The Key » Single Reviews

My Morning Download: “Falling” by Little Children

Bruce Warren — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:50:28 +0000

Little Children is the name of the band led by 29 year old Linus Lutti. The Stockholm singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist creates lush, warm, and ornamental pop songs along the lines of Jose Gonzalez. Little Children may also remind you of Bon Iver or Loney Dear, and words like sincere, contemplative and mysterious come to mind when listening to the band’s infectious songs including “Falling.” Another song from the forthcoming EP, ““Distant Shouts,” was featured on Grey’s Anatomy in March and introduced Little Children to a much wider audience. Little Children released its debut album, In Silence, in 2010, and released the In Hau EP this past January. A new EP, Falling, is out on June 4th on Declared Goods Records.

Unlocked: Download “Pennies” by Bad Braids

Nikki Volpicelli — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:38:02 +0000

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

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

Ethan Willard — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:11:14 +0000

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.”

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

Kyle Rossi — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:19:18 +0000

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.

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

Bruce Warren — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:21:58 +0000

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

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

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

John Vettese — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:37:23 +0000

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.

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

Bruce Warren — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:42:18 +0000

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.”

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

Bruce Warren — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:47:46 +0000

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.

Hear “The Dark Age” from Widowspeak’s Almanac (playing Kung Fu Necktie 1/23)

Skye Leppo — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 19:10:04 +0000

Brooklyn four-piece Widowspeak, gearing up for the release of their sophomore record Almanac later this month, are streaming their track “The Dark Age” via Soundcloud. “The Dark Age” follows up Widowspeak’s first single “The Ballad of the Golden Hour” with a definitively more somber turn from the band’s typical luminosity. Singer Molly Hamilton’s haunting vocals cry heartbreak, sweeping over flashy guitar riffs and a catchy, melodic beat. Widowspeak is playing at Kung Fu Necktie January 23rd; go here for information and tickets to the 21+ show, and listen to “The Dark Age” below.

Hear a festive Resistor cover of “Wonderful Christmastime”

Skye Leppo — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:30:10 +0000

Resistor main man Steve Goldberg, photographed in 2010 by Danette Pascarella Photography | danettepascarella.com

2012 saw the birth of Steve Goldberg’s new solo synthpop project, Resistor, which gave us twelve fresh tracks from his ambitious song-per-month mission. The Philly songwriter started to gain recognition for spearheading Steve Goldberg and the Arch Enemies before breaking off to develop Resistor. Goldberg is rounding off the year with his own cover of Sir Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” as a holiday hello to friends and fans; stream the song below.

GANG drops some beats on “Little Drummer Boy”

Skye Leppo — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:30:06 +0000

Photo by Oliver Lopena

Philly dancepunk act GANG is hailing the holidays with an energetic interpretation of “Little Drummer Boy.” Singer Amanda Damron’s frenzied vocals soar against spacey scratches and hard beats, giving the classic holiday song an anthemic electronic twist. Stream the song below, and check out some more of GANG’s tracks here.

Download a remix of The Faint’s “Evil Voices” (playing at The Troc on Thursday)

Skye Leppo — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:02:54 +0000

Indie-dance band The Faint, who are currently touring in support of a reissue of 2001′s Danse Macabre (including a stop at The Troc this week), surprised fans with an exclusive tour EP featuring four new songs, their first fresh material since 2008′s Fasciinatiion. Yesterday the band followed it up with an Icky Blossoms remix of the first single from the EP, “Evil Voices,” available for download at Consequence of Sound. Thursday’s all-ages show starts at 8 p.m.; for tickets and more information, check out the XPN Concert Calendar here.

David Uosikkinen’s In The Pocket announce release party for “I Ain’t Searchin” single 1/11 at The Colonial Theatre

Skye Leppo — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 22:30:10 +0000

Photo by Dallyn Pavey

Rock out with The Hooters’ David Uosikkinen’s and his project In The Pocket as they take over the Colonial Theatre January 11th in celebration of their new single “I Ain’t Searchin.” The collaboration, which is a cover of the 1970 hit by The American Dream, features fellows Hooters’ member Eric Bazilian, Ike’s Cliff Hillis on bass, David Uosikkinen, and Steve Butler from Smash Palace. Tickets for the all-ages release party are available here; the performance starts at 8. Listen to the track on SoundCloud here or watch the video for “I Ain’t Searchin” below.

Stream Of Montreal’s unreleased “Dumb Acre” (playing The Troc on 12/13)

Skye Leppo — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 20:15:18 +0000

Of Montreal hanging with the Yo Gabba Gabba crew

You can now stream Of Montreal‘s “Dumb Acre” as well as a variety of other unreleased tracks from the band’s Kickstarter page for their forthcoming documentary, Song Dynasties (go here to donate – there’s still two weeks left!). In exchange for donations, the band is circulating previously unreleased singles, including some of their oldest material. You can catch Of Montreal playing with Foxygen and French Horn Rebellion at The Trocadero December 13th. Tickets and information can be found on our concert calendar here. In the meantime, listen to Kevin Barnes get extra hippie on the love-struck “Dumb Acre” below.

Vintage Kicks releases track “Cherry,” brought to you by The Bloomsbury Coalition

Nicholas Morrison — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 18:00:45 +0000

Phily five-piece Vintage Kicks released the song “Cherry” this week on a split alongside the New Jersey indie rock group SCOOBA. “Cherry” is a contagious pop/punk song with a surf inspired intro and a 90′s modern rock hook. Vintage Kicks, who played with the Philadelphia rock band Close To Good at Kung Fu Necktie on November 29th, have crafted a tone that combines virtually everything catchy from 60′s garage rock and 2000′s indie such as Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!, The Libertines and Wavves. In true split fashion, Copycats features one new song from each of the two bands as well as a rerecorded interpretation of one of the other bands songs. The album was released by The Bloomsbury Coalition, a collection of musicians and artists from the Delaware Valley. This album is the first split from the collective, who have previously released a series of five compilations from bands in Delaware Valley area, including Stalin & Friends, Dot Square and 3 J’s in the A.M. The split is available for “name your price” and can be found on their bandcamp; listen to “Cherry” below.

Cherry by Vintage Kicks

Listen to “Come Home With Me” by John the Conqueror (playing Gunner’s Run on 12/6, MilkBoy on 12/27)

Nicholas Morrison — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:30:46 +0000

Named after the African-American folk-hero who falls in love with the Devil’s daughter, Philadelphia’s John The Conqueror echoes the powerful soul of a man oppressed, and combines that sound with the southern drawl effectuated from being blackout drunk in the back of a stolen pick-up truck. While the band was formed in 2011, their style has deep roots in Delta Blues, Southern Rock and Philadelphia Soul, and they have no problem citing their ancestors as influences. The single is nothing if not good, old fashioned, gut-bucket rock & roll with a modern voice. Their debut album was released by Alive Naturalsound Records and can be found here on their website; catch them live at Gunner’s Run on Thursday, December 6, and at MilkBoy on Thursday, December 27.

Lindi Ortega announces tour; playing The Tin Angel on 2/1

Skye Leppo — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 23:00:43 +0000

Toronto-via-Nashville darling Lindi Ortega has announced a North American tour supporting her sophomore album Cigarettes and Truckstops this winter which includes a performance at the Tin Angel Friday, February 1st. The songbird – whose sweet, bluesy vocals earned her a nomination for the JUNO award for her first record, Little Red Boots – has appeared on this season of ABC’s “Nashville.” Earlier this month we featured Ortega’s single “Don’t Wanna Hear It” as part of our My Morning Download series here, where you can also stream Cigarettes and Truckstops in its entirety. Below, watch the video for “The Day You Die.”

Stream a new Southwork track, “Trapped” (playing Johnny Brenda’s on 12/13)

Skye Leppo — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 23:00:41 +0000

This morning The Swollen Fox shared the groovy single “Trapped,” from Southwork‘s upcoming debut, Arise, which drops December 11. Southwork, the seven-piece collaboration led by former Fat City Reprise member Mike Vivas and Distant Orange brothers Al and Joe Smith, comes as something of a throwback to ’70s rock / ska pioneers with an anthemic vibe that’s hard to ignore. Check out the single here, and see Southwork perform at Johnny Brenda’s on December 13; tickets for the 21+ show can be found here.

Meek Mill releases original “Lay Up” with Jay-Z verse

Skye Leppo — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:30:38 +0000

Only a month after the release of Philly rapper Meek Mill‘s debut full-length album, Dreams and Nightmares, a new version of one of its cuts is available for streaming. Originally “Lay Up” was supposed to appear on Meek’s record with verses from Rick Ross, Trey Songz, and Jay-Z, but the final album version included Wale instead of Jay-Z. You can hear the original version – with Jay’s verse intact – in the player below.

Download a raging new Pissed Jeans track “Bathroom Laughter,” from the forthcoming Honeys

Skye Leppo — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 18:54:59 +0000

After a long wait from 2010′s 7″ release of Your Life Is Worth Pissed Jeans, Allentown post-hardcore rockers Pissed Jeans have finally released another rage-filled track, “Bathroom Laughter” on Pitchfork. The band’s explosive sludge sound comes back thrashing stronger than ever on “Bathroom Laughter.” The track is the first single from their forthcoming album Honeys, which is expected to be released sometime in February. Hear it now (and download it for the price of an email address) below!

Stream a new Memory Tapes single, “Neighborhood Watch”

Skye Leppo — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:39:58 +0000

Check out “Neighborhood Watch,” the dark second single from Memory Tapes‘ third album, Grace/Confusion, which is scheduled for release December 4th. Memory Tapes is the synth-wave project of Dayve Hawk, a producer, remixer and former frontman of Philly’s Hail Social. The New Jersey-baased artist’s experimental synthesizer skills impressed audiences in 2009 with the release of his first LP, Seek Magic, and he was nominated for a 2011 Grammy for his video “Yes I Know” from Player Piano. Listen to “Neighborhood Watch” here.

Listen to new Jessie Ware collaboration with BenZel, “If You Love Me” (playing Union Transfer on 1/18)

Skye Leppo — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:00:39 +0000

British songbird Jessie Ware‘s deep vocals resonate perfectly with Japanese R&B duo BenZel in a soulful new cover, “If You Love Me.” The song was originally recorded by the 90s female R&B group Brownstone, and can listen to their version here. Ware recently announced a U.S. tour in 2013, which includes a stop at Union Transfer January 18; for tickets and information go here. “If You Love Me” can be heard below.

Listen to a new Eskimeaux track, “Trinkets” (playing Moviate on 11/13)

Skye Leppo — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 21:30:36 +0000

Kudos to The Deli for spotting this yesterday: Gabrielle Smith and Benjamin Schurr, formerly of Philadelphia’s Br’er, just released a single under their new experimental pop project, Eskimeaux. The haunting track, “Trinkets,” can be heard on the Prefix Magazine website here. “Trinkets” will be part of the duo’s forthcoming self-titled album, scheduled for release November 8th. The album is being released through the label Human Kindness Overflowing and will only cost $5.00, with $2.50 going towards meals for Philabundance while the remaining $2.50 is split between the artist and the label’s future contributions to charities. Eskimeaux will be playing at Moviate in Harrisburg November 13th; ticket and show information can be found here.

Listen to serene folksy harmonies from Philly duo The Sun Flights (playing North Star Bar tonight)

John Vettese — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:40:18 +0000

Hat-tip to the good folks at Philly Indie for this one: folksy Philly duo The Sun Flights is celebrating the release of its debut self-titled EP tonight at the North Star Bar for the venue’s Victorian Dining Room concert series. If you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat, both from the band, and the room.

To begin with the room – even though the North Star made its name as a popular down-and-dirty live music venue in the alternative rock heyday of the 90s (and continuing into the aughties), there’s actually a fancy a side to the building. Up a tucked-away flight of stairs on the bar / eatery side of the room is a hidden room with a vaulted ceiling, ornate (but not gaudy) wooden walls, big windows and cozy seating. At one point in the building’s past it was a dining room, and now it’s the perfect environment to experience the acoustic, intimate, unamplified portion of the venue’s programming.

That’s something that The Sun Flights does particularly well – with fingerpicked guitars and delicate harmonies, they set a striking mood that something in between Azure Ray, Red House Painters, early Tegan & Sara and The Decemberists. Which is to say, a little bit esoteric and haunting, but definitely with poppy influences and aspirations. I could see this duo – Natalie Butts on vocals and guitar, Claire Duncombe on vocals – bringing in more players, exploring arrangements and layers, building into something bigger and Bon Iver-style. But they work just as well in the most basic configuration, which in some ways is even more important. Listen to their song “I Am A Robot” below, visit the venue’s website for more on the show.

Listen to a new School of Seven Bells track, “Secret Days” (playing Union Transfer on 11/27)

Skye Leppo — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:30:05 +0000

School of Seven Bells have started streaming an upbeat new single, “Secret Days,” from their upcoming EP Put Your Sad Down, which is scheduled for release November 13th. After Put Your Sad Down arrives you can catch School of Seven Bells playing with Twin Sister at Union Transfer on November 27th (find tickets here). Below, check out “Secret Days.”

Listen to Anjuli Josephine’s “Can’t Keep Up” (playing The Fire on 11/2)

Skye Leppo — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 20:14:27 +0000

Philly-based jazz-pop artist Anjuli Josephine has released a catchy new single, “Can’t Keep Up” this month alongside its sister track, “Words To Say This.” The soulful Canadian born singer-songwriter, who easily draws comparison to artists like Regina Spektor and KT Tunstall, has been enjoying success playing the local circuit over the last two months and is currently at work on her debut album. Josephine will be playing at The Fire Friday, November 2nd; details for the 21+ show are available here. Check out “Can’t Keep Up” below.

Can’t Keep Up by Anjuli Josephine

Listen to a new Us Natives track “Popeye Doyle;” new album coming in December

Skye Leppo — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 18:09:22 +0000

Philadelphia experimental hip-hop pair Us Natives have released a hypnotic new track, “Popeye Doyle.” Us Natives is the brainchild of Ill Clinton and John E. Cab. The song is the first single from their forthcoming album, Used Vinyl Review II, which is scheduled for release December 12th. Used Vinyl Review II is the follow-up to their debut album, Used Vinyl Review, which came out last April. Check out “Popeye Doyle” below.

Popeye Doyle by Us Natives

Download “B. Dawk”, a new single from Reef the Lost Cauze (playing The Balcony tonight)

John Vettese — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:15:39 +0000

Philly rapper Reef the Lost Cauze is having a productive fall. Last month, he was spotlighted in our collaborative Key Sessions video series produced with Philadelphia Music Magazine – if you haven’t seen that video, his performance is incredible, and you can watch / download it here. Tonight, Reef headlines a show at the Balcony Bar at The Trocadero, and this morning he dropped a brand new single called “B. Dawk.” Produced by South Philly guru Dumhi, the track begins with an intense film sample and launches into an urgent, cinematic bounce where Reef reflects on his role as what some might call an “elder statesman” in the city’s fast-moving rap scene. But what does that mean, anyway – ten years of recording, seven LPs, numerous collaborations, and suddenly you’re an “elder”? Forget that I even mentioned it, since I only brought it up to make a point – Reef’s motivations are different from somebody looking for instant commercial stardom, and in this track he delves into what keeps him going. Rap isn’t a game, it’s life. Download the single below, and catch Reef at The Balcony tonight.

Download a new Cold Graves track, “Svntn”

Skye Leppo — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 17:13:11 +0000

Cold Graves, the brainchild of former Chiddy Bang member Zach Sewall and Philly alt group Cold Fronts, released a download of their latest single early this morning via SoundCloud. “Svntn” is consistent with the same synthrock elements as previously released tracks, including “Use U” and “Keep It One Hundred.” Cold Fronts will be playing with City Rain at Underground Arts this Friday, opening for Vacationer. Find more information on that show here and download “Svntn” below.

Bleeding Rainbow debuts a new single, “Pink Ruff”

John Vettese — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 19:22:11 +0000

Today we got our first taste of Bleeding Rainbow‘s forthcoming full-length on Kanine Records with the song “Pink Ruff”; this one has been prominently featured in the sets they’ve played around town and on tour since reinventing themselves as a noise-rock foursome. Stream it below via Soundcloud; Yeah Right is out on Oct. 9.