Quilt, Live @ Johnny Brenda’s

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brooklyn, Burger Records, concert video, johnny brendas, live music, live philly concerts, mexican summer, Quilt, Quilt band, R5 Productions

Quilt weaves a refreshing psych-folk sound with both laid back and cut loose guitar and drums.  The Boston-based trio joins several projects producing quality throw-back stylings ripe with variation, texture and originality.  John Andrews, Anna Rochinski and Shane Butler have put music out on several of our favorite labels including Mexican Summer and Burger records and perhaps for this reason drew our intense interest initially. Only highly listenable tracks could sustain it.

Playing numerous songs off their late 2011 release, Quilt, as well as new tracks to be on a yet to be releases album, the band put forth a solid first Philly performance.  We wish the time honored tradition of no encores by an opener was ignored.  More tracks would have been welcomed and enjoyed.  As Anna switched back and forth between guitar and organ while providing vocals, John toiled away mesmerizing on the skins and John flowed between solo and beat chiming in on vocals as well, time stood still and we felt lucky to be there.

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Via Audio, Live @ Kung Fu Necktie

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brooklyn, concert video, indie music, kung fu necktie, live music, live philly concerts, Sidecho Records, Spotify link, Undertow Music Collective, Via Audio, Via Audio band

Via Audio made a semi-rare performance, as of late, at Kung Fu Necktie on May 15th, 2012.  The Brooklyn-based band has been on somewhat of a hiatus recently but put forth an energetic and fun performance on this night.  This break is to be short lived as a new album is due out this year and will add to their existing catalog of two LP’s and one EP.  Comprised of Tom Deis on Vocals and Guitar, David Lizmi on Bass and Synthesizer, Jessica Martins on Vocals, Guitar and Synthesizer, and Adam Sturtevant on Drums, Via Audio constructs a lauded (see Pitchfork, Tiny Mixtapes, Spin, Alternative Press) amalgam of indie pop sounds.

We like these guys because the enjoyment they receive from playing is clearly evident in their stage presence.  Guitar work and synths drip with catchy cords.  Vocals compliment these nicely and bass and drum work round out the sound perfectly.

++ Via Audio on Spotify ++

Supporting Via Audio is easy – give a listen and maybe you will be hooked.  Pick up their merch and catch one of their shows.  Via Audio does not disappoint and they are as friendly as can be to boot.  Check out a few of our vids from the evening below:

Widowspeak, Live @ Johnny Brenda’s 0412

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brooklyn, captured.tracks, johnny brendas, live music, live philly concerts, R5 Productions, widowspeak, widowspeak band

This was our second time catching Widowspeak and it was as delightful as the first. What was rendered the evening of April 15th 2012 was certainly a more honed and confident performance indicative of the extensive touring that had taken place in the interim.

There was also one additional member; Pamela Garavano-Coolbaugh.  This afforded a more dynamic sound and the volume of people on stage matched that of the performance’s auditory depth.  All of the original three, Molly Hamilton, Rob Thomas, and Mike Stasiak are still in the group and sounding better than ever.  Molly still has her enchanting voice, Rob is still killing it on guitty, Mike is still holding it down on drums.  Every bit as personable as the first time we caught them on their inaugural Philly performance,  Widowspeak replicated on and off stage impressiveness.  We hesitate at gushing, but shit, we just did it.  And this band truly deserves it.

Check out some videos from the evening below and dig the guitar solo in Nightcrawlers – boss.

Crystal Stilts, Live @ Johnny Brenda’s

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brooklyn, concert video, Crystal Stilts, Crystal Stilts band, johnny brendas, live music, live philly concerts, R5 Productions, Sacred Bones, Slumberland Records, Spotify link

Crystal Stilts played mind melting psych post-punk fuzz at JB’s in Philly on April 15th.  The quintet out of BK is comprised of the talents of Brad Hargett on vocals, JB Townsend on guitar, Kyle Forester on keyboard, Andy Adler on bass, and Keegan Cooke on drums.  After great buzz in 2008, the band took a hiatus and returned full force in 2011 with the LP In Love With Oblivion.  Taking many cues from 60’s psych rock, Crystal Stilts maintains a fresh edge and tantalizing sound that makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck.

++  Crystal Stilts on Spotify ++

Ripping through mostly new songs of their 2011 effort, in addition to several classics, Crystal Stilts created an atmosphere in JB’s reminiscent of a different time and place.  Graphics projected on the giant right-angled screens behind the band showed racing images of fleeting landscapes of indistinguishable matter. The electric organ sound of the keys with acid guitar and haunting vocals cemented that aura as space in between tracks was filled with the pysch drone of hung notes and strum teases.  An amazing performance from these guys who are better than ever, check out the Crystal Stilts live below:

 

Tanlines, Live @ Voyeur

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brooklyn, concert video, IAMSOUND, live music, live philly concerts, making time, making time philadelphia, Spotify link, Tanlines, Tanlines band, True Panther Sounds, voyeur nightclub concert, voyeur philly

The Brooklyn based tropical synth duo, Tanlines, comprised of Jesse Cohen (see:  Professor Murder) and Eric Emm (see: Don Caballero) delivered stunning sounds at the April Making Time Event at Voyeur.  On this Friday the 13th, there was nothing scary about what was played on stage.  Shimmering guitar highlighted familiar dance hall beats and the crowd was worked into a frenzy.  Packed deep, we were treated to amazing calypso and South African beat tinged euphoria.  Tanlines played songs off both their 2012 and 2010 releases and it was fantastic.

++ Tanlines on Spotify ++

The set was highlighted by fervent bongos and soothing vocals characteristic of the Tanlines catalog.  We enjoyed every minute of it and only wished for an encore.  That withstanding, Tanlines are a mind blowing act that will alter your state of consciousness and take you to inner worlds undiscovered.  Check out some video from the night below and head on over to the Tanlines website for more info.

Obits, Live @ Johnny Brenda’s

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brooklyn, concert video, indie music, johnny brendas, live music, live philly concerts, Obits, Obits Band, R5 Productions, Rick Froberg, Spotify link, Sub-Pop

The formidable trio of Rick Froberg, Sohrab Habibion, and Greg Simpson comprise the scorching garage punk band Obits.  Formed in 2006, the band comes by way of BK and has past independent projects Drive Like Jehu, Edsel, and Hot Snakes under it’s belt.  Seminal to say the least.  Playing Johnny Brenda’s in Philly on March 15, 2012, the band laid down numerous tracks off their 2011 release Moody, Standard and Poor along with tracks from 2009’s I Blame You.

++ Obits on Spotify ++

A performance we are relieved not to have missed, Obits blasted in-your-face instrumentals with disgustingly good vocals.  We felt every sound and were compelled to dive in head first.  Check out some video below to see what you may have missed:

Bear In Heaven, Live @ Voyeur

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Bear In Heaven, Bear In Heaven band, brooklyn, concert video, Dead Oceans records, Home Tapes, live music, live philly concerts, making time, making time philadelphia, Spotify link, voyeur nightclub concert, voyeur philly

Philly is lucky this year.  It gets to see Bear In Heaven at least twice in 2012.  We have been looking forward to seeing them since we heard You Do You two and a half years ago.  The Brooklyn based band formed by Jon Philpot plays an experimental, psych-synth, indie rock medley and is damn hypnotic.  Bear In Heaven was playing this Philly show at Voyeur on March 9th prior to their SXSW jaunt and they made it count.  Tracks were delivered with the same sound as captured on wax and the show was wildly engaging with Jon coming into the audience and dancing while also playing multiple instruments and singing.  Joe Stickney, and Adam Wills laid down guitar and drums seamlessly and the entire set piece was brilliant.

++ Spotify Playlist ++

With their most recent album, Bear Rest Forth Mouth, getting some best new music honors from Pitchfork we know the critics realize the power in Bear In Heaven’s music too.  On the back of this release will come I Love You It’s Cool, their fourth release since 2003.  We look forward to this and Bear In Heaven’s May 2nd performance at FUC in Philly.  Cop your tix here.  We did (plus Blouse off Captured Tracks is opening and they are simply fantastic).  Check the Bear In Heaven vids:

Royal Baths, Live @ Kung Fu Necktie

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bands to watch, brooklyn, concert video, indie music, Kanine records, kung fu necktie, live music, live philly concerts, Royal Baths, Royal Baths band, woodist records

The Brooklyn, by way of San Fran, duo known as Royal Baths (of Kanine, Woodsist, WZRD MNTN record labels) put on a mind-melter at KFN in Philly on Wednesday, February 8th.  Jeremy Cox and Jigmae Baer have just released their second album which builds upon their previous take on droney, psychedelic rock and is a fantastic listen.  Delivered live, we could feel the heavy sound vibrate through our bones in the most fantastic of ways.  We wanted them to play all night.

The Royal Baths’ touring ensemble is made up of four including John Rau, Turner Halsey.  The quartet breaks into song at varying pace but with consistent intensity.  Solid guitar work and steady drums are capped by eerie and trippy vocals.  Every song played left us hoping for another with the same metaphorical evisceration.  Beside ourselves was the prevailing feeling.  Guitar cords so sharp we felt cut to pieces.  Music so enveloping, we hope a second chance to see them comes soon.  Get out and see them when you can – disappointment is a word that drops from the dictionary when Royal Baths are concerned.  Check out some video below:

Vivian Girls, Live @ Johnny Brenda’s

Tags

brooklyn, concert video, indie music, johnny brendas, live music, live philly concerts, polyvinyl, R5 Productions, Vivian Girls, Vivian Girls band

Lost Show Posts:  LPC has caught some really kick-ass shows that for some strange reason never got reported on.  The Vivian Girls set at Johnny Brenda’s on September 6th 2011 was one of these.  This is the first in a series of set reports that should have been covered long ago.

The Vivian Girls from Brooklyn, NY put on a power set for the JB crowd on September 6th.  The lineup consisting of Cassie Ramone, “Kickball Katy” Goodman and Fiona Campbell were the headliners on this evening and showed why we had heard so many good things about their live performances.  Having released 3 LP’s the band had much material to draw from but focused primarily on their new release “Share the Joy”.

We thoroughly enjoyed the energy these ladies put out into the ether.  Drawing on numerous influences including the Wipers and past tour mates Jay Reatard (RIP), King Khan and the Shrines, and Sonic Youth, the Vivian Girls have an indie/garage rock/lo-fi sound unequaled.  Their passion for playing music comes across clearly on stage and we felt it in every note and riff.  Now on Polyvinyl records, the Vivian Girls sound is getting tighter and tighter while staying true to the sound on which they were founded.

Catching the Vivian Girls live is highly recommended and their return to Philly is eagerly awaited. Check out some video from the night below:

The Wicked Tomorrow, Live @ Kung Fu Necktie

Tags

bands to watch, brooklyn, concert video, indie music, kung fu necktie, live music, live philly concerts, The Wicked Tomorrow, The Wicked Tomorrow band

Brooklyn-based The Wicked Tomorrow played KFN in Philly on September 26th and impressed us with their sound, intensity, song writing and over-all personalities. The band is composed of Ian Jacobs on guitar/vocals and Michelle Feliciano on drums/vocals. These two are able to deliver a show much greater in velocity than your standard duo. Their sound is fantastic. We fervently feel these guys deserve top billing on a regular basis and, in a short time, we have no doubt they will get it.

The Wicked Tomorrow ran through a high-energy set delivering solid drum beats, stand out guitar playing and effortless vocals. In a venue known for drowning out weak lead vocals, Ian was impervious to this and shined brightly. We really can’t say enough good things about them and are excited to see TWT on the CMJ bill in NYC with other shows upcoming in NYC and Boston. Come back to Philly guys!

True musicians and performers, the band has cultivated comparrisons to The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Black Keys and The Velvet Underground. Well deserved we think. With one EP out currently and a full length LP out in 2012, The Wicked Tomorrow is one band not to be slept on. While we wait to see them again, we will keep their EP on our short list of 2011 favorites and replay the videos from the show again and again:

Listen and buy the eponymous The Wicked Tomorrow EP via Bandcamp below: