Tagged: philadelphia

No wonder it took us so long to get to here.

paper lions my friends

The harmonies are simply gorgeous in Paper Lions’ new single, “Philadelphia.” Being based in the Pennsylvania city, of course I was curious but, it didn’t take long for my ears to fall in love.

Canadian folk rockers effortlessly lead soaring guitar riffs and then bring you down to minimal and clear instrumentation. The combination of these four gentleman bring to your ears a wonderful combination and solid product.

Grab the single below and ready yourself for their August release of My Friends. Check out their current North American tour schedule as well and see if they’re stopping in a city by you.

Philadelphia – Paper Lions

Right-click and enjoy.

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[Sunday Listening] All The Blood In The World – The Bailey Hounds

the bailey hounds

I’m human, and I will admit that. I get tired unmotivated, burned out, the list could go on. Stepping off that plane in a different time zone, different coast, was incredibly recharging. Wandering around an unknown city and getting my sense of direction was simply mentally refreshing. I tried my best to have a handful of drafted posts to keep content alive on this blog last week but, I was just a little too absorbed in my new found surroundings.

One thing that dropped while I was gone was the highly anticipated sophomore release from Philadelphia’s The Bailey Hounds. All The Blood In The World, is a dark, americana sounding collection. Lead singer, Ryan Petrillo has immense control over his raw vocals covering strong and loud ranges to soft, slow-burners. The instrumentation is flawless with an incredible Western feel.

From start to finish, the album is completely listenable for a Sunday afternoon. Listen below, grab it here, and be sure to visit their Facebook page for more.

[Nice In The Headphones] Wheelhouse EP – Moon Bounce

moon bounce

I thoroughly enjoy Moon Bounce’s electronic approach. Downtempo glitch-hop with heavy layers, plenty of automation, and enough effects and samples to make my head spin. He keeps everything tight and bound together, no fray ends will lead your attention stray.

His latest EP drop, Wheelhouse, is a monster collection of tracks. “Flood Gate” hits you quite hard as an opening track with a lot of future R&B influence. I was particularly fond  of the lushness that was immediately apparent in the third track, “Arcade,” which dropped the beat multiple times over comic space ship sounds. It’s really hard to envision what’s going on in Corey Regensburg’s mind to create this eclectic form of electronic music.

Stream Wheelhouse in its entirety below and be sure to grab the ultra neat cassette here.

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Surrender – Lockets

surrender lockets

Lockets are back y’all.

Dreamy synths, airy female vocals, compressed percussion – it’s nothing new but when done right, it sounds incredible. After becoming mildly obsessed with last summer’s release, Camera Shy, I’ve been yearning for new music ever since.

Finally back at it again, listen to the group’s newest single since 2012, “Surrender.” Searing chords and a lush rhythm section is just so nice on the ears. Off of their forthcoming limited edition 7”, be sure to keep this duo on your rader.

If you’re in the Philadelphia area mark down May 12th – these guys will be playing live with Twin Sister at Johnny Brenda’s. An obvious winner in my book – see you there!

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[So Far Philly] Andrew Lipke/New Sweden/Toy Soliders/The Lawsuits

so far toy solidersI’ve been a huge fan of the living room show for a long, long time. There’s something you can’t replicate about an intimate show in a small and packed space. The energy and excitedness are high while the equipment set up is tailored and minimal. Nothing beats the feeling of being at one of these things.

Locals Tri State Indie teamed up with So Far Sounds Philadelphia to create an awesome and well versed line-up for their secret show on Sunday. Living within two blocks of the location, I knew I’d be in for a late night.

Andrew Lipke started the evening off with his folky/classical style – emotive content alongside detailed song structure. I loved that he brought along a violinist friend who was there to really help open up sections of his songs. She played gorgeously.

Next up was Delaware’s 6-piece, New Sweden, who I saw for the first time back at the World Cafe Live show where local musicians played from Beck’s Song Reader. I knew I thoroughly enjoyed what I previously had heard but, I had no idea how much more I would fall in love with their sound after last night. Handing instruments back and forth, left and right, every single member had many different influences on the collective foot-stomping sound. And God, did I love the drummer’s homemade percussion setup, an old suitcase with a pedal inside thumping out a hollow beat with a tambourine on top. It was a beautiful thing. Grab their newest (and free!) EP below.

Toy Soliders, locals who have fluctuated at times up to 12 members have now finally found their solid 5-piece working sound. Led by Ron Gallo, the rootsy/raw group traversed through a span of folky tunes all while filming for their upcoming Kickstarter campaign to help release even more new music. Keep track of them via Facebook and catch their raucous Tell The Teller EP below.

so far lawsuits

And finally, the very first band to play So Far Sounds when it came to Philadelphia – The Lawsuits. I cannot say enough good things about these guys.

Leadman, Brian Dale Allen Strouse, does an incredible job with setting the tempo for their always energetic live sets. By the time these guys took hold of their instruments, the audience was plenty warm and ready after watching all of the amazing artists before them. Such a cohesive energy that’s always present when The Lawsuits get together on stage. There were certainly a fair amount of female musicians in the mix lending their harmonies throughout the evening but this group’s secret weapon, Vanessa Winter, stole the show at the end. Her vocal range is incredible. Listen to their latest EP release and check out their brand new single, “Onion,” over at WXPN’s The Key.

Great music in a boozy living room atmosphere, I was beyond content last night. For music lovers, do check out So Far Sounds and see if they’re operating in a city by you. Hosting one of these things is now on my list of things to do..

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Hell Ain’t Forever – The Bailey Hounds

hell ain't forever the bailey hounds

The newest single from Philadelphia’s The Bailey Hounds is simply superb. As the group’s first released track from their forthcoming 6-track album, All the Blood in the World, it hits the ears feeling distantly familiar.

Since their debut album, Along The Gallows, I knew their sound was something timeless and special. Subtle harmonies, plucky folk melodies, and very clean percussion help bring everything together. “Hell Ain’t Forever” seems to pick up where the group left off with more of a rootsy/americana element. With their upcoming release slated for May 28th, I’m extremely excited to hear the rest.

Grab your own copy of their first single below and be sure to check out their upcoming shows on Facebook.

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It’s you, it’s always been you.

dangerous ponies

So simple and yet so underrated. Philadelphia’s Dangerous Ponies do a damn good job at creating effortless indie rock.

With plenty of lo-fi fuzz, jangly guitar riffs, and dual boy/girl vocals – my ears are completely satisfied. Listen to the band’s latest little 4-track teaser of an EP titled Tenderheart, which is even available on 7”.

I could play the title track over and over and over again.

[Sunday Listening] Red Summer Spirit – Black Horse Motel

black horse motel

Everything about Black Horse Motel’s intro track to their debut album, Red Summer Spirit, is just right. From the warm and full string tones, the subtle banjo plucking and acoustic strumming, to the accompanying, light female vocals. It builds slowly, layering our ears from a minimal track to something bursting from the seams.

“The Apology” leads way into a very strong and powerful folk album from yet another Philadelphia local band. No frills, tight production and absolutely solid songwriting doesn’t take much to win me over upon first listen. The harmonies are natural from track to track, nothing ever sounding forced. With a huge debut full length behind them, finally, I’m excited to see what this spring/summer’s got in store for this five piece.

Stream the entire release, Red Summer Spirit, below and be sure to grab your free download of song, “Devil That You Know,” over at their bandcamp page.

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[Philly Local Round-Up] Edition Two

philadelphia philly indie

Damn, this city’s just got so much music that I’m constantly feeling out of the loop. I’m also in the middle of one of the busiest times of the year for work, so that could also be contributing to this feeling… Check out a handful of releases I’ve featured below that I cannot get enough of as I start to catch up on all things Philly.

Ah, concept albums. They’re wonderful when done right – when the message is clear and concise. In the opening introduction the line, “this being human, is a guest house,” completely sticks in my mind and gives way to an open listen of the folky group, Spirit and Dust’s first full length, Shore to Shore. I really enjoy the loose harmonies, the complimenting brass, and lyrical depth that’s competely present upon first listening. And, it’s name your own price!

Having shared the same stage as the previous group in the past, and discovering both groups at similar times – it only seems right I feature them in the same post. Small Houses has a bit more rawness and hangs more on the alt-country side of sound. With plenty of harmonica, how can you not enjoy the album, Exactly Where You Wanted To Be.

Fuzzy, psych-rockers who completely have the hazy sound down. Where have these guys been and why am I only finding about them now?

Moving in a different direction, I couldn’t pass on such a tight-sounding americana track such as Marc Silver’s, “A Miner’s Town.” It’s smooth with accompanying female vocals and a heavy message that runs deep in this particular area. 

I need more info on Colorado Youth, stat. These “demos” are definitely not enough for my ears.

Also be sure to check out the first round-up, click here. Enjoy.

[Heads Up Philadelphia] Philly Beergasm debuts at Yards Brewery – March 28th

Philly Beergasm

On Thursday, March 28th – many worlds will be colliding. For Philadelphia’s very first charitable beer-centric event cleverly titled Philly Beergasm, there will be a completely beer-infused craft menu (including desserts!) as well as plenty of local and home brewers showing off their latest batches. Yards will be offering free brewery tours, there will be a raffle including Phillies Opening Day tickets, and of course, live music.

$40 gets you in the door with some awesome swag including a free tasting glass to fill up the entire night. Tickets are being sold exclusively online so be sure to head on over to the official Philly Beergasm site to grab yours. Check out the rad local lineup below that will be playing an all acoustic set featuring headliners, Restorations.

Remember, all proceeds go towards the always amazing charity, Philabundance. See you there!

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