Tag Archives: Philadelphia

Magnificent Birds of Prey Let Us Know It’s OK to ‘Start Over’

Posted on by Leave a comment

Artist: Magnificent Birds of Prey
Song: Start Over
Released: Aug. 1, 2016
Genre: Alternative Rock

Philly’s Magnificent Birds of Prey soar on a mid-tempo ode to new beginnings with “Start Over,” using tight four-part vocal harmonies and percussion that is off-and-running from the jump to create a tender, yet powerful anthem.

Highlighted by the versatile Lyle Kelch Jr.’s vocal performance – which starts light and sweet, and builds up over four minutes to a commanding, gravely climax – “Start Over” gives us permission to wipe away the fear associated with leaving our pain behind, and encourages us to re-create our pathway to becoming who we need to be.

Check out the four-piece’s latest effort on their SoundCloud page!

Marc Ambrosia to Leave ‘Footprints’ on Haverford Music Festival

Posted on by Leave a comment

Looking to take a day trip on this hot Saturday? If you head down to Haverford Music Festival, you just might see a familiar face…

Marc Ambrosia, whose album, “Footprints,” received glowing reviews in the early days of LVU, and who has been a featured guest on The Quinn Spinn, will be appearing with his band at the sixth annual festival, presented by ACME Markets. Ambrosia and his band will headline the festival’s WHHS Eagle Road Stage this afternoon at 4:30 p.m.

Ambrosia will share the same festival bill as national touring acts, including Grammy nominee Lisa Loeb, jazz singer Sasha Dobson, longtime touring act The Figgs, and Italian-born singer-songwriter Giada J.

“I’m thrilled to be taking the stage with my band at Haverford Music Festival. They’re wonderful musicians and I’m lucky to have them,” Ambrosia told LVU. “I’m also incredibly honored to be playing this event with other amazing acts like Lisa Loeb, Sasha Dobson, and Giada J, among others. It’s going to be a full day of really great artistry. I’m looking forward to it!”

For full lineup and artist information for today’s Haverford Music Festival, visit HaverfordMusicFestival.com.

Wetbrain Reviews Life Choices on Funky Upcoming Single, “Filter Face”

Posted on by Leave a comment

Artist: Wetbrain
Single: Filter Face
Release Date: Sept. 20, 2016
Genre: Funk/Hip Hop

Combine a funky bass line, verse vocals that seamlessly combine jazz rhythms and quick hip hop flow, and a Red Hot Chili Peppers-inspired chorus, and you have Wetbrain’s latest single, “Filter Face.”

The Philly outfit’s newest effort plays a bit more to the funk-loving crowd than its predecessor, “She Bad,” but still has plenty of hip hop sensibilities to keep fans of that genre happy. It begins with some lo-fi percussion before its full rhythmic groove sets in to get listeners dancing for the next 3+ minutes.

Lyrically, “Filter Face” talks about the menace and shadiness of rebellious youth, although certain clues throughout the song hint – namely, those of shame and pain – suggest that living the wild life is not always what it’s cracked up to be.

Check out the single when it drops – as well as Wetbrain’s other tunes – by visiting them on Spotify.

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week: Aug. 22-28

Posted on by Leave a comment

Live music in the Lehigh Valley can take on a life of its own in any given week. Take this past Saturday, for example. We thought we’d just innocently head to a ribbon cutting and hear some jazz in Allentown, and it ended up being a Super Saturday triple-header ranging from country rock to hardcore!

With that, know that there’s plenty of adventure in store once again, including our latest…

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week!

Fri., Aug. 26 | 8 p.m.
Farewell to Summer
Venue: Spin Me Round Records, 1200 U.S. 22, Phillipsburg, NJ
Admission: FREE
Description: Elijah.the.Fly, Willing Tibet, Chasing Down Sunset, and Houston & the Dirty Rats are featured during this in-store, end-of-summer bash.

Fri., Aug. 26 | 10 p.m.
Carter Lansing
Venue: Stoke Coal Fire Pizza, 1 Lehns Ct., Easton
Admission: FREE
Description: As you re-enter PA, grab a slice and listen to the Acoustic Kitty Project frontman.

Sat., Aug. 27 | 1 p.m.
The Stoop w/ Percolator, Seoul Delhi, Stay at Home Dad, Duke Maroon, and more!
Venue: 1953 Township Line Road, Blue Bell
Admission: $5
Description: Eleven performers in all highlight another special day at the Philly-area DIY venue.

Sat., Aug. 27 | 9 p.m.
Steel City Sunrise
Venue: TD Community Stage on the Air Products Townsquare, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem
Admission: FREE
Description: Bethlehem’s original energetic folk rock band returns to SteelStacks.

Review: Mesa Jane – This Is How the Meek Riot

Posted on by One comment

Artist: Mesa Jane
Album: This Is How the Meek Riot (LISTEN)
Released: Aug. 12, 2016
Genre: Indie pop

Mesa Jane’s “This Is How the Meek Riot” EP is a record with defined pop sensibilities. The singer’s catchy hooks stick out and make for fun sing-alongs. Yet, a spirit of experimentation is certainly alive on the new release, with gritty, distorted instrumentation and electronic soundscapes that make the record unique.

Each track on “This Is How the Meek Riot” goes unexpected places, and each time, the risk pays off. Opening track “It’s Still Free to Laugh” combines minimalist electronic beats with a simple, cheery piano progression while the Philly-based singer’s indie pop alto sings a catchy melody, complete with lyrics that look on the lighter side of life’s calamity. Meanwhile, “Waking Up to the Sound of a Machine” employs a heavy presence of electronic elements to add punch to an otherwise tender ballad.

“This Is How the Meek Riot” has no shortage of empowering messages. “Everybody Knows” switches back and forth between sweet verses and an uplifting, distorted rock chorus. Meanwhile, EP closer “Honestly” uses poignant spoken word verses to encourage the listener to make the world a better place.

Track listing:
1) It’s Still Free to Laugh
2) Everybody Knows
3) Waking Up to the Sound of a Machine
4) Honestly

Review: D.S. Bradford – Elemental Evolution

Posted on by Leave a comment

If you’re in the Philadelphia area, catch D.S. Bradford’s “Elemental Evolution” EP release show this Friday, Aug. 5 at the Dockside Bar at Dave & Buster’s.

Artist: D.S. Bradford
Album: Elemental Evolution EP (PRE-ORDER)
Release Date: Aug. 5, 2016
Genre: Alternative Rock

Philadelphia singer-songwriter D.S. Bradford describes his new “Elemental Evolution” EP as being “about evolving into a form of ourselves that is conscious of peace and embraces love.”

While that theme is ever present throughout the effort, there is another “evolution” at play – that of D.S. Bradford into a versatile musician who seamlessly intermingles alternative rock with the progressive and psychedelic.

Perhaps the track that best blends all of those styles together is the album closer, “A Call to the Stars II – A Home in the Sky.” The EP’s longest track, clocking in at just over seven minutes, is a dreamy epic that moves between ideas that represent themselves as movements. “A Call to the Stars II” temporarily forfeits its dreaminess about halfway through, picking up the pace with some killer guitar work, before returning to its roots and transitioning into a tender piano outro that brings about the conclusion of our galactic transmission.

For fans of straightforward alt-rock, you need look no further than “Oceans,” a fun, up-tempo tune, and the crisp, highly accessible title track, “Elemental Evolution.” Both songs contain great hooks and are radio-ready.

 

Track listing:

A Call to the Stars – Ascend the Lost

The Rise

Oceans

The Seasons

Elemental Evolution

The Move

A Call to the Stars II – A Home in the Sky

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week: June 27-July 3

Posted on by Leave a comment

Summer is in full swing, and we are coming up on a holiday weekend. While you will surely have an opportunity to enjoy grilled burgers, ice cold beverages, and maybe even a trip to the shore this weekend, there is, as always, plenty of live music to enjoy right in your backyard. Exercise your independence as you travel across our section of this great land for some…

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week!

Tues.., June 28 | 9 p.m.
Raven Lounge Open Mic featuring Marc Ambrosia
Venue: Raven Lounge, 1718 Sansom St., Philadelphia
Admission: FREE, 21+
Description: Feel like making a mid-week trip to Philly? Be sure to check out Marc Ambrosia, who will surely be performing tracks off of his album, “Footprints.”

Wed., June 29 | 10 p.m.
The Moondogs at The Funhouse
Venue: 5 E. 4th St, Bethlehem
Admission: FREE
Description: The Moondogs howl for a Wednesday night party at the stalwart South Bethlehem venue.

Thurs., June 30 | 7 p.m.
Musos at The Originals Music Series
Venue: Chicago Restaurant, 1179 Airport Rd., Allentown
Admission: FREE
Description: Musos returns to rock the stage at Chicago.

Fri., July 1 | 8 p.m.
Whiskey Hollow Debuts (w/ special guest Crossroads Duo)
Venue: Chicago Restaurant, 1179 Airport Rd., Allentown
Admission: FREE before 10 p.m.
Description: Start July with the debut of the Valley’s newest country band.

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week: June 20-26

Posted on by Leave a comment

The Originals Music Series… is taking the week off.

On that note, you might think that we’d be lost without our bread and butter. However, there’s plenty more going on in and around the Valley to keep us occupied this week. Explore your region or take a field trip with this week’s..

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week!

Mon., June 20 | 7:30 p.m.
Sleep at Union Transfer
Venue: Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia
Admission: $25
Description: Start your week with a field trip to Philly to see Sleep, with special guests Windhand.

Tues., June 21 | 5 p.m.
3 Pill Morning
Venue: Gin Mill & Grille, 1750 Main St., Northampton
Admission: $10
Description: Minneapolis-based melodic hard rockers come to the Lehigh Valley to perform tracks off of their upcoming release, “Never Look Back.”

Sat., June 25 | 12 p.m.
The Stoop’s Summer Starter Pack
Venue: The Stoop, 1953 West Township Line Road, Blue Bell
Admission: $10
Description: A day of great music and fun awaits with Mage Hand, Kingfisher, Stay at Home Dad, Forest Ranger, Wetbrain, Chalmers, Bandit, Yung Boi Movement, and Haz Lo Correcto

Sat. June 25 | 7 p.m.
Roi & the Secret People and Acoustic Kitty Project
Venue: Rivals Sports Bar & Restaurant, 5 Lehns Ct., Easton
Admission: FREE
Description: The mongrels from Dog St. are meeting up with the cats from the Project in Easton’s hottest alley.

PHOTOS: The Second Annual Lehigh Valley Musicians Social

Posted on by Leave a comment

In addition to good vibes and a healthy exchange of ideas, Thursday night at The Originals Music Series’ Lehigh Valley Musicians Social featured a stellar lineup of musicians.

The night kicked off with Scott Marshall & Marshall’s Highway, who delivered yet another signature performance of rock, country, blues and everything in between. They were followed by Valdez, a talented foursome from Philly, and Pinnacle, who capped off the evening with their first performance since 2014. Each band shared a distinctive sound all its own with those in attendance, making this a showcase to remember.

We have some great photos compiled by LVU contributor Lisa Robinson, who did a fantastic job filling in behind the camera while I manned our table. Take a look!

Review: Wetbrain ft. Rone and Russell Kutys – She Bad

Posted on by Leave a comment

Combine a funky groove with slick hip-hop verses and reggae rock undertones, and you have “She Bad,” the new single from Philadelphia’s Wetbrain.

The band draws well from an eclectic blend of influences on “She Bad,” ranging from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, to Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper. This is Wetbrain’s first collaboration, with the band receiving support on the track from local rappers and friends Rone and Russell Kutys. Together, the artists combine with catchy verses and clever lyrics to make “She Bad” a fun and enjoyable track for the summer.

Check it out below, and stay tuned for Wetbrain’s upcoming EP this fall.

« Older Entries Recent Entries »