Philly garage rock trio St. James and the Apostles have a big sound for just three guys. You can attribute some of that to Mike Kiker on keyboards, who plays Ray Manzerek style, juggling both bass lines and higher-end lead parts. Certainly Jeff Castner’s thundering drums are another component, as well as frontman Jamie Mahon, whose voice bellows and guitar rips. The guys were in our studio this weekend to record a session of tracks from across their discography – traditional closer “St. James Infirmary Blues” can be found on their 2012 LP Baphomet, while “Gimmie Some” and “Siobahn” can be found on some of the band’s early live releases. “Friend In Jesus,” from what I can tell, is a new one, and with its take on redemption and the rock and roll lifestyle, it neatly sums up the Apostles’ perspective. They’re part Doors, part Supergrass, part spiritual. Dig in, listen and download below, and catch the band live at Johnny Brenda‘s this Friday when they open for Adam and Dave’s Bloodline.
St. James and the Apostles
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St. James and the Apostles kicks off tour tonight at Silk City
Philly acid-rock three-piece St. James and the Apostles is heading out on a short fall tour, and is kicking things off tonight at the Bands in the Backyard No Alternative party at Silk City. They go on at 11 p.m., with opening sets by This Frontier Needs Heroes and Dani Mari; more information on the 21+ show can be found here. Below, check out the Apostles’ recently released BITBY Backstage session, filmed in their basement practice / recording space.
Just Announced: Black Landlord Halloween Extravaganza with St. James and the Apostles (at Kung Fu Necktie on 10/28)
Two things we know about the guys from Black Landlord: they like to dress up, and they like to bring the party. So the Black Landlord Halloween Extravaganza just announced at Kung Fu Necktie is sure to be a mix of spooky seasonal pageantry and funky, danceable good times. (Possibly aided by the fact that some of the Landlord crew bartends at KFN.) Opening the 21+ show are buzzing, skronky locals St. James and the Apostles – who just released the album Baphomet, a title with all kinds of demonological implications. Tickets are $10 and available here. Below, watch Black Landlord’s Key Studio Session video and check out some tunes from St. James and co. Continue reading
Watch St. James and the Apostles entire album release show on YouTube (playing Gunner’s Run tonight)
Photo by Gavin Thomas Valente
Philadelphia acid-garage-rock trio St. James and the Apostles celebrated the release of its new LP Baphomet with a feisty set at Johnny Brenda’s last night. If you missed it, the entire show has already made its way on to YouTube. The band was scheduled to play the Northern Liberties Music Festival at Liberty Lands park today, but inclement weather caused it to be postponed – meaning St. James is moving its show into the dryer confines of Gunner’s Run. They hit the stage at 9:30 p.m. tonight. Get psyched for the set by watching the album release show below.