“With the traditional music industry in a state of what could safely be called disarray, there isn’t a ready-made recipe for sustainable careers. The good news is that people still put their hearts and souls into making music, and there are still plenty of fans out there that want to support creators.”
Seeing bands live is usually my first suggestion – It pays in both money and spirit – but McTear goes above and beyond with detailed list of ways you can contribute. Please take a moment to read the article and if you have a little bit of extra money I can’t imagine a better investment than to donate to Weather Vane’s kickstart campaign.
On a similar note, I discovered this really interesting site called Better Than The Van
TWIAPC: I wasn’t surprised to read that your work is influenced by classic ska bands like The Specials, there is strong evidence on that in your sound (in particular in your syncopation). Where else do you draw your inspiration from?
CMJ was last week and since I was up in New York anyway I took in a little of what the famously chaotic week had to offer. There were so many incredible showcases it was difficult to choose and despite my best intentions there was no way I could catch everything on my list. I did get to hear a lot of fantastic music though and I’m excited to see these bands bring their show through Philly so I can give them due props.
I’m taking the visual approach to this review so enjoy the scroll…
So Many Dynamos
This Missouri foursome is addictive. Their music goes deep; catchy at first listen, witty and alluring on the second go ’round and finally, as you listen to it even a little more closely you note the complex proficiency. Its is a pop-punk influenced by the mechanized beat of video game soundtracks. Their bio aptly calls them spaztic but with the amount of attention they give to creating chord changes that catch you off guard and phrasing that separates them chaos to what I would call intentional spaziness. Give them a listen. I’m sure you’ll find something that will hook ya. They are also on the road (mostly east- including a CMJ stop on the 22nd) and you know you wanna see this live.
New Bones 
Backwords
The best way I can describe Backwords music is to say they mosey. They mosey through western, lo-fi, folk, pop sound to create a easy on the ears & light on the soul. They skitter on the edge of any single definition while avoiding getting too caught up in the traditions of any one genre. For many groups this would mean a jumble of musical ideas landing all of the place. Backwords, however, manage to pull in these assorted inspirations to create a consistent sound fancied up with truly enjoyable lyrics worked in there. Now that this Philly/Brooklyn based group has a firm grip on their sound I look forward to seeing how/if they push it in new directions.
The Beggars And The Bread 
Sunny Day In Glasgow
This Philly band’s shoegaze music washes over, under and around you. Ethereal and sweet they evade any abrupt or disjointed musical transitions. Instead layering airy loose guitars & synths with fantastic dreamy lyrics. SDIG makes the kind of tunes I’d listen to while studying, were I still in school. Alas I am not in school but still really love these guys. They have a rotating list of band members some appearing on both record and live while others simply show when they can. Still, they manage to convey their intricate arrangements whether there are 4 or 8 people involved. I consider them a stellar example of the variety of incredible music coming out of Philly these days. They are about to adventure around the East and midwest ending up home at Johnny Brenda’s on December 15th.
Ashes Grammer/Ashes Math
Its been a productive, albeit ADD, day for me today. In all the hubub a few notions, news bits & links have risen to the top of my consciousness and I wanted to share’em with you.
Summer got a little bow of the head earlier this week with less than October temps in the 70s. It coincided with the delivery of this full on party mix provided by the boys of Pretty Girls & Lasers.
Next up…
This one is definitely thinking mans electro. Mixed by Darklord and produced by Shawn Ryan its the kind of jam I’d use if I were doing a haunted house. Perfect for a mellow, and a little spooky, fall night.
Finally, to keep you moving (ie warm) for the first few really chilly fall days I give you two by NY’s DJ Chachi. Whether you need some jams while you prep for a night out or you’re hosting the party at your place drop these in the mix and enjoy! If you’re really feeling ambitious take a gander at his schedule and get the mix live.
The Ruby Suns and The Dodos brought a refreshing dose of intelligent indie pop to The Church this week. I have been a fan of New Zealand’s Ruby Suns for a while but hadn’t had the chance to see them live until now. They have a really unique sound; piecing together sonic collages taken from numerous and varied sources. Recorded it translates beautifully. Live, however, it took a few songs for the group to really hit their stride. I’d like to think the slow to build set was due in part to two large factors: the sound system at The Church isn’t super fantastic and they played mostly new material, which means the experimental trio could still be working out the kinks. At the outset the loops and warbles of their drum machine stood out in front of the live instrumentation which threw off the balance of their overall sound. In addition, it seemed at time as though the prerecorded elements were so automated it was rushing them through their setlist.
After a few song though the incredible talent of Ryan McPhun, Amy Robinson and Bevan Smith began to overwhelm the presence of the drum machine and balance was not only achieved it was mastered. Fully embracing the African influence present on their album Sea Lion, as well as, the more tribal vibe of the newer material the live drumming pushed beats into the air you couldn’t help but rock out to. They mentioned they drew a lot from the native culture to create their new stuff and once in full jam mode it got rather bombastic. By the end of their 45 minute roll I was more than excited to see where The Dodos would pick things up. I look forward to seeing Ruby Suns again, perhaps when they’ve had a chance to really refine the new work.
What the Dodos followed up with was nothing short of astounding. I had caught the beginning of their set at Northside this summer, where I got my first taste of the Time To Die tracks and after listening to, and fully enjoying, the full album I was anticipating a typical indie pop show. They started with Time To Die and immediately I knew they had something wholly more intense in store. Everything was pushed a little further, a little louder.
When the moment relied more on the vocals lead Meric delivered on pitch musical flow, and when joined by the others the harmonies were completely delicious.
On the many occasions when guitars and percussion got complex the group blew me away with their intensity. There is really no other way to say it than, THEY ROCKED OUT. The addition of the third member really filled out their sound. Even when they played tracks from Visiter it was much more lush. They also seem to have perfected their stage presence during their extensive touring. They impressed with the nonstop run though songs almost up until the end. The high energy set was thoroughly impressive and really sealed the deal as far as drawing the whole audience into the moment. The Dodo’s have really grown into a band that I can now say securely has the potential to achieve greatness.
For the second installment of Music Makers Thread I asked the Dodos which lesser known groups they have been digging on lately. In return they gave me a lengthy list of bands to check out which led me on a fantastic musical scavenger hunt. So many, in fact, that I couldn’t pick just one…
Withered Hand immediately hooked my favor. Hailing from Scotland (yeah yeah I know another Scot) Withered Hand is the name Dan Willson tosses on the assorted and ever changing gang of musicians who join him on stage. His lyrical ability falls in that delicious intersection of witty turn of phrase & incredibly relate-able. Give any track on his debut album Good News (which you should buy immediately) a spin and I think you’ll fully agree. And as fate would have it Dan was able to point me towards Charles Latham, a Philly singer who I will definitely be returning to in a future post.
No Cigarettes 
Thee Oh Sees were another act on The Dodo’s list. This psych pop groups possesses a crisply hollow sound that, when paired with the a hint of southern twang on songs like I Was Denied show the potential for slightly modified rockabilly to find its place amongst current indie rock. They are on the road now so check out their tour stops and try to partake upon their live show.
Meat Step Lively
Next up on the Dodo’s suggestion thread is Night Control. Self described as “serene noise pop” I’d say Christopher Curtis Smith’s music is a hai more intentional than that implies. It is carefully crafted ambient electro music that hasn’t abandoned the romance of a classic pop tune. Another fine find courtesy of The Dodos who, I must remind you are playing tomorrow Monday the 12th at First Unitarian Church.
Philly fav Flufftronix dropped this nibblet last week. Its a trippy fuzzed out take on Major Lazer’s Pon De Floor. Do yourself a favor and listen to this on a proper system so you can enjoy all it has to offer.
Pon De Floor (Major Lazer) – Flufftronix Remix
Sheenabeaston 
shared this mash up featuring the seminal musical track Video Killed The Radio Star. Only, given 4Watt‘s treatment, its a lot less sweet and much much grittier. The sticky hook is still there and but with an added smacking bass line to make it even more addictive.
Video Killed The Radio Star (The Buggles vs Yeah Yeah Yeah) – 4Watts Head Will Roll Baby Remix
Every once in a while I will receive a witty, well witten, quirky, intriguing piece of PR. Most of the time though, once I listen to the music I realize the writing is compensating for the atrociousness of the music. This kid Boonie though scored a one-two punch. Claiming an affinity for funk and keeping an insatiable audience moving it he has created a track with a funky bass touch that proved excellent for getting me in a dancing mood. Considering this Aussie is still very young I’m sure he will only get better.