Single Reviews

Unlocked: Download “Pennies” by Bad Braids

Bad Braids’ front woman Megan Biscieglia has a voice that would make a Siren jealous. It’s hauntingly powerful and perfectly positioned in “Pennies,” a brief and unassuming track off of the psych-folk outfit’s sophomore release, Supreme Parallel (available in full May 1). We previewed a few tracks from the album last October during Bad Braids’ Key Studio Session, but this week we’re devoting daily posts to the new material for our Unlocked series, where we feature in-depth coverage of new releases from notable Philadelphia-based artists.

“Pennies” starts off as a delicate trickle, utilizing Biscieglia’s multi-instrumental expertise through plucky guitar and haunting harp harmonies. Her vocals start out carefully spaced-out and cavernous, but grow brighter and more structured as the song carries on. At less than three minutes, it’s the perfect introduction to the Braids’ sound: experimental, evocative and tragically beautiful, a sound so mesmerizing it could sink mythical ships.

Penniesby Bad Braids from Supreme Parallel Download

FILED UNDER: Artists, Downloads, News, Single Reviews, Bad Braids, download, Unlocked

April 12, 2013 | 10:11 AM | By Ethan Willard

AUDIO

Belgrade shares new songs from upcoming full length via Alternative Press, Absolute Punk (release party at Kung Fu Necktie on 4/26)

Photo by Jon Van Dine

Philadelphia band Belgrade has released a sneak peak single off of their debut self titled album via Alternative Press this week, and, with every emphasis on the next two words: it shimmers. The dissonant echo, vulnerable yet resoundingly present, glistens the surface of the released song “Consolation Prize” so it plays as an atmospheric back drop to the rest of the organic sound.

Those of you who love bands like My Morning Jacket and The Appleseed Cast will find it easy to immerse your ears within Belgrade’s warmth. The beginning notes slip into the undercurrents of the consciousness, while the throbbing drums burst what can only be described by saying this band a profound sense how to write a song. “Consolation Prize” as a whole is a complete composition of mature song writing and beautiful emission of sound.

Belgrade’s debut self-titled album will be released digitally April 16th, and their record release show will be at the Kung Fu Necktie on April 26th; listen to “Consolation Prize” via Alternative Press here. While you’re at it, Absolute Punk also has released another song from their full length entitled “Protest” so check that out as well. And below, enjoy a free download of “Venice On A Map.”

FILED UNDER: Artist Profiles, Artists, News, Recordings, Scene, Single Reviews, Absolute Punk, Alternative Press, Belgrade, Consolation Prize, Kung Fu Necktie

April 1, 2013 | 2:19 PM | By Kyle Rossi

Listen to Central Pa. grindcore outfit Full of Hell’s new single “Coven of the Larynx”

FullOfHell Full of Hell is a grindcore band from PA and Maryland that churns out some of the best hardcore of the moment. Their noisy, blast-beat driven songs occur very naturally and instinctually, lending a very dark, primal feeling to their music. Their last full length, Roots Of Earth Are Consuming My Home, was released in 2011, and last year they released two great splits. Finally, this May, the band will be releasing their second full-length record, Rudiments of Mutilation, on A389 Records.

To lessen the shock to your senses, they put up a stream for one track, titled “Coven of the Larynx.” This track is really promising; the drums and bass are mixed more generously than on past releases, and everything sounds stronger because of it. This fuller, larger sound helps the band sound as strong on tape as they do at their shows, and with that advantage in their pocket, there will be no stopping them. Check it out here via Vice Magazine’s Noisey music blog. Below, watch the band perform live at Churchills in Miami last year.

FILED UNDER: Artist Profiles, Scene, Single Reviews, A389, Full of Hell

March 27, 2013 | 9:21 AM | By Bruce Warren

My Morning Download: “Top of The World” by Moosh & Twist

One of our favorite local hip-hop duos, Moosh & Twist recently released their new mixtape for free, Back To The Basement. From start to finsh, it’s the duo’s best work so far and one of the highlights on the record is the song “Top Of The World,” an inspiring tune about the duo’s rise. Moosh & Twist filmed a video for the song at the Philadelphia School – where Moosh & Twist met as first graders. Download the song (or the full album) and watch the video below.

Top Of The Worldby Moosh & Twist from Back To The Basement Download

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FILED UNDER: Artists, Downloads, Recordings, Single Reviews, Moosh & Twist

March 7, 2013 | 9:37 AM | By John Vettese

AUDIO

Download the latest Work Drugs single, “Sunset on High Street” (playing Kung Fu Necktie on Saturday)

workdrugs We’re excited to see our friends Work Drugs headline Kung Fu Necktie this Saturday with fellow smooth synth rockers Night Panther. Even with their EP-length release just last month for Valentine’s day, they’ve already birthed a new song into the world – “Sunset on High Street.” It’s sweeping guitar lead mixed with prominent horns recalls The Cure’s Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me, except with markedly less vocal drama. Grab a download below, and look for tickets and more information on the show at the WXPN Concert Calendar.

FILED UNDER: Artists, Concert Previews, Downloads, Events, Recordings, Single Reviews, Kung Fu Necktie, Night Panther, Work Drugs

March 4, 2013 | 9:42 AM | By Bruce Warren

XPN’s Gotta Hear Song of The Week: “Cut Copy Me” by Petula Clark

This week’s new Gotta Hear Song of the Week is “Cut Copy Me” by the legendary Petula Clark. Say what?!?! That’s right; Petula Clark, singer of hit songs from the Sixties including the huge international hits like “Downtown,” “Don’t Sleep In The Subway,” and “I Know A Place,” has returned with a gorgeous and haunting new song called “Cut Copy Me.” The 80 year old releases her new album Lost in You, on April 2nd on The End Records. The album features a mix of new songs like “Cut Copy Me,” as well as covers of songs by Gnarls Barkley, Elvis Presley and a beautiful take on “Imagine” by John Lennon. “Cut Copy Me” is sparse and ambient yet dramatically engaging. Delicate acoustic guitars intermingle with a lithe piano phrase, and Clark’s tender vocals float above a striking string arrangement. Below, listen to “Cut Copy Me.”

FILED UNDER: Artists, Downloads, Recordings, Single Reviews, Gotta Hear Song Of The Week, Petula Clark

February 26, 2013 | 9:47 AM | By Bruce Warren

AUDIO

Listen to a new Dirty Projectors song, “There’s A Fire” (opening for The National at the Mann in June)

Below, listen to the B-side of a limited edition white-label single Dirty Projectors released for the band’s January 2013 Carnegie Hall show. Only 250 copies of the Offspring Are Blank 7-inch single were pressed for the occasion. The song has a off-kilter afrobeat groove and sinewy, interweaving guitar lines that are like a funky version of Television’s “See No Evil.” Yesterday Dirty Projectors announced a tour opening for The National, which comes to The Mann on June 7th. Go here for more information about the show.