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Archive for the ‘Philadelphia, PA’ Category

Spotlights (Ortlieb’s, Philadelphia, PA, June 23, 2023)

Posted in Heatmap, LaMacchia, Ortlieb's, Philadelphia, PA, Spotlights on June 25, 2023| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: June 24, 2023] Spotlights

I saw Spotlights open for Deftones back in 2016.  I hadn’t heard of them before, but their live show left a lasting impression on me.  I had been trying to see them again since then, but it never worked out for one reason or another.

Finally, they were playing at Ortlieb’s, a bar I’d never been to. So it was cool to check out this venue and see  this band.

The openers started late for one reason or another and so Spotlights didn’t go on until after 10.  They were supposed to end at 11 (a dance party in the main part of the bar was scheduled for 11).  They said they were going to be quick, which I guess meant minimal banter because it didn’t see to shorten their set at all.

The one thing I had remembered from their show was how big and loud this trio sounded.  Originally, Spotlights was a duo–husband and wife Mario and Sarah Quintero–but they seemed to have taken drummer Chris Enriquez into their family and he is a beast.  Enriquez is a perfect compliment to their wall of sound.

And indeed, when Sarah plugged in her bass, the sound was so big my arm hairs vibrated. They played four songs from their new album.  One of which (“Algorithmic” I think) got a huge response from the crowd.

Speaking of the crowd, Ortlieb’s holds about 75 people.  So it was a close, tiny room.  A guy next to me even put his vinyl purchases on the stage (which was about six inches high).  Of course, mid-set, Mario asked him to move them so he (Mario) could stand there and interact with the crowd.  Mario eventually came onto the floor and gave that guy a hug.  (more…)

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The Cure / The Twilight Sad (Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA, June 24, 2023) [DID NOT ATTEND]

Posted in Evanescence, Muse, One OK Rock, Philadelphia, PA, Wells Fargo Center on June 24, 2023| Leave a Comment »

[DID NOT ATTEND: June 24, 2023] The Cure / The Twilight Sad

I saw The Cure in 1989 and it was a great show.  For one reason or another I never saw them again live over the next thirty years.  Mostly because I didn’t love them as much as I did in 1989.

For some reason this tour was massively hyped.  (Probably because I see they haven’t played Philly since 2008 and hadn’t played NYC since 2016 and before that 2011, so I guess a Cure tour is an Event).

So I managed to get a pre-sale code, but I had so much trouble with the code and with logging in that by the time I finally got to the ticket page, the only thing left was nosebleeds and that wouldn’t have been very satisfying for me.

I also probably could have looked into one of the Madison Square Garden shows, but realistically I’m not going to MSG for another show again.

Now, it happens that every single review of these shows has been an unparalleled rave.  The setlists have been incredible and I feel like I’ve missed out on a massive cultural event (not as big as Taylor Swift, mind you, but, about the same level but for adults).   So that’s kind of a bummer.  Not the biggest bummer, because Wells Fargo Center kind of sucks as a venue.  But kind of sucky nonetheless.  I also can’t believe that they have been playing for nearly three hours every show.

Since I wasn’t going to this show I wound up getting tickets to see Mondo Cozmo at Underground Arts, which was 1,000 times easier to get to, significantly cheaper and lasted 80 minutes.  Mu show started at 9 and was over before The Cure’s show that technically started at 7:30.

Word has it that Robert Smith has promised he’d be back. so if it’s not too too long before the next tour, I may try to get to it.

I feel a little bad for The Twilight Sad who have opened every show and I haven’t heard a single thing about them from any review.   However, they have been getting a 45 minute show each night, so that’s some very good exposure.

They are a Scottish band with a distinctive keyboard/gothy 80s sound and the singer’s very heavy Scottish accent in his delivery.  Robert Smith loves this band as does Mogwai.  I’m going to have to given them a proper listen as my cursory listen thought they sounded just okay.

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Heatmap (Ortlieb’s, Philadelphia, PA, June 23, 2023) [SPOTLIGHTS]

Posted in Heatmap, LaMacchia, Ortlieb's, Philadelphia, PA, Spotlights on June 24, 2023| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: June 24, 2023] Heatmap

Heatmap is from Philly and should not be confused with Heatmaps.  They weren’t originally on this bill and I’m not sure when they got added.  But wow, what a great find.

The band is a trio and they have two EPs out.

I stood right in front of their bassist who played a 1974 Gibson (I only know this because someone asked him and I overheard the answer).  It had such a great sound and it worked perfectly with the way he plays.  The bass is almost a lead instrument.  Not like Primus (they sound absolutely nothing like Primus), but sort of like Primus in that the bass plays the main riff/melody line and the guitar mostly throws sounds and textures over the top of them.

Couple that with their drummer’s complex and amazing drum patterns (now two songs have the same beat and pretty much none of them are just bass/snare) and Heatmap proved to be the most exciting band to watch.

On record, the bass prominence is less notable–it’s still there, but the guitars are more prevalent.  But live, sometimes the singer/guitarist wasn’t playing anything as the bass played the cool post-punk lines and the drums thumped away with lots of floor toms. (more…)

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LaMacchia (Ortlieb’s, Philadelphia, PA, June 23 2023) [SPOTLIGHTS]

Posted in Casablanca, Heatmap, LaMacchia, Ortlieb's, Philadelphia, PA, Shipping News, Spotlights on June 23, 2023| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: June 24, 2023] LaMacchia

LaMacchia is John LaMacchia.  John LaMacchia is the guitarist for Candiria, a metal band I don’t know who plays a kind of mathcore/prog something or other.

LaMacchia is his first solo album, and it’s a very different feel.  He and Sabrina Ellie are the main singers and the album has a much more mellow vibe.

For this show, he had a band and I really enjoyed their set a lot.  There was no female vocalist, but there were outstanding harmonies from his bassist (who had an excellent sound and was really fluid in the basslines) and his guitarist/keyboardist who seemed to be doing all kinds of things over there.

Their drummer was a guest drummer for the night and he was really good, too.

Overall, I was really impressed with how the band could maintain an overall heavy sound but still have excellent (at times) three part harmony.  There was also some diversity in sound up on stage too, with a couple of the songs being almost atmospheric.

“Disconnect” even had a sample from Casablanca (who samples Casablanca?). (more…)

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Idles (Franklin Music Hall, Philadelphia, PA, June 20, 2023)

Posted in Franklin Music Hall, Idles, Mannequin Pussy, Philadelphia, PA on June 21, 2023| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: June 20, 2023] Idles

I didn’t known that Idles was going to play near me at all this year.  Turns out that Idles will be doing lots of Festivals this summer in the States, and they decided to throw in two headline shows in the middle.  And Philly was one of them.

I’ve seen them twice before–each time the venue getting larger (good for them).

This was at Franklin Music Hall and I don’t think it sold out, but it was close.  The crowd was crazy (although, I feel not quite as crazy as at previous shows).  The band has a newish album out which I haven’t listened to as much–it changes their formula somewhat.

But they still opened with “Colossus.”  A loud, slow, rumbling repeating bass note from Adam Devonshire shook the whole place.  And then Joe Talbot came out and started singing the slow, quiet introduction.  The lights flashed from red to white as the song built and when it hit the loud part–boom!

The Re:SET concerts have seen them playing roughly an hour, so I wasn’t sure how long they would play for us.  They did a solid hour and forty-five minutes, playing songs from all of their albums, and leaving out at least one classic.  I was genuinely surprised they didn’t play “I’m Scum” since they are still selling the T-shirt

Jon Beavis is a maniac on the drums–how did these drum head survive the pummeling?  Again, I could barely see him back there, but he was easily felt.

After the first song Joe left the stage for a minute and Mark Bowen said hiya Philly.  When Joe came back out he said, “is that your crowd talking dress you’re wearing?”  He said that Bowen has never addressed an audience before.  He amended that to, “and been understood.” (more…)

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Mannequin Pussy (Franklin Music Hall, Philadelphia, PA, June 20, 2023) [IDLES]

Posted in Franklin Music Hall, Idles, Mannequin Pussy, Philadelphia, PA on June 20, 2023| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: June 20, 2023] Idles

I was pretty excited to see Idles, but I was even more excited when it was announced that Mannequin Pussy would be opening.

I wanted to get their plenty early.  This was a weird night because I-95 had collapsed and there was a detour in place.  I didn’t know how long it would take to get there.

I’m guessing most people stayed away from 95 altogether, and it was a Tuesday night, because the ride in was so smooth.  The detour that I took was only a few blocks and I was right back on the road with hardly any other traffic,  It was great.

I arrived in plenty of time, although it was already pretty crowded.

Then, at 8PM, Mannequin Pussy came out on stage.

I’ve seen them four times, although it had been almost two years since the last time.  Three of those four times, they were opening, so it’s not like I chose to see them. But I do love seeing them live.  And this show was no exception. (more…)

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Protomartyr / Golden Apples (Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia, PA, June 18, 2023) [DID NOT ATTEND]

Posted in Golden Apples, Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA, Protomartyr on June 18, 2023| Leave a Comment »

[DID NOT ATTEND: June 18, 2023] Protomartyr / Ian Sweet

I saw Protomartyr back in 2018.  I loved their album Under Color of Official Right but I haven’t enjoyed their other albums nearly as much.  I’m not sure what it is, but the newer records don’t do the same for me.

In particular, the music has gotten softer and smoother, whereas on Right it was more abrasive.  Singer/talker Joe Casey doesn’t seem as strangely out of place on these latter songs–a deep-voiced, spoken word seems quite apt for these jazzy melodies.

So I really had no interest in seeing this show.  Although I am curious if they have the same fan base as they did in 2018 when the mosh pit was ceaseless and I had to move away from the front to stop getting elbowed.  Songs like “Make Way” just don’t lend themselves to slam dancing.

The first night sold out crazily fast and they added a second night with Philly band Golden Apples opening.

Golden Apples are another gentle pop band with feelings of jangle pop, grunge, and dream pop.  I listened to one of their songs “Under the Sun” and it sounded instantly familiar, but I had never heard them before.

Maybe these mellow opening acts signal their intention to move away from their more slam-dancing sound.

The song “High School” is a bit dirtier sounding and comes from the first album when Golden Apples are a full band.  I enjoyed it just as much if not more.

I’m immediately hooked and will definitely be listening to them more.

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Protomartyr / Ian Sweet (Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia, PA, June 17, 2023) [DID NOT ATTEND]

Posted in Ian Sweet, Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA, Protomartyr on June 17, 2023| Leave a Comment »

[DID NOT ATTEND: June 17, 2023] Protomartyr / Ian Sweet

I saw Protomartyr back in 2018.  I loved their album Under Color of Official Right but I haven’t enjoyed their other albums nearly as much.  I’m not sure what it is, but the newer records don’t do the same for me.

In particular, the music has gotten softer and smoother, whereas on Right it was more abrasive.  Singer/talker Joe Casey doesn’t seem as strangely out of place on these latter songs–a deep-voiced, spoken word seems quite apt for these jazzy melodies.

So I really had no interest in seeing this show.  Although I am curious if they have the same fan base as they did in 2018 when the mosh pit was ceaseless and I had to move away from the front to stop getting elbowed.  Songs like “Make Way” just don’t lend themselves to slam dancing.

But whoever their fanbase is, they are legion because this show sold out immediately and they had to add another show the next night.

Ian Sweet is the band/stage name of Jilian Medford from Los Angeles.

I can’t quite imagine a band that is further away from Protomartyr’s sound than Ian Sweet.  The music is predominantly synth and dancey–bright and shiny (words that have never been used to describe Protomartyr).  Some of the songs do get loud, but in a very synth way.

Given that when I saw Protomartyr, the fans couldn’t wait for a mosh pit to break out, this seems like an odd choice of opening band.  And yet, I think it makes a really nice counterpoint.

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Wednesday / All Dogs / Tenci (Union Transfer, Philadelphia, PA, June 17, 2023) [DID NOT ATTEND]

Posted in Philadelphia, PA, Union Transfer, Wednesday on June 17, 2023| Leave a Comment »

[DID NOT ATTEND: June 17, 2023] Wednesday / All Dogs / Tenci

Wednesday were supposed to open for Beach Bunny at The Fillmore last year.  They bailed on the show and I was a little bummed because I had heard good things about them.  When they announced this headlining tour (at Union Transfer?  They’re big enough for there already?) I was intrigued.  I’d heard a song or two that I liked, but there was something that held me back.

I really like the fuzzy guitars and largely grunge sound, but there’s a kind of alt-country vibe that underpins their sound that I just can’t get past.  They have a lap steel guitar (which I either love or hate depending on how it’s used) and are often described as merging shoegaze and country.  So I didn’t feel compelled to go to this show after all.  And it was nice to have a Saturday night at home.

All Dogs is kind of a mini supergroup with Maryn Jones, from Saintseneca, drummer Jesse Wither, from the punk band Delay,bassist Amanda Bartley  from Swearin’, and guitarist Nick Harris, from Slaughter Beach, Dog.  That may explain why their first EP had som many reviews.  With details like

“pierced with a strong sense of yearning” [Pitchfork] “containing more perfect anxiousness and earnestness than some bands can get out in a whole album” [Stereogum] and it’s “awfully charming for something that’s eating itself alive from the inside.”[Consequence of Sound].

I listened to a couple of songs and rather liked them.  They had a good indie rock sound with fuzzy guitars and a pop bedrock.  Although they haven’t released any new music since 2015.

Tenci features Jess Shoman on vocals and guitar and are a indie folk band.  They have a bedroom quality and I don’t quite like their sound. They are a little too slow and yodelly for me.

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Pixies (The Met Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, June 9, 2023)

Posted in Bully, Franz Ferdinand, Philadelphia, PA, Pixies, The Met Philadelphia on June 13, 2023| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: June 9, 2023] Pixies

I saw Pixies in 1989 and assumed I’d never see them again.  Then they reunited and started making new music.  So I saw them in 2017 and they were great.  Then I saw them the following year when they opened for Weezer (!).

That second show was shorter but they played a couple of songs that I hadn’t heard them play before and that was awesome.  I assumed I’d never need to see them again.

And now, five years later (holy cow), they were doing a headlining tour for a new album that I hadn’t listened to.  I wasn’t going to go until I saw that the two opening acts were bands I really wanted to see.

Bully is a great young band with a massive 90’s alt rock sound and Franz Ferdinand are a great 2000’s band who has been touring a lot lately but whom I missed when they were in town last time.  So I mean, Pixies are great and that’s cool, but that’s not who I was actually there to see.

In the six years since I last saw them headline, not a lot has changed.  They play a ton of songs, they don’t talk between songs and they sound fantastic.  The one difference was that they really seemed to be having fun up there.  Not that they didn’t before, but they had a few moments of levity on stage this time. Like when they messed up a song and were all smiles about it. (more…)

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