Described as “stately” and “gorgeous,” the new video for Hiss Golden Messenger‘s song “Busted Note” quilts monochromatic images of dunes, cliffs and the rushing current of a river into an abstract parallel to the song’s lyrics. “Busted Note” comes from the North Carolina country / folk rock projects latest record Haw, which was released on Paradise of Bachelors last month. Hiss Golden Messenger will open for Daughn Gibson at Johnny Brenda’s on August 16th; tickets and information can be found here. Watch the video, directed by Joseph Kolean and Joshua Van Wynen, below.
Local electro dream / pop duo Lockets are at it again, this time with a new release and a show at Johnny Brenda’s coming up soon. “Surrender” is Dani Mari and Todd Mendelsohn’s first offering of new material since their 2012 debut LP Camera Shy and will be included on a 7″ being released this summer via London’s Beautiful Strange. Vibe-ing on some galactic synth sounds and vocals that hint at Dido or Natalie Merchant, “Surrender” is a dreamy, hazy song that could turn any environment into a luxurious rooftop lounge on a warm summer’s night. Lockets will open for Twin Sister at Johnny Brenda’s on May 12th alongside Acres of Diamonds. Tickets and information can be found here. Stream “Surrender” below and buy it at Bandcamp.
Philadelphia native / New York resident Steve Gunn is coming home to celebrate the release of his new LP at Johnny Brenda’s on June 22nd. Having worked with several duo / trio line-ups over the years like GHQ and the Gunn-Trucinski Duo, Time Off marks the guitarist’s return to solo material (though several of his friends appear on the album as well). With a playing style that has been likened to John Fahey and inspired by Jack Rose, Gunn is at the forefront of the modern acoustic guitar music world and was recently signed to Asheville, NC label Paradise of Bachelors (which, like Gunn, has roots in Philadelphia).
Tickets and information for the 21+ show will be available here. In the meantime, catch Steve at Union Transfer on May 18th where he’ll perform a solo set and back-up Kurt Vile. Information for that show can be found here. Stream “Water Wheel” from Time Off here and watch a performance of “Old Strange” for Fader TV below.
On his Nonesuch Records debut, Sam Amidon‘s restrained warble traces folk music back to the roots of traditional songs like “I Wish I Wish” and “As I Roved Out” while simultaneously recasting modern pop songs “My Old Friend” (Tim McGraw) and “Shake it Off” (Mariah Carey) in a new, heart-wrenching light. Bright Sunny South will be released on May 14th but you can stream it in full at Pitchfork Advance here. Sam Amidon performs at Johnny Brenda’s with Alessi’s Ark on June 16th; tickets and information can be found here. Stream “My Old Friend” below.
British punk rock band Palma Violets stage a return to Philadelphia tonight with a show at Johnny Brenda’s. The South London-bred four-piece is touring in support of their debut album 180, named for a venue in Lambeth, London where the band got its start. To get a sense of their raucously wild live show, check out a recap of Palma Violet’s SXSW house party here. Tickets and information for tonight’s 21+ show with The Orwells can be found here. Watch their Beatles-esque video for “Last of the Summer Wine” below.
Country music staple Hayes Carll will be passing through Sellerville Theater tonight, along with opening act Warren Hood & the Goods. Carll hasn’t released a new record since 2011’s KMAG YOYO, but that hasn’t stopped him from touring as much as he can. The Texan singer/song-writer will take his rootsy country tunes down the east coast before playing a handful of shows in his home state. You never know when an act like this will be coming back around, so don’t miss your chance to see this award-winning country crooner in the lovely Sellersville Theater.
Post-punk quartet Parquet Courts headline an eclectic line-up at PhilaMOCA tonight. Back in Philadelphia for the third time this year, Parquet Courts continue to tour in support of their debut full-length Light Up Gold, which just got a proper label release through indie label What’s Your Rupture. Tickets and information for tonight’s all-ages show with Scott & Charlene’s Wedding, Amanda X and Household can be found here. Watch Parquet Courts perform “Master of My Craft” and “Borrowed Time” live on WNYC below.
One of the stand-out bands at March’s SXSW, Sir Sly make their way to Philadelphia tonight for a show at Johnny Brenda’s. With an EP plus a few more tracks released, the band has quickly made it clear that they will operate in the realm of expansive, catchy pop hooks. Tickets and information for tonight’s 21+ show with JMSN and The Last Royals can be found here. Watch a new video for “Found You Out” below and download “Gold” here.
Local Brazilian band Alo Brasil plays Underground Arts tonight. More than just a performing band, Alo Brasil features an interactive live show influenced by African rhythms like samba, maracatu and more. Though often accompanied by costumed dancers, for their recurring “Underground Sessions” Alo Brasil has a refreshed line-up of musicians. Tickets and information for tonight’s 21+ show can be found here, or on the Facebook event page here. Watch a promo video for Alo Brasil below.
