First, let me start by saying that this category, like all of them, could have gone a number of ways. For example, I could have chosen a song with the grit of Roi & the Secret People’s “Hungry.” Just as tempting was the prospect of choosing VoirVoir’s youthful anthem, “I Wanna,” or virtually any track from Rofo Audio. In the end, however, I went a bit south to Philly, where The Wayside Shakeup released their single, “Stay Up,” earlier this year.
We already knew that Mesa Jane was awesome. The experimental alt-pop artist from Philly first got our attention with her newest EP, “This is How the Meek Riot.”
As it turns out, her older material is pretty sweet, too.
Philly’s The Band of Rivals has been working on new music, recently premiering a pair of new songs for Throwback Thursday Philly.
Throwback Thursday Philly is an online publication started by music writer Caitlin Phillips which, in addition to “chronicling the city’s unique connections to the music industry,” highlights current artists by giving them a platform for interviews and new music.
The Band of Rivals played a pair of Den Sessions of new songs: “Her,” a low-key, groovy lament of days gone by, and “The Devil and Daniel Johnston,” an up-tempo foot-stomper that recalls the best of vintage country and folk. Both songs feature the five-piece at their tightest, with Sean Cos’s soulful baritone and Abbey Mertz’ versatile violin leading the charge on both tunes.
We’ve included the video for the latter below. For the full Throwback Thursday Philly piece, follow the link.
Allentown seems to rule the week, both in terms of variety and number of shows on this week’s list.
Also making an appearance: a married folk duo at SteelStacks, and an out-of-town music festival featuring old friends. Time to learn more about our…
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!
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.
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.
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
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..
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.
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!
