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:

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: