Xiu Xiu, Live @ FUC

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concert video, first unitarian church, first unitarian church concerts, fuc, indie music, polyvinyl, R5 Productions, xiu xiu, xiu xiu band

The decade old project of Jamie Stewart, Xiu Xiu, played a fresh set at FUC in Philly on the third of May 2012.  This avant-garde experimental indie group has existed as a solar system of artists with one star.  The current orbiter (since 2009) is Angela Seo.  The history around Xiu Xiu is deep and saving a regurgitation of this, we simply point you to wikipedia for many paragraphs on the subject.

We can state unequivocally that the performance was moving and energetic.  Coasting in between soft and hard sounds, Xiu Xiu created an atmosphere that held gravity in a state of influx allowing those in attendance to ebb and flow with the metaphorical currents;  quiet interludes pulled at the feet while  soaring guitar solos and haunting vocals pulled the listener up off the ground.  Percussion sounds added to the visceral feel that was manifested and we were happy to be in attendance for yet another stunning performance at FUC for Xiu Xiu.  We have a few videos for you below and apologize in advance for the partially obscured shots:

POWER ANIMAL, Live @ Johnny Brenda’s

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concert video, electronic music, indie music, johnny brendas, live music, live philly concerts, Local Philly Band, POWER ANIMAL, POWER ANIMAL BAND, R5 Productions

Johnny Brenda’s played host to the Philadelphia collective POWER ANIMAL on November 15th.  Three members deep on this evening, POWER ANIMAL moved through multiple songs dripping in sample and drum machine goodness.  Known for using a plethora of different types on instrumentation, POWER ANIMAL attempts and succeeds at creating diverse sounds not akin to anything or anyone in particular.

For this set the band chose to go with electronic sounds to match the mood of the show in general.  To accomplish this, Keith manned the sample machine, drum machine, keys, xylophone, and vocals with Marie on toy piano and vocals and lastly a drummer (we feel terribly bad that we don’t know his name but would like to add it if you shoot us a message).

POWER ANIMAL is a fun band to listen to with a certain brand of magic behind their musical compositions.  We look forward to catching them again to see who will be on stage with them and what the instrumentation will consist of.  A local NE Philly gem, get out and catch them whenever possible.  Check out some video we captured from their Balam Acab opening set:

 

Check out more POWER ANIMAL over at LPC on YouTube!

Balam Acab, Live @ Johnny Brenda’s

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Alec Koone, Balam Acab, Balam Acab Live, bands to watch, concert video, indie music, johnny brendas, live music, live philly concerts, PA Bands, R5 Productions, Triangle Records

Balam Acab‘s set at Johnny Brenda’s in Philly on November 15th was one of the most moving we have ever seen. Quite simply put, outstanding. The work of Alec Koone is so defining and genre bending that describing it seems like an exercise in futility. The project/band was two people strong on this evening with vocals complementing sample machines and other sound making equipment. Everything was on-point and sounded amazing. Koone’s great voice work was backed up by a second singer who was incredibly gifted and the total package of sound left us wanting more.

Balam Acab Live

Balam Acab is the project turned touring band of Alec Koone who composes his own material while also producing stunning remixes. He named this project after a Mayan demigod who created rainbows by piercing clouds with arrows. Coincidentally, or perhaps purposefully, the sound mimics this ancient demigod in its’ ability to create rainbows and visceral feelings of all sorts. His debut album, “WANDER / WONDER”, is now out on Triangle Records and was the source for most of the material played at JB’s. This piece combines harmonized vocals with organic electronic sounds to created a landscape of magic and dreams. A fantastic listen.

We strongly encourage you to get out and support Balam Acab when you can and to pick up a copy of the new album. You will not be disappointed. Here is some video we took from last evening: