Empath is back with news of their debut album and a delightfully creepy video for its lead single. The Philly four-piece will release Active Listening: Night on Earth April 2 on Get Better Records, and “Soft Shape” is out now. The haunting bass-filled song is met with a fitting visual in the video, as the band’s members are shrouded in shadows, with plenty of terrifying baby dolls to go around. Continue reading →
One of the best Philly bands there ever was will return home to the basement of the First Unitarian Church this fall. Local punk/DIY scene favorites Swearin’ rose to acclaim before breaking up in 2015, and for a while it seemed like the band was done for good. But last fall, news broke of their unexpected reunion, and they opened a few shows on Superchunk’s recent tour, including a stop at Union Transfer in April. As vocalist/guitarist Kyle Gilbride wrote in a press release, “Sometimes a band takes on a life of its own, and it seems this one came back to us when it was ready, and in its new form, to stay for the foreseeable future.” Continue reading →
If you’re looking to kick off the new year with a gig that also benefits a good cause, look no further than this Boot & Saddle show. A stacked lineup of locals are coming together January 5 for a benefit show to support Valley Youth House’s Pride program, which provides services for LGBTQ youth in Philadelphia. The show will also be an EP release celebration for headliner Madalean Gauze; the Philly singer-songwriter’s new effort FUNeral will be released that day and is the follow-up to last EP Cool and Fun. The bill is rounded out by dream pop outfit Queen of Jeans, retro rockers Louie Louie and West Philly DIY regulars Empath. Continue reading →
Mostly known for her role as frontwoman for grunge-pop band Speedy Ortiz, Sadie Dupuis is slated to release her first solo album Slugger on November 11th under the moniker Sad13. She kicked off her debut tour on Thursday, and is paying Philadelphia a visit tonight at PhilaMOCA. Sad13’s music is largely centered around the idea of empowering women, and we’re all for it. Joining this Massachusetts synth-popper will be Philly artists Ivy Sole and Empath with NYC-based rapper Sammus topping off this stacked lineup. Go to the WXPN Concert Calendar for tickets and more information on this all ages show. Get a taste of Sad13 with this song off her new album, “Devil in U.” Continue reading →
