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Archive for the ‘Golden Apples’ Category

Ratboys / Golden Apples (White Eagle Hall, Jersey City, NJ, July 10, 2026) [DID NOT ATTEND]

Posted in Golden Apples, Jersey City, NJ, Ratboys, White Eagle Hall on July 10, 2026| Leave a Comment »

[DID NOT ATTEND: July 10, 2026] Ratboys / Golden Apples

I’ve seen Ratboys three times and have really enjoyed all of their live shows.  I didn’t love this new album as much–it goes too deep into the country angle.  And yet, I know that their live show is great.  But I couldn’t make this show as I had a show the night before and I’ve been down on White Eagle Hall lately. The venue is great but the parking is just insurmountable.  I’d have to really like someone to head back there again.

So this was my second time NOT seeing Ratboys within a few months.

Back in 2023, I first heard of Golden Apples.  I noted that they are a 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.  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.

I didn’t listen to more of them because when I finally saw them live last month, I didn’t realize I had checked them out before, because I wrote

I enjoyed the simple but catchy guitar riff of followed by the totally rocking High School. During this song, Russell stepped off the stage (it’s about 6 inches high) and played his solo among the crowd (which was empty up front).  The set was about 30 minutes and I really enjoyed it  The songs were catchy with some slightly off kilter vibes.

This would have definitely been a good show if WEH was easier to get to.

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Weird Nightmare (Ortlieb’s, Philadelphia, PA, June 26, 2026) [WEIRD NIGHTMARE]

Posted in Golden Apples, Metz, Ortlieb's, Philadelphia, PA, Weird Nightmare on June 27, 2026| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: June 26, 2026] Weird Nightmare

I first heard about Weird Nightmare on the radio.  WXPN played one of their songs, saying the guy behind the band, Alex Edkins, was the former lead singer in Metz. I really enjoyed Metz and was bummed that I only had one chance to see them before they went on hiatus.  Metz is super noisy, so I was really curious what this new “radio friendly” song would sound like.  And it was great–super catchy with a cool fuzzy guitar solo and a Dinosaur Jr sound.

It became one of my favorite songs of the year so far.  And when this show was announced I grabbed a ticket immediately.  Later on, I had the choice between this show and The Breeders (who I loved in the 90s) and I chose  this one.  I don’t know how the Breedersd were (probably pretty good), but I really loved being in this small venue right up against the stage.

I assumed that Weird Nightmare had one album out and they would play the whole album.  Turns out this is their second album and they played songs from both releases.

They opened with Headful of Rain a bouncy, catchy song that totally belied the background of Metz!  I’m not sure who the live band was, although on record Loel Campbell is on drums and Roddy Kuester is on bass.  I have no reason to think anyone else is playing with him.  Campbell sang great backing vocals on the first song and then his unnamed rhythm guitarist sang fantastic harmonies with Campbell on most of the rest of the set. (more…)

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Golden Apples (Ortlieb’s, Philadelphia, PA, June 26, 2026) [WEIRD NIGHTMARE]

Posted in Golden Apples, Metz, Ortlieb's, Philadelphia, PA, Weird Nightmare on June 26, 2026| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: June 26, 2026] Golden Apples

I had not heard of Golden Apples before this show and yet I recognized one of the songs on new the album when I listened to it.

Golden Apples is the output of Russell Edling.  The blurb on bandcamp says his partner Mimi Gallagher is a bandmate (I’m amusing she played guitar and sang as well).  There was also a bassist, keyboardist and a drummer who I know I’ve seen with another band, but I never got her name.

I got to Northern Liberties 30 minutes early but didn’t find parking until 5 of.  I speed walked to the venue and walked in just as the band hit their first note.  Ortlieb’s can hold about 75 people, and it wasn’t crowded when I first walked in, so I had a great view of the band.

The songs were simple and catchy with the two guitars playing off of each other.  The bass sounded great in the room, by the way.

I enjoyed the simple but catchy guitar riff of followed by the totally rocking High School. During this song, Russell stepped off the stage (it’s about 6 inches high) and played his solo among the crowd (which was empty up front). (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 / Golden Apples

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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