Lantern, Live @ Kung Fu Necktie

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bands to watch, Bathetic Records, concert video, kung fu necktie, Lantern, Lantern band, live music, live philly concerts, Local Philly Band

A Lantern is a device used to illuminate an area desired by the wielder.  On July 11, 2012 the Philly-based rock heavyweights of the same name decided that they wanted to see Fishtown lit up with plain nasty guitar work by both Zach and Emily, bass line trade offs, booming saxophone, hints of harmonica, and steady percussion.  The performance was the first of their summer tour and had the crowd intrinsically hooked.

On the heels of yet another diverse and powerful tape now out of Bathetic Records, Lantern continues to put out fully developed albums in variously intertwined musical dialects. Drawing comparisons would potentially derail clearly seeing the minds that drive the direction of the band for what they are:  immensely talented and original.  This is not half-cocked derivative sound.  We love it and wish concerts were more frequent.  Music needs musicians and sound like this.

I rest my words now and direct you to our videos from the evening below:

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:

The Spinto Band, Live @ Kung Fu Necktie

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bands to watch, concert video, delaware, kung fu necktie, live music, live philly concerts, spinto band, Spotify link, the spinto band, the spinto band residency

The Spinto Band is one of those amazing local bands we have caught on numerous occasions but had never filmed.  We finally got our act together and did so the second night of their May 2012 Kung Fu Necktie residency.  What a show it was.  What a band they are.  A shining star rising from the first state, The Spinto Band are definitely one of our favorite bands to come out of Delaware in awhile – and they have been doing so for well over a decade.

++ The Spinto Band on Spotify ++

The six piece consisting of Jon Eaton on Guitar, Nick Krill on Vocals & Guitar, Thomas Hughes on Vocals & Bass, Jeff Hobson on Drums, Sam Hughes on Keyboards & Vocals, and Joe Hobson Guitar & Vocals is not new to laying down catchy tracks.  Now with 14 plus years behind them, The Spinto Band can look back upon a catalog of 10 LPs and multiple EP’s.  The band has hit an energetic stride over the last 6 years and picks up steam with age.  Their new album Shy Pursuit was just released this year.

This residency will see The Spinto Band playing 4 shows at KFN this may and the videos below are from the second.  You still have 2 Tuesdays left to check them out and we strong suggest you do.  Beat the crowd though, they pack the place and a few notes in it is clear why.  Check out some videos because these are worth more than a thousand pictures.

 

The Wave Pictures, Live @ Kung Fu Necktie

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concert video, kung fu necktie, live music, live philly concerts, Moshi Moshi Records, The Wave Pictures, United Kingdom

The Wave Pictures from Wymeswold, England have been making music since 1998 with their first label release coming in 2006.  Through this time, David Tattersall on vocals and guitar, Franic Rozycki on bass guitar, and Jonny Helm on drums (and solo vocals in one song recorded live that evening) have honed their performance and built up a large catalog of music.  April 25th 2012 brought Kung Fu Necktie this solid act fronted by Tattersall who has mastered the guitar solo – almost, if not every, track contained one of varied style.

The band has a Smiths-esque aesthetic to it but it does not come close to defining them.  Their recipe is more complicated than mimicking anything at all.  The previously mentioned diversity in guitar solos ensure that.  There is also a more upbeat feel to the tracks with muted cowbell included on a track or two.  Track lyrics sku abstract and we love it.  Still on tour in the US for a few more weeks, Philly was lucky to catch them on the second show of their Stateside tour.  If you have a chance, go support these guys.  If you need convincing, check out our vids below:

 

Work Drugs, Live @ Kung Fu Necktie

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bands to watch, concert video, kung fu necktie, live music, live philly concerts, Local Philly Band, Work Drugs, Work Drugs band, Work Drugs Set List

Playing their first set in hometown Philly since February 2012, Work Drugs blew off steam in the form of solid, upbeat chillwave sounds all wearing stone-cool shades and invigorating the crowd.  Highly danceable tracks showed the deep skill set of the band who earlier in March had a great showing at SXSW.  Work Drugs is fronted by two and supported by many.  Tom Crystal on vocal and guitar noises with Ben Louisiana on vocal, key, and synth noises design a self-described sedative-wave, smooth-fi sound proving once again, genres are simply a means for unnecessary classification.  Word Drugs is a golden local musical blend, universally listenable,  that everyone can get behind.  We simply love their sound.

Tracks played on this April 28th evening at Kung Fu Necktie in Philadelphia were off their 2011 efforts Summer Blood and Aurora Lies plus included at least one brand new 2012 single.  We captured video of one below:  License To Drive.  All songs seemed sowed together with precision – instrumentals and vocals complimented each other well live and some we found better than in studio.  Crowd engagement was well represented and we felt brought into the act.  Everything we had hoped it would be, we present to you a few videos from the set below and encourage you to give Work Drugs your attention:

SET LIST

1. Ice Wharf
2. Third Wave
3. Flying Zambo
4. Catalina Wine Mixer
5. Swimmer Girl
6. Sunset Junction
7. License to Drive
8. Blue Steel
9. Physical Acts
10. Daddy Bear
11. Curious Serge
12. Rad Racer

Allo Darlin’, Live @ Kung Fu Necktie

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Allo Darlin band, Allo Darlin', concert video, kung fu necktie, live philly concerts, London, Slumberland Records, uke

Allo Darlin’ played Kung Fu Necktie in Fishtown on the 25th of April, 2012 to a packed crowd fairly well versed in their song-book and energized at the ability to hear it live.  The band currently calls London home.  Half of Allo Darlin’ are from the UK while half are not including Elizabeth, the lead and project originator, who hails from AUS.  It is partly for these reasons the Philly crowd felt so lucky to hear her soothing voice and enchanting ukulele.   It was also due to the infectious joy with which the rest of the band played.  Paul Rains, Bill Botting, and Mikey Collins are all great musicians in their own right and the combination of the four had us grinning from ear to ear the majority of the set.

This second stop on their US tour was proceeded by an NYC engagement.  On this Philly stop the band quickly enthralled the audience and controlled the atmosphere to the point of near silence during song crescendos and quieter numbers – a rare feat at KFN.  Songs were played off both their 2010 and 2012 LPs and all were delivered on point and with magical purpose.  We were fortunate to talk with Elizabeth, Mikey, and Bill after the show and they were all as kind as they appeared on stage.  There was no act there.  A genuine group of people making genuine music.  Check out our video from the evening below:

Reptar, Live @ Kung Fu Necktie

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Athens, bands to watch, concert video, indie music, kung fu necktie, live music, live philly concerts, Reptar, Reptar Band, Spotify link, Vagrant Records

The talented and assiduous indie electronic dance act Reptar played KFN in Philly on April 13th to a packed crowd.  We were pleased to see Philly come out in such force for an act not on the radar for many – but we predict they will be soon enough in the same way Reptar has developed a huge following in the southeast from their home base of Athens, Georgia.  With an EP, Oblangle Fizz Y’all, chocked full of singles and a new LP out May 1st, Reptar is on the launch pad ready to take off.  The band began under its current moniker in 2008.  Comprised of Ryan Engelberger (bass), William Kennedy (keys), Andrew McFarland (drums), Graham Ulicny (guitar, singing), and Poof Daunghty (percussion, keys) Reptar the group is current on the Vagrant Records imprint.

++ Reptar on Spotify ++

Reptar’s catchy tunes translate into an exuberant concert environment.   They make parties.  Every song was delivered with energy that instantaneously infected the room.  Brilliant.  Reptar played numerous new tracks in addition to old staples.  Lined up against the front of the stage, Graham took many occasions to talk to the crowd and parlay the eventual frenzy brought on by their new single, Sebastian.   Eventually, this track was precipitated by consensual neighborly head touching (there isn’t a easy way to describe this dammit – it’s on the first video though so suggestions are welcome).  At the conclusion of that insanity, Reptar ran into Sebastian and the floor boards at KFN rocked like a schooner in the middle of the Atlantic.  A solid performance, you can check out some of our video below:

Wigwams, Live @ Kung Fu Necktie

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concert video, kung fu necktie, live music, live philly concerts, Local Philly Band, swollen fox show, Wigwams, Wigwams band, Wigwams band philly, y not radio show

Please tell us you have caught the awesome Philly act that is Wigwams.  We want to hear that you have experienced live wood blocks, and slick guitar playing trade-offs, and timely bass lines and drum beats.  If you have not made it out to a Wigwams show yet, put it on your to-do list.  Make a note now and witness these guys live.  You will love em.  The band is Jason, Phil, Daniel, and Brian and they play a premium brand of rock/post-punk goodness.

Outlining all the reasons we like Wigwams would simply take too long.  Sufficed to say, their music is a damn pleasure to listen to and having such talent in the city is a testament to our musical scene.  Wigwams played on March 3rd for The Swollen Fox and Y-Not Radio presented show at Kung Fu Necktie on a warm winter eve and we have some video for you below.  Go see these guys!

Saint Motel, Live @ Kung Fu Necktie

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bands to watch, concert video, indie music, kung fu necktie, live music, live philly concerts, Los Angeles, Saint Motel, Saint Motel band, Self Released album, Spotify link, swollen fox show, y not radio show

Every so often we attend a show semi-blind and don’t quite know what to expect.  This, on occasion, proves to be a decision that stuns with it’s seemingly perfect fate.  The Saint Motel set at KFN on March 3rd presented by The Swollen Fox and Y-Not Radio was just such an event.  Music that made us want to re-listen to their entire catalog.  Music that made us want to continue to search through the myriad of quality, and not so quality, band output to find another so exciting.  We wish another chance to replicate the experience would come soon as this was truely great to watch and hear.  A/J Jackson Jr., Dak, asharp, and G.S. Erwin are an LA-based quartet with a jubilant sound delivered via fierce drums, nasty guitar solos, steady bass lines and harmonic vocals.

Saint Motel on Spotify

 The effort displayed was partially measured in sweat as KFN was extremely hot for a winter night.  The remainder was displayed in passionately delivered verse, chord and beat to a crowd who knew what they were seeing was way above average.  Saint Motel is a band to be seen while you can outside of L.A. and before the machine gets a hold of their obvious talent.  We know wide success for them is always at their doorstep, and that Saint Motel is a band to watch and listen.  Check the link above for their catalog on Spotify and take a peep at the videos from the evening below.  Please also note, these guys cover a Del Shannon track – My Little Runaway.  How sick is that?  It’s the third video down:

Young Empires, Live @ Kung Fu Necktie

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bands to watch, concert video, electronic music, Haute Rock, indie music, kung fu necktie, live music, live philly concerts, Spotify link, swollen fox show, Toronto, y not radio show, Young Empires, Young Empires Band

Young Empires from Toronto, Canada graced the KFN stage on March 3rd courtesy of the Swollen Fox and Y-Not Radio.  Dripping in big beat indie-electro goodness Young Empires wasted no time plunging head first into a set of mesmerizing tracks.  The energy transfer from band to crowd was ephemeral and lasted long after the last note faded out of the stage amplifiers, through the hot confines of KFN, and into the warm Philadelphia winter evening.

▲ Young Empires on Spotify ▲

Young Empires, comprised of Matthew, Aaron, Jacob and Taylor, have a sound that transcends live recording and hits with the force of a mega-ton bomb in a live arena.  Primed for future success with a new album out now and several EP’s worth of material prior, we look forward to seeing these guys get the recognition they deserve.  Young Empire’s eventual return to Philly is eagerly awaited and we feel fortunate to have been in attendance for their first go-around.  Check out some video from their set below and make sure to check out our favorite song of theirs, Enter Through the Sun: