of the band come from different groups formerly existing in Philadelphia.

Singer/guitarist PJ Carroll played in Girl Scouts (which played their last show last June) and The Hundred Acre Woods while Arterburn played in the now defunct Ted Nguyent.

Their sound has changed pretty drastically. Ted Nguyent was a fast-paced punk rock group, in which Arterburn played drums. Girl Scouts was straight-forward math rock and The Hundred Acre Woods had an indie folk punk sound.

And then there’s Clique: an emo rock group with dark guitar riffs and strong basslines. Continue reading →

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Watch Steady Hands’ folk-punky Schuylkill Sessions performance

Sean Huber of Steady Hands plays for Schuylkill Sessions
Sean Huber of Steady Hands plays for Schuylkill Sessions

Accented by cool fall foliage and the passing of vehicles on I-76, Sean Huber of Steady Hands performed two tracks along the river for the Schuylkill Sessions video series. Huber, who is also the drummer for Modern Baseball, strummed through sunny acoustic riffs on “Warren.” The full-band track features gritty, heavier punk vocals, but this take shows Huber’s mellower side. “The Libertines” is a folk-punk anthem and in the stripped-down version, Huber comes across gritty yet honest. Check out the two acoustic tracks below and you can watch additional Schuylkill Sessions on their YouTube channel. Continue reading →

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Amanda X, Shannen Moser and more will support Girls Rock Philly via the Girls To The Stage comp

Amanda X: Tiff Yoon, Cat Park, Kat Bean | Photo by Peter Murray | petermurrayphotography.com
Amanda X: Tiff Yoon, Cat Park, Kat Bean | Photo by Peter Murray | petermurrayphotography.com

Take a bunch of talented woman playing punk music in Philadelphia, put them on a record and you have Girls To The Stage. On April 29, the First Unitarian Church will host the release party for the new compilation and all of the proceeds will benefit Girls Rock Philly, a non-profit mentoring organization that seeks to empower Philly’s young women through music education and activities. Continue reading →

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Erin McKeown to teach a songwriting class in Media this June

Photo by Merri Cyr
Photo by Merri Cyr

Folky singer Erin McKeown is utilizing her impeccable skills to teach a class on songwriting this June in Media, Pa. The “retreat” is a two-day program at the Sangha Space where McKeown will share her experience as a songwriter and musician while implementing exercises on using rhythm, prompt writing, collaborative songwriting, listening and the editing process. Continue reading →