Allan Rayman, Mothers, LOLO and Thee Idea Men on February Communion lineup
The folks at Communion Philly are kicking off their 2016 season with a killer show at MilkBoy on February 4th. The monthly showcase, which grew out of the Communion Clubnights at the Notting Hill Arts Club in London, provides a platform for local and touring acts of different genres . February’s line-up features Allan Rayman, Mothers, LOLO and Thee Idea Men.
Allan Rayman has a limited social media presence. The usual info we want to know about musicians (where they’re from, when they started playing music, where they live now…) is only briefly hinted at with the electronic rapper / singer. His Facebook page has a clue as to location: 512. In Rayman’s case the number refers to Toronto, Canada. But then his 2015 debut LP Hotel Allan has songs called “Graceland,” “Alabama’s Song,” Tennessee” and “M. Roadhouse” so you get the feeling he travels a lot. The lack of information just puts more emphasis on his music, which is beat-driven and beautifully haunting. Watch “27” below.
Athens, Georgia act Mothers are also touring for this Communion residency. What began as a solo project for Kristine Leschper is now a fully-formed quartet with a debut LP on the way. “Too Small For Eyes” is the group’s latest single, a heartstring-tugging song anchored by a picked ukulele and string ensemble. Leschper’s voice is anguished and sweeping, reminiscent of Angel Olsen in its gentle operatic tone. Listen to the track below; When You Walk a Long Distance You Are Tired comes out on February 26th.
LOLO‘s career started in Tennessee when she was 14. From there she went to LA and lived with Lisa Marie Presley, then to New York where she originated the role of Ilse in Spring Awakening before relocating to London. Now she’s in Brooklyn with her new Comeback Queen EP, a four-song record that showcases LOLO’s honest lyrics and powerful voice. Check out “Not Gonna Let You Walk Away” below.
Holding down the local slot this month are Thee Idea Men. The Drexel University-born four-piece have been mainstays of the local circuit for a few years now, kicking up the energy with a style of bluesy garage rock that is just pure fun. Watch the video for “All The While” below and listen to their Key Studio Session here.
Tickets and information for the 21+ Communion Residency at MilkBoy can be found here. Disclosure: Key editor John Vettese is the house DJ at the monthly Communion Philly nights.