The Key » Scene

Watch Local Natives’ New Video for “You & I” (playing Electric Factory on 9/28)

Madeleine Kruhly — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:39:44 +0000

An XPN favorite indie rock band from Los Angeles, Local Natives just shared a new video for the opening track of their sophomore album, Hummingbird. On this second record — released by Frenchkiss Records/Infectious Music in late January — the group offers a contemplative tone and diverse instrumentation. Featuring the falsetto of Taylor Rice and an organ in the background, “You & I” exemplifies the new approach.

But this time around, the track pairs with an unusual cinematic narrative: a world without dogs. Check out the video below, but make sure you watch until the end for a super adorable moment. Find tickets and information for Local Natives’ performance at the Electric Factory on September 29^th here.

Rasputin’s Secret Police, Satellite Hearts and more playing Walla Fest (happening at The Centre Theater on 7/6-7/7)

Julie Miller — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:43:50 +0000

Rasputin’s Secret Police

Walla Fest has announced the line-up for its first two-day music and arts show, taking place at The Centre Theater in Norristown, PA on July 6th and 7th. The local music showcase began as a school project in 2011 and has since grown to include several events each year. July’s festival will feature sets by local bands including heavy rock duo Rasputin’s Secret Police, reggae / soul outfit The Snails, psych-rock quartet Satellite Hearts, electronic producer Moon Bounce and several more, alongside an art show on the 6th and a film screening on the 7th. More information can be found on the Facebook event page here. View the full line-up here and watch a few videos of the bands below.

Review: Baths performs at Union Transfer (and loves it)

Madeleine Kruhly — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:17:48 +0000

Will Wiesenfeld does not work in studios.

An electronic musician under the name of Baths, Wiesenfeld prefers to create in the privacy of his own house. But for the crowd at Union Transfer on Thursday night, Baths made an exception to come out of his bedroom and spellbind his audience with complex compositions and one of the purest falsettos out there.

An artist of the Anticon label, Wiesenfeld is on tour to promote his newest album, Obsidian. It is the follow-up to his debut record, Cerulean, a masterpiece collection of entrancing experimental pop that has often been grouped within the L.A. beat scene (a label with which Baths feels rather uncomfortable). Cerulean, released by Anticon in 2010, made Pitchfork’s “Album of the Year: Honorable Mention” list — a nomination which it certainly deserved.

But this time around, Baths has exposed a more enigmatic side. His tone has become deeper and darker, disregarding the breathlessness that defined Cerulean. He explores pain and confusion in his lyrics, introduces a fuller range of vocals, and includes some unexpected instrumentation. And it was this introspective mood — difficult, but just as valuable — that the twenty-four year old from California shared with the crowd at Union Transfer.

A fellow member of Anticon, producer Djavan Santos (a.k.a D33J) opened the show. Alone on stage, he hunched over his computer – with bobbing head and heavy black boots – to drop some rich and layered mixes. He does bedroom techno right: ambient sound that can evolve into an R&B vibe (and at times, even a more hip-hop feel). And to top it off, he plays the guitar as his jams loop into abstraction.

A duo from Chicago, Houses followed. Signed to Downtown Records, which includes artists like Cold War Kids and Miike Snow, Houses is usually known for slower harmonies and subtle beats. For the performance, singers Dexter Tortoriello and Megan Messina were backed up by drums and a guitar – which gave a harder edge to their refined production. And the voices of Tortoriello and Messina, especially in conjunction with each other, were pretty special.

After a brief pause – during which Wiesenfeld himself put up tube lightening across the back of the stage – Baths’ set began, accompanied by Morgan Greenwood from the group of Azeda Booth.

“I’m sorry I look like a fucking idiot. We’re doing laundry,” Wisenfeld explained as he wore super short shorts and thin tank top.

He began with “Worsening,” the first track from Obsidian. It was the perfect showcase for Baths’ new approach: the song drives forward as Baths introduces his falsetto. But towards the end, he takes a step back to play the piano and include some string instrumentation, which briefly interrupts the heavy background beat.

It has its moments of an earlier Wiesenfeld – softer, more lyrical – but on the whole, it’s a powerful, gripping track that indicates a new method and a new mood.

The performance would match this opening, varying between delicate jams and a grittier pulse (and light-hearted jokes from Baths who admitted that he was pretty nervous).

To enthusiastic cheers of recognition from fans, Baths played “Lovely Bloodflow” from Cerulean. It’s a sharp and light pop track, which still manages to include a deeper beat in the midst of some classical piano. And of course, Wiesenfeld has his falsetto to take the song to an otherworldly level.

Baths continued the keyboard work in “Ironworks,” a slow groove from Obsidian. But this track drops all pretense of a sentimental attitude. Wiesenfeld reveals a more intimate and definitely more complicated side: the track is deliberate and less cluttered than other songs, but the lyrics give it a whole other heaviness.

He moved from this to “Incompatible,” a track which shows that Baths is not afraid to cut between sounds, to introduce abrasive noise. And it set up the following songs well, inclusive of “Earth Death” – which is probably the most explosive (and almost heavy metal like) song from Obsidian.

And that’s when Baths started to really play around, tapping into the synthesizer to create an extended version. It was tribal and rough, and it made the crowd move in shared fervor.

Baths finished the set with a return to Cerulean to the vibrant and airy tracks that put him on the radar. And he performed his encore (“No Eyes” from Obsidian) with gratitude and just the right amount of energy – including a small dance in which he ripped off his thin glasses.

“This felt like the best show of the tour,” Wiesenfeld said.

Philadelphia did not disappoint him. And it was clear, as one fan jumped on stage, that Baths has earned his place as a favorite in the electronic scene.

Modern Baseball and The Hundred Acre Woods announce 7″ split (playing shows later this month)

Julie Miller — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:55:46 +0000

Philly friends Modern Baseball and The Hundred Acre Woods have announced plans for a 7″ split on Lame-O Records this summer set for release on July 15th (that’s the artwork up top). The collaboration comes during an exciting year for the local indie folk-punk bands as both have experienced considerable success over the last twelve months, with Modern Baseball signing to Run for Cover Records and The Hundred Acre Woods performing at April’s PIFA showcase.

This run is limited to 500 pressings on colored vinyl and can be pre-ordered here. Modern Baseball will play The Barbary on June 28th and Folkadelphia welcomes The Hundred Acre Woods at West Philly show space Moonbase Nix on June 20th; tickets and information for both shows can be found here. Check out the track listing for the split below and watch Modern Baseball perform “Re-Do” for Maggot House‘s Piss Couch Sessions, followed by The Hundred Acre Woods’ “Base of My Heart.”

Tracklisting:

Modern Baseball
1. (240)
2. Re-Do

The Hundred Acre Woods
1. All I Love
2. Left Of The Hill

Premiere: Aspiga’s “Direction” from new split with Among Giants

Michael Kaufman — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:30:37 +0000

Jersey punk rockers Aspiga are set to release a split 7” on Say-10 with the group Among Giants this July. Today, we bring you a taste of the record with Aspiga’s hard-hitting punk-rock anthem, “Direction.” Drums pound away, paired with a low marching bass and heavy guitar as frontman Kevin Day sings of love on the road. Keeping it loud and powerful non-stop during this fast paced song, Aspiga really create a feeling of anxious restlessness for this single. Check it out below and catch the group at Wah Manor in Philly on June 15th. You can also Preorder the 7” here.

Premiere: Stream W.C. Lindsay’s new Tree EP

Julie Miller — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:30:04 +0000

According to W.C. Lindsay‘s bio, Keith Richards came to the Drexel student in a dream and told him to start an electro / dance punk project. An odd request from the Rolling Stones guitarist but with Lindsay’s knack for powerful vocals and intensely-fun hooks, Richards seems to have picked the right guy for the job.

Now signed to new Philly-based charity label Big Footprints Project, Lindsay is releasing a four-track EP called Tree in advance of his upcoming debut full-length (expected this fall). The collaboration allows everyone involved to give back to the community – $1 from every digital and physical sale of the EP will benefit the McMichael Morton School in West Philadelphia where Lindsay volunteers as a tutor and friend for the elementary school kids.

Showcasing all sides of Lindsay’s talent, the Tree EP features a studio and acoustic version of both the summer anthem “Into the Night” and the title track (which was originally included on Big Footprints BIG Compilation in April). Stream the EP via Big Footprints’ Soundcloud below and get ready to dance at MilkBoy Philly when W.C. Lindsay plays with Cheers Elephant on July 20th; tickets and information can be found here.

Unlocked: Download “Amplify Me” by Break It Up

John Vettese — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:25:31 +0000

It didn’t take long to figure out that I was a fan of Break It Up. When their energizing, inspiring debut single “Excavate” popped up on Bandcamp in summer of 2011, I promptly asked the indie-punk power trio them to swing by the station and record for us, even though it was the only piece of music I heard from them. Turned out they had at least three other songs of equal awesomeness in their repertoire. And seeing them live over the next year and change, that number multiplied even further, showing a mix of feisty power-pop and aggressive, punked-up noise. Last week, the band released its self-titled debut LP to Bandcamp, and it explores these avenues even further. All week we’re digging into the album on Unlocked, The Key’s recurring spotlight on new and significant releases from Philadelphia artists. Tomorrow I’ll have a review, later in the week an interview with the band and an examination of the lively album cover that it collectively drew. Today, we bring you a free download of the song “Amplify Me.” It comes from the decidedly poppier wing of Break It Up’s catalogue, and uses music and performance as a metaphor for self-empowerment. Thanks to the band, we’re making it a free download all week, so get your mp3 below, and check back all week for more on Break it Up’s Break it Up.

Amplify Meby Break It Up, from Break It Up Download

PhilaMOCA presents Eraserhood Forever (and Ever) on 7/12

Julie Miller — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:32:43 +0000

For the second year running, PhilaMOCA celebrates the bizzare, disturbing and mind-bending world of David Lynch and the Philadelphia neighborhood that inspired him with their Eraserhood Forever (and Ever) variety show on July 12th. There will be musical performances by Pittsburgh’s Silencio (who explore the dreamy, orchestral worlds of Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti) and local party band Weird Hot in addition to a topical burlesque show, art show and the premiere of PhilaMOCA’s Eraserhood Forever – a short film that delves into the evolution of the Callowhill neighborhood. Tickets and information for the all-ages event can be found on the Facebook event page here. Take a look back at last year’s celebration here and watch Silencio perform “Slow Sin Jazz” below.

Cheers Elephant plays rooftop set for Paste Magazine

Madeleine Kruhly — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 18:00:19 +0000

Invited to Paste Live Sessions NYC, Philly group Cheers Elephant took to the sky for a rooftop performance in Brooklyn. Even with the bare bones set-up, the local quartet made sure residents of the southernmost borough could hear their psychedelic pop-rock loud and clear. Check out the video from the live session of Cheers Elephant’s “Leaves,” a spunky track that has been featured on NPR and Spotify. After a brilliant set at City Hall Presents summer concert series, Cheers Elephant will play a few more local shows this summer — stopping at MilkBoy on July 20^th and participating in the second annual Brandywine Folk Festival on August 24^th.

Watch Joey Sweeney and the Long Hair Arkestra Perform “When You Say My Name” (playing MilkBoy tomorrow night)

Madeleine Kruhly — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:30:52 +0000

Once the frontman of The Barnabys and The Trouble with Sweeney, Joey Sweeney disappeared from the music scene to found Philebrity.com — a guide dedicated to gossip and city events. He has since returned to his place as singer-songwriter, and this time, he’s backed by the Long Hair Arkestra. Here’s a video of “When You Say My Name,” performed as part of The Key’s Studio Sessions Live event at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in April, and filmed by Bands in the Backyard. They mix 60s rock with a tinge of country — and some great maraca work.

Sweeney and the Long Hair Arkestra will play tomorrow night at Milkboy; they join a stellar line up — including Night Panther, Former Belle, and Mohican — for Market East’s release of its new album, Children of Summer. Tickets and information can be found here.

Catnaps announce break-up, final show will be 6/19 at PhilaMOCA

Julie Miller — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:02:53 +0000

Philly fuzz / pop band Catnaps announced on their Facebook last night that they’ll be parting ways at end of the month. Since their 2011 debut as Why Don’t You Whisper? Catnaps (formerly known as When I Was 12) have won over the hearts of fans with their sugary, love-filled pop songs that are given a dose of grunge reality every now and then over the course of three releases. Though they will no longer be wooing us with songs like “Alphabet Soup“ or sticking it to love on “Valentimes Day” the members of Catnaps will be far from inactive in local music projects. Hang out with them at their last show on June 19th at PhilaMOCA with Imaginary Pants (Pet Milk, currently booked for the show, have also apparently called it quits). Tickets and information can be found here. Revisit the history of Catnaps here and watch their video for “Novelty” below.

Guest VJ Nick Fanelli previews Guild Shows’ Tuesday Tune-Out (kicks off tonight at PhilaMOCA)

John Vettese — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:51:34 +0000

AVA House, immortalized in a Menzingers song, and stomping grounds for the Guild Shows crew

This month marks the one-year anniversary of PhilaMOCA‘s Tuesday Tune-Out film-and-music showcase, and taking the curator’s reins are current heavy hitters in Philly’s DIY promotions scene. Guild Shows have developed quite the roster of ass-kicking concerts in spaces as far-flung as West Philly’s Golden Tea House (site of March’s Waxahatchee album release party), The Barbary (the Frankford Avenue punk refuge) and The Fire (when they host all-ages shows). Their musical tastes are as broad as their locations, though definitely rooted to some degree in in DIY punk rock. We asked Guild’s Nick Vanelli to weigh in on this month’s Tune-Out via our regular Guest VJ spotlight. All shows happen at 8 p.m., are $5 at the door and are all ages.

From Nick:
We strived to create a series that was full of unique shows- bands or concepts you’ll rarely see- that also provided a true taste of what The Guild does. All four shows feature musicians who regularly play on our shows performing in non-traditional formats, and we are really excited for all of our super talented friends to shine in new ways.

June 4th – Guitarcules
I think the name Guitarcules is self-explanatory. I have yet to see Guitarcules, but I assume it will be an epic set with around fifteen guitar players riffing like they are on top of a mountain in a big budget music video. (NOTE: No videos of Guitarcules exist on the internet yet, and I couldn’t find anything for fifteen guitar players riffing on top of a mountain, so here are some robots playing “Ace of Spades.” -ed.)

June 11th – Kite Party and Three Man Cannon acoustic

Kite Party and Three Man Cannon are two of our absolute favorite bands in Philadelphia. They both write thick, personal music that is going to translate really well stripped-down. Maybe PhilaMOCA will let us build a campfire.

June 18th – Acoustic Mega Show

We are copying the style of The Revival Tour with some great local songwriters, front people, crooners, etc. List includes Tom May + Greg Barnett (The Menzingers) / Nick Harris (Luther) / Kirk Malosh (Ma Jolie) / Augusta Koch (Cayetana) / Candice Martello (Omar, Ghost Light) / Connor Byrne. Everyone plays a short set and is encouraged to have others collaborate with them, which will make for some really cool renditions of our favorite tunes.

June 25th- Philly Cover Wheel with Nona / Ma Jolie / Amanda X

Guild member Jeff Meyers had this idea a while ago, and I’m glad we get to see it through. All the bands will be playing cover sets and the only rule is every song has to be by a Philadelphia artist.

MadKo Concerts presents Bok Nero, Kill3r Whale and more at Flux on 6/7

Julie Miller — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 15:11:49 +0000

Drexel University’s MadKo Concerts is closing out the semester with a show featuring a variety of local musicians at the school’s Flux venue. The bill lists rapper Bok Nero (pictured) of the Blonde Gang crew, chiptune duo Kill3r Whale, EDM producer Speaker of the House, house / electro DJ Sweekuh and dubstep DJ Subtronics, offering a sample of the city’s up-and-coming performers in an unconventional line-up. Tickets and information for the show can be found on its Facebook event page here. Check out videos and tracks from the bands below.

The Week So Far: 12 must-read stories on The Key (incl. The Districts, Mavis Staples, Birdie Busch and more)

Julie Miller — Thu, 30 May 2013 15:37:03 +0000

Miles Davis would have celebrated his 87th birthday on Sunday. Check out some live footage of the legendary trumpet player’s 1970 show at the old Electric Factory [link]

Diplo curated a summer playlist featuring James Blake, Daft Punk, Laura Mvula and more for Vulture [link]

XPN’s Gotta Hear Song of the Week is Mavis Staples‘ cover of the Funkadelic track “Can You Get to That” [link]

Singer-songwriter / fiddler Sara Watkins recorded a session for Folkadelphia [link]

Birdie Busch will be releasing her recent PledgeMusic-funded album on vinyl and donating proceeds to the IHM Literacy Center in West Philadelphia [link]

Dock Street Beer Run announces the line-up for their June 9th 5k / music festival event, including On the Water, Norwegian Arms and Post Sun Times [link]

Sonja Sofia is profiled in the latest installment of Kettle Pot Tracks’ On the Hill series [link]

Local power rockers Lantern unveiled a new song called “Evil Eye” and the cover art for their upcoming LP Rock ‘N’ Roll Rorschach [link]

Watch a video of The Districts performing at The Porch at 30th Street Station yesterday for XPN’s Philly Local Busker series [link]

Folk duo Arborea shared a new video for their song “Pale Horse Phantasm”; they’ll be at the Highwire Gallery on June 9th for a Folkadelphia Presents show [link]

The Photon Band is back with a new album and a show at Johnny Brenda’s on July 6th [link]

Newish Philly outfit Divers were the subject of this week’s Key Studio Session [link]

The Key Studio Sessions: Divers

John Vettese — Wed, 29 May 2013 16:19:53 +0000

They’re a band made up of seasoned Philly scene vets, but thankfully for Divers, “seasoned” doesn’t rule out cranking their amps and having fun. First, let’s take stock of who’s who. On bass is Todd Erk – he plays in Hoots and Hellmouth, Auctioneer and many others. On drums, there’s Thomas Bendel of Buried Beds, and occasionally of Lauryn Peacock’s band. Ross Bellenoit does the lead guitar and backing vocal thing, and you’ve probably heard him a billion places – even if you don’t realize it. He’s backed Birdie Busch, Aaron and the Spell and Ali Wadsworth, he produces records, and has a solo discography as well. Fronting the group is the lively and charismatic Emily Ana Zeitlyn. If you’ve been paying attention to Philly music for a few years like we have, you’ll recognize her haunting, emotive voice from The Weeds – who, sadly, released their final album in January after a long hiatus (and the tragic loss of a key bandmate). Her vocal style is a warm and expressive alto, sometimes reminiscent of Nico, sometimes of Amanda Palmer, sometimes Nina Simone – and dang if its phrasing doesn’t make “Eggshels” one of the catchiest tracks I’ve recorded this year. The power trio configuration works wonders with their selections: Bellenoit’s lively space guitar interlocking with Erk’s bass on “When We Met,” Bendel’s wild drumming on “Wild Things.” And on the playful “Will You Still Love Me?,” I can’t help but notice melodic traces of Busch, Zeitlyn’s friend and occasional collaborator. Check out this batch of songs below – most of them are as-yet unreleased – and see Divers live when they play Johnny Brenda’s on Thursday the 6th of June. Tickets and information for the show can be found here.

Eggshellsby Divers from The Key Studio Sessions, May 29, 2013 Download

When We Metby Divers from The Key Studio Sessions, May 29, 2013 Download

Wild Thingsby Divers from The Key Studio Sessions, May 29, 2013 Download

Will You Still Love Me?by Divers from The Key Studio Sessions, May 29, 2013 Download

When Miles Davis played the Electric Factory in 1970 (Happy Birthday, Miles)

Bruce Warren — Sun, 26 May 2013 17:01:19 +0000

Happy Birthday, Miles Davis, born this day in 1926. On November 17, 1970 Miles played a set at the old Electric Factory with a band that included Davis on trumpet, Jack DeJohnette on drums, Michael Henderson on electric bass, Keith Jarrett on keyboards (electric piano and organ), Gary Bartz on alto and soprano saxophone and Airto Moreira on percussion. Below, watch and listen to some of the tunes they played that night. The video quality is grainy and shot in black and white, however the audio is extremely clear. The show was seven months after the release of the revolutionary and classic forever Bitches Brew and captures some serious funkiness and improvisation of the electric Miles period.

Music Hack Day Philadelphia: The results are in

Bruce Warren — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:30:54 +0000

Photo via https://www.facebook.com/drexeluniv/posts/520555071314459

Did you ever date someone to find out they had “unfortunate” taste in music? Wouldn’t it be great if there was a dating app that eliminates the time wasted getting to know people who have bad taste in music? Well, now there is. it’s called Dealbreaker.

How about an app that tells us if our favorite songs could make us happy or sad? There’s one of those now, too. It’s called Are You Happy Now?

These two apps, along with 23 others were created last weekend, May 18-19 at Philly’s first ever Music Hack Day sponsored by The Echo Nest, a “music intelligence platform company that provides music services to developers and media companies.” Music Hack Day was held at Drexel University’s ExCITe Center and gathered together programmers, designers and artists to conceptualize, build and demo music applications. In addition to the Dealbreaker and Are You Happy Now hacks, other projects included The Melodic Twit, a tool that determines if a tweet is positive or negative, then auto-tuned with a voice on top of a musical backing track; All That Philly Jazz, a tool that maps Philly’s historic jazz clubs and places around the city, and an app to create a radio station based on the personalities of the characters from Arrested Development. You can view the complete list of Music Hack Day Philadelphia projects here. An overview of the event on the Echo Nest blog is here.

City Hall Presents free music series begins May 29 with Summer performances from Kurt Vile, Dice Raw, Alo Brasil, Norwegian Arms, Cheers Elephant and more

Bruce Warren — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:06:37 +0000

Photos by Abi Reimold | AbiReimold.22slides.com

City Hall Presents begins its new season next Wednesday, May 29 with Philly based Brazilian band Alo Brasil in the City Hall Courtyard at 5:30PM. City Hall Presents is a series of free performances that showcases the diversity and richness of the Philadelphia performing arts community. The events are free and take place every Wednesday at 5:30 in the City Hall Courtyard. WXPN has curated several of events this Summer including the opening event with Alo Brasil, followed by Cheers Elephant on June 5, and Andrew Lipke with the Azreal Quartet on July 10. There will also be a special Make Music Philly edition of City Hall Presents on Friday, June 21 featuring Norwegian Arms and the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia. WXPN’s Dan Reed will be broadcasting live from the City Hall Courtyard next Wednesday starting at 4PM for the kick off of the series with Alo Brasil.

Other highlights of the season include: The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts on June 19, Illstyle & Peace on June 12, Dice Raw & Company on August 7, and the series closes with a special performance from Kurt Vile. Go here for more information and the complete schedule.

Non-COMM recap: Photos, audio, and setlist from the Mississippi Blues Project concert with Super Chikan and the Fighing Cocks

Bruce Warren — Tue, 21 May 2013 02:59:30 +0000

Award winning Blues guitarist and singer Super Chikan and the Fighting Cocks made the trip from his home in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Philadelphia last Thursday, May 16 in a double header Mississippi Blues Project concert as part of WXPN’s Non-COMMvention with the Homemade Jamz Blues Band. Born James Louis Johnson in Darling, Mississippi in 1961, Johnson got his name from working with chickens on his family’s farms, moving around the Mississippi Delta until they settled in Clarksdale. You can listen to the entire performance of Super Chikan and the Fighting Cocks here via the WXPN media player. All photos by Mike Lynch, mikelynchphoto.com

The Mississippi Blues Project has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

RIP Ray Manzarek of The Doors (listen to songs from their Live at The Spectrum show in 1970)

Bruce Warren — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:11:02 +0000

Raymond Daniel Manczarek, Jr., known to most as Ray Manzarek, co-founder and keyboardist of The Doors from 1965 to 1973, has passed away. He was 74 and died from bile duct cancer in a clinic in Rosenheim, Germany. On May 1, 1970, The Doors played The Spectrum on a bill with The Staple Singer and Blues Image. The recording, Live In Philadelphia ’70, was released as part of the Bright Midnight Archives live music series. Below, listen to a few songs from the show, from a band in their prime. The don’t call is classic rock for nothing.

Happy to be home, Kurt Vile brought Wakin On A Pretty Daze to life in front of a sold-out Union Transfer crowd (photos, review, setlist)

Julie Miller — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:53:39 +0000

Photos by Abi Reimold | AbiReimold.22slides.com

It was a full house at Union Transfer on Saturday night as Philadelphia welcomed home Kurt Vile & The Violators for the last show of their U.S. tour. With strong openers and a career-spanning set list from the hometown hero, the night was jam-packed with stellar performances and a lot of love.

There’s an image of a couch and a heart on Vile’s now infamous Fishtown mural that reprises the line “There’s a place in my heart for all of my friends” from Wakin On A Pretty Daze’s “Goldtones” and that seemed to be the sentiment the Lansdowne native was going for during his set. An intangible sense of community could be felt between the crowd and the frontman, despite minimal verbal interaction. It was the clear the audience was well-versed in Kurt’s discography as they welcomed each eclectic twist and turn of the set list with claps and cheers. As Vile stood on the stage dressed in all white, surrounded by a hazy fog with a scaled-down version of the mural behind him and Technicolor lights bouncing around, the effect was similar to that of flying through the clouds during a sunset when the light cuts through just right – transcendent, magical and rare.

Starting off the night was fellow Lansdowne native Steve Gunn, touring in support of his upcoming Time Off LP. The guitarist / singer-songwriter was joined by bass player Justin Tripp and drummer John Truscinski and wowed the quickly growing crowd with his nimble guitar playing, starting off with “Old Strange” (a song that he has sometimes introduced as a tribute to the late Jack Rose) and closing with the epic “Lurker.”

Following a well-curated interlude playlist of Karen Dalton, John Fahey and The Incredible String Band, Angel Olsen took the stage with just her guitar and a cello player. Highlighting her recent Half Way Home record and stunning the audience with her unmistakable, Roy Orbison-esque voice, Olsen opened with “Always Half Strange” before hitting album stand-outs “Acrobat” and “Miranda” and slipping into a Grace Slick alter-ego for “The Sky Opened Up.”

The main event got underway with Vile strutting on stage in a leopard print-lined white leather jacket and his trademark hair looking especially lush. The band jumped right in with an exquisite rendition of the slippery and shimmery “Wakin On A Pretty Day,” the lead track from his latest full-length. Vile didn’t waste much time with witty banter between songs throughout his fourteen-song set, leaving the killer one-liners to the lyrics (though he did say it was “good to be back home” and professed his love for the equally-smitten crowd several times).

Moving from the new song into Smoke Ring For My Halo stand-out “Jesus Fever,” the route was set for the evening with the band digging into the back-catalog for more than half of the material and all sides of Vile’s multi-faceted musical personality getting some time in the light.

Following the crowd-pleasing “On Tour” Vile introduced his band: Rob Laakso on bass / synths, Jesse Trbovich on guitar / saxophone, and Vince Nudo on drums. Steve Gunn replaced former Violator guitarist Adam Granduciel for this tour.

Mid-way through the night brought the sing-along-friendly “Shame Chamber,” a well-placed cut that got the audience to bop their heads and move a little before the mood of the show shifted to the heavier “Ghost Town” and a pair of solo acoustic takes of “Snowflakes Are Dancing” and “Peeping Tom.”

Then things got really heavy as Vile called his band back on stage and reverted to his earlier lo-fi / hi-fuzz days with the loud, reverb-drenched “Hunchback” off of 2009’s Childish Prodigy. The crowd went especially wild after “Freak Train” closed out the main set with several minutes of distortion and noise accompanied by Trbovich on saxophone. With an encore of “Baby’s Arms” and “He’s Alright,” the evening came to a close with fans satisfied and in awe.

Setlist

Wakin On A Pretty Day
Jesus Fever
All Talk
KV Crimes
On Tour
Shame Chamber
Girl Called Alex
Ghost Town
Snowflakes Are Dancing (solo / acoustic)
Peeping Tomboy (solo / acoustic)
Hunchback
Freak Train

Encore:
Baby’s Arms
He’s Alright

Tonight’s Concert Picks: Surgeon at Kung Fu Necktie, The Killers at Susquehanna Bank Center, XPN welcomes the Philadelphia Songwriters Project to The Blockley

Julie Miller — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:55:37 +0000

Philly metal band Surgeon will release their new album tonight at ~~Johnny Brenda’s~~ Kung Fu Necktie (the show was moved due to a water main break). Chemical Reign has been a long time coming for the local four-piece: we first got a sample of the new songs back in 2011 when the band stopped by for a Key Studio Session, a few years after their 2008 debut Angry Guest was released. Tickets and information for tonight’s 21+ show with Swarm of Arrows, Ominous Black and Skeleton Hands can be found here. Below, watch a live video of Surgeon performing “Greed.”

The Killers play a rescheduled date at Susquehanna Bank Center tonight. The Las Vegas rock band continues to tour in support of its fourth studio album Battle Born, released last fall four years after their previous effort. Since their Hot Fuss debut, The Killers have tackled a number of sounds and styles from their earliest indie / new wave impressions to the more recent arena-friendly heartland rock route while keeping colorful stories and lyrics in the spotlight. Tickets and information for tonight’s show can be found here. Below, watch The Killers perform “When You Were Young” at the Royal Albert Hall in London to get a sense of their explosive live show.

XPN welcomes the Philadelphia Songwriters Project finals to The Blockley. From an initial pool of 250 submissions, eleven local musicians and bands are in the running to win a summer tour package that includes a slot at this year’s Firefly Festival and an appearance on XPN’s Philly Local Show. Judges for the event include XPN Midday / Local Show host Helen Leicht and The Key’s editor John Vettese. Tickets and information for the final event can be found here. See the list of contestants here. Below, watch 2011 winner Ginger Coyle perform “To the Moon and Back.”

Thee, Idea Men and friends cover Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie” in Nashville (playing MilkBoy on 6/13)

Julie Miller — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:31:48 +0000

On their way to SXSW in March, Philly’s Thee, Idea Men stopped by WRVU in Nashville, TN with tourmates Katie Frank & The Pheromones, Dan Orlando and WC Lindsay. The group of local musicians performed a cover of Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie” live on the Vanderbilt University radio station, with Orlando on keys and Lindsay behind the camera. Check out the footage below and see Thee, Idea Men live at MilkBoy on June 13th. Dan Orlando will be at Kennett Flash on June 1st. Tickets and information for both shows can be found here.

Tonight’s Concert Picks: Heyward Howkins at Ortlieb’s, Northern Valentine at Random Tea Room, River City Extension at TLA

Ethan Willard — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:12:04 +0000

Folk singer/songwriter Heyward Howkins plays Ortlieb’s Lounge tonight. Howkins released a single in December 2012, entitled “Praline Country“, as well as his debut full length The Hale & Hearty in June 2012. Go here to watch a video of Hawkins playing his song “Flimsy Stock”. Tickets and information for the 21+ show with Break It Up, Dreambook and Taggart can be found here. Below, enjoy the music video for “Sugar Sand Stitched Lip” off of Howkins’ album The Hale & Hearty.

Philadelphia ambient group Northern Valentine comes to Random Tea Room tonight. The five-piece’s music is improvisational and usually set to films and other projections that the group has made. Their most recent album, Fin de siècle, was released in March 2012. Tickets and information for the all ages show with onewayness and dRachEmUsiK can be found here. Below, check out a video of Northern Valentine performing live.

River City Extension plays the Theatre of Living Arts tonight. The group’s show at the TLA will mark the second day of their tour with The Hush Sound and Hockey, which runs until June 8th. Their latest album, Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Your Anger, was released last year. Tickets and information for the all ages show with The Hush Sound, Hockey, Genevieve Schatz, and Lucas Carpenter can be found here. Below, watch a live video of River City Extension performing “South For The Winter” on Fearless Music.

Tonight’s Concert Picks: Dessa with Kuf Knotz at Sellersville Theater, Jesse Sparhawk at PhilaMOCA, No Joy at Kung Fu Necktie

Ethan Willard — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:47:42 +0000

Photo by Bo Hakala

The rapper/spoken word artist Dessa (of midwest collective Doomtree) will be performing at Sellersville Theater tonight with Philly hip-hop artist Kuf Knotz. Dessa is celebrating her newest album Parts of Speech, released on Doomtree Records. For more information on Dessa, check out a piece from The Key here. Alongside Dessa will be Philly native hip-hop artist Kuf Knotz, who blends elements of blues, rock, and other genres with his hip-hip. Tickets and information for the all ages show can be found here. Below, watch Dessa perform “The Man I Knew” for MN Original.

Folk musician Jesse Sparhawk plays PhilaMOCA tonight for Yvynyl’s Tuesday Tune-Out. Sparhawk’s last release was in August of 2012, a single entitled “Hummingbird”. You can check out a Fokadelphia session Sparhawk did here. Tickets and information for the all ages show with Strawberry Hands can be found here. Below, check out a video of Sparhawk playing his song “Hummingbird”.

Canadian shoegaze band No Joy play Kung Fu Necktie tonight. In April of this year the band released their newest album, Wait to Pleasure on Mexican Summer. Playing a similar style as bands such as My Bloody Valentine and Whirr, No Joy’s music is dissonant and atmospheric. Tickets and information for the 21+ show with Psychic Teens and CASSAVETES can be found here. Below, watch No Joy perform their song “Ghost Blonde” on KEXP.

WXPN to broadcast and webcast Non-COMMvention performances featuring Tom Jones, Tom Tom Club, Foxygen, Kurt Vile, Wild Belle, Laura Mvula and more

Bruce Warren — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:30:47 +0000

This Wednesday, May 15 through Friday night May 17, the 13th annual Non-COMM industry and music conference is being hosted at WXPN. Many of the bands performing over the three days will be broadcast and webcast on XPN. Below is the schedule (subject to change).

Wednesday, May 15
7 – 7:25 p.m. Gabriel Kelley
7:30 – 8:10 p.m. Steve Martin & Edie Brickell (video webcast)
8:10 – 8:35 p.m. John Murry
8:40 – 9:20 p.m. Tom Tom Club (video webcast)
9:25 – 9:55 p.m. Kurt Vile
10:00 – 10 :45 p.m. Phoenix (Phoenix will NOT be broadcasted live)
10:50 – 11:20 p.m. Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside

Thursday, May 16
12:00 p.m. – A Special Mississippi Blues Project Free At Noon 12 featuring
the Homemade Jamz Blues Band and Super Chikan and The Fighting Cocks (video webcast)

7 – 7:20 p.m. Mount Moriah
7:25 – 7:55 p.m. Mavis Staples (video webcast)
8 – 8:20 p.m. Wild Belle
8:25 – 9:05 p.m. Tom Jones (video webcast)
9:10 – 9:40 p.m. The Last Bison
9:45 – 10:15 p.m. José James
10:20 – 10:55 p.m. David Wax Museum
11 – 11:45 p.m. Robert Randolph
11:50 -12:20 a.m. Foxygen

Friday, May 17
12 – 1:00 p.m. Free At Noon Concert: The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Bobby Long

7 – 7:25 p.m. Wild Feathers
7:30 -8 p.m. Laura Mvula
8:05 – 8:35 p.m. The Lone Bellow
8:40 – 9:10 p.m. Free Energy
9:15 – 9:45 p.m. Kopecky Family Band
9:50 – 10:30 p.m. The Olms featuring Pete Yorn
10:35 – 11:05 p.m. Marie Miller
11:10 – 12:00 a.m. The Relatives

Listen to Hoots & Hellmouth, Toy Soldiers, Andrew Lipke from the MAD Dragon 10th anniversary compilation (MAD Dragon concert at the Trocadero

Bruce Warren — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:42:54 +0000

Drexel’s student run Mad Dragon Records is celebrating their 10th anniversary with a concert at the The Trocadero on Friday, May 17. Performers include Cheers Elephant, Hoots & Hellmouth, Kuf Knotz, Andrew Lipke and the Prospects, Matt Duke, and Wild Rompit. Tickets are available here. The label will also be releasing a 10th Anniversary compilation of previously released and unreleased material from bands that have recorded for the label. The CD will be distributed at the show and will be made available for sale following the concert. Below, listen to a few songs from Ten Years Of MAD Dragon Records.

Get ready for Ladyfest with a mixtape featuring Amanda X, Attia Taylor, U.S. Girls and more (happening in West Philly on 6/7-6/9)

Julie Miller — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:39:51 +0000

Trophy Wife | Photo by John Vettese

The ball keeps rolling for Ladyfest Philly, a three-day event taking place around West Philly in June. Organizers of the festival recently shared an hour-long mixtape showcasing the stellar line-up and including contributions from local favorites Attia Taylor, Trophy Wife and Amanda X alongside national acts Screaming Females, U.S Girls and a dozen more. The festival, which is in its tenth year and celebrates women in arts, culture and activism, will also offer workshops on topics like “Amps, Pedals and PAs: Demystifying Electronics with Girls Rock Philly” and “Self Defense: From Eye Contact to Eye Poking.” Tickets, information and an interactive schedule can be found on the Ladyfest website here. Stream the festival mixtape below and pick it up in the physical form of a cassette tape at Ladyfest; see the track listing after the jump.

In School – Stand Up Or Die
Potty Mouth – Damage
Void Vision – He Hit Me (Crystals Cover)
Screaming Females – Little Ann (Live)
Priests – Personal Planes
Blizzard Babies – Oh No Conflict
Rosali Middleman – Even Though
Amanda X – Golden West
3Jane – Barrel
Big Mouth – Beethoven
Whore Paint – This Body
Parasol – Leave This Place
Shady Hawkins – Six-Inch Blade
Peeple Watchin’ – Grow Slow
Kate Ferencz – Godless
HIRS – Six Songs (Fucked and Forlorn Forever PT. 2 / We Are / Nazipope / Fuck the Pigs Pt. 3 / Drag Drug Dealing Brothel / Mandatory Consent)
Trophy Wife – Turncoat
Aye Nako – Start Talking
Batty – No One Cares About You
Mindtroll – Fancy Boy
Attia Taylor – The Rest of Them
U.S. Girls – Pamela + GG

Embrace the fuzz-punk with Philadelphia’s Mumblr and their new Nutter EP

Ethan Willard — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:30:14 +0000

A week or so ago, Mumblr dropped their new four song EP Nutter. For those who love fuzzed out guitar riffs sprinkled with nasty bass tones, thriving drums, and a Weezer-esque vibe will enjoy this release. (DISCLOSURE: The Key’s intern Kyle Rossi plays in Mumblr, but we’d like them regardless. -ed.) With four songs, and the longest song being roughly two minutes and thirty seconds, they pack a significant amount of depth into this EP. Not to mention the rock. Oh, boy, the rock.

Mumblr started out as a cooler, punkier version of Modest Mouse when they released their first EPs Rectangle and Rectangle Pt. 2, which were re-recorded and condensed into their White Jesus EP. Then they took a small turn toward the more emotional side when they released their split with Dark Orange Oriole Carving. Now, with Nutter, Mumblr fully embraced the fuzz punk. Each song is visceral, driving, and plain fun. They still bring the jams with this release, and embody the high energy, as well as musicianship, they have had on each release. But Nutter is faster and more raw than any of their previous releases. And it fits them completely. The four songs on this EP fully captures the energy they bring to their live set. From the first song to the last song, Nutter wraps ears inside several layers of heavy sounds and a static, but full atmosphere of sound.

Give Mumblr’s new EP Nutter a listen. Then give the rest of their material a listen. Then learn the words. Then go see them play. They are a great time. Below, check out their song “Space God” off of Nutter.

Tonight’s Concert Picks: TJ Kong at Johnny Brenda’s, Frank Cervantes Band at World Cafe Live

Ethan Willard — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:15:04 +0000

TJ Kong And The Atomic Bomb plays Johnny Brenda’s tonight for Brat Aid: A Concert Fundraiser for local theater company Brat Productions. Playing a blend of rock and folk, TJ Kong employs heartfelt and soulful sounds to their music, and released a full length called Manufacturing Joy in September. You may also read a piece about Kong performing a Tom Waits cover set, and watch a video here. Tickets and information about the show with The Brat Cabaret and Isadora can be found here. Below, watch TJ Kong And The Atomic Bomb perform “3 Wishes”.

Frank Cervantes Band comes to World Cafe Live tonight to play “The Only Light” Charity Show, where proceeds will be used to by instruments for struggling music programs in the Philadelphia school district.. The indie artist released a new three-song EP, The Only Light, back in April. Cervantes is also a part of the duo The City Music Project. Tickets and information for the all ages show with Post Departure, Sarah Kane, and Andrew Charles can be found here. Below, watch the music video for Cervantes’ “Keep the Line Drawn” off of his album Forgotten Summer.