If you like: Blink–182 and Bloc Party Check out: Modern Baseball
Formed in 2011, Modern Baseball’s been a breakthrough act in the Philadelphia music scene. They boast the familiar honest charm that endeared us all to Blink–182 back in 1999, but they add Bloc Party’s pulsing guitar strumming. Their debut album “Sports” showcases a level of self–awareness lacking in most music these days. They never try for more than they’re capable of, but they push their talent to its limits in the most satisfying way. Standout track “Re–Do” features especially poignant lyrics like “Try to, try to forget, that your bones will dismantle / And the dreams you had, they’ll collide with time.” It’s these types of true–to–life lyrics that give Modern Baseball listeners the “scream–sing–along” urge that’s been hard to find since Blink–182’s heyday. The band is trying to be the voice of a generation, and it might just be time for everyone to let them. Next Philly Show: TBA Download: “The Weekend”
If you like: The Grateful Dead and the Strokes Check out: Blood Feathers
After being orphaned by failed ensembles in 2005, Ben Dickey and Drew Mills began performing together at open mic nights under the not–so–ingenious name Dickey Mills. With the solicitation of more Philadelphian musicians and their musically –inclined friends, Blood Feathers eventually came into creation. Certain elements of this group are ostensibly reminiscent to two legendary sets of rockers: the Grateful Dead and the Strokes. The milky voice of Blood Feathers’ lead singer, Ben Dickey, glides on top of bluegrass–evoking guitar phrases, producing sounds comparable to the Dead’s own dulcet Jerry Garcia. In some tracks, layered voices create choir–like vocals similar to Dead songs like “Truckin.” Still, other Blood Feathers songs feature a more modern rock sound, suggestive of older Strokes music. Although they have not toured for a little over a year now, let’s cross our fingers that it’s all in efforts to craft another album, allowing us to see Blood Feathers grace Philly stages once again. Next Philly Show: TBA Download: “The Same Mad Part”
If you like: the Black Keys and the Flaming Lips Check out: DRGN KING
DRGN KING is headed up by guitarist Dom Angelella and producer Ritz Reynolds, who is responsible for cuts from the likes of Mac Miller and the Roots. The four–person band describes their sound as indie pyschedelic pop and their music is reminiscent of a kickass combination between the Flaming Lips and the Black Keys. Some songs off their debut album, “Paragraph Nights,” inspire head–banging while others offer slower and more contemplative tracks. DRGN KING’s most notable quality, though, is a subtle hip–hop influence that stems from producer Ritz Reynolds’ hip–hop background. That characteristic is what drives them apart from iconic rock bands, like the Lips and the Keys, and puts them into a whole new musical category that should make Philadelphians proud to call DRGN KING their own. Next Philly Show: Friday, Oct. 25 at Ortlieb’s Lounge Download: “Holy Ghost”
If you like: Neil Young and Tom Petty Check out: Kurt Vile & The Violators
When his father handed him a banjo at the age of 14, Kurt Vile was instantly captivated by music. Attributed by many as an unwavering devotee to both the “lo–fi” and “heartland rock” movements, Vile’s smoldering voice leaves his listeners in a daze. Accompanied by short echoes, his vocals are sometimes ethereal, and his folk–like acoustic artistry evokes Neil Young's tendencies. In the same way Young’s lyrics arouse deeply personal sentiments, many of Vile’s songs are reflections of his family—to the point where many fans have labeled him the “family man.” Still, Vile’s instrumentation often transitions from his acoustics to more electric sounds; you can hear a charged guitar leading his songs in a manner akin to Tom Petty’s electric guitar riffs. Even more similar to Petty is Vile’s somewhat nasal voice, but it’s alluringly unhurried and meticulous. Indulge yourself in some Philly–bred phonetics and check out Vile’s newest album, “Wakin’ on a Pretty Daze.” Next Philly Show: Saturday, Oct. 26 at Union Transfer Download: “Wakin’ on a Pretty Day”
If you like: Third Eye Blind and Rick Springfield à la “Jessie’s Girl” Check out: Shark Tape
Indie rock band Shark Tape is everything easy and sugary about ’80s and ’90s pop. Members Stephen Lorek, Niles Weiss and Dylan Mulcahy have the vocal sound of Third Eye Blind and the musical structure of every ’80s pop song in the books, all the while adding their own contemporary spin. Shark Tape formed in March of 2012 and has since released two EPs full of breezy and playfully harmonious tunes. The Philly band’s most recent EP, “Eyes on You,” showcases its blend of classic pop while experimenting with hints of electronica. Tracks such as “Put Those Things Away” and “Eyes On You” keep listeners in the digital age while still invoking the nostalgia of tamagotchis. Next Philly Show: TBA Download: “Eyes on You”
If You like: Dr. Dog and Bruce Springsteen Check out: Toy Soldiers
With the upbeat energy of Cold War Kids and the soulful twang of Dr. Dog, Toy Soldiers meshes blues and rock in a way that’s bound to get your feet stomping. The Philly five–piece band released their second full–length album, “The Maybe Boys,” earlier this month. Described by lead singer Ron Gallo as a meeting of “five blood brothers reunited for our third time at Mardi Gras in New Orleans,” the album has a folksy, feel–good vibe that inspires a desire for the Americana and blue jeans found at a Springsteen concert. Tracks like “Tell the Teller” and “Been Here All My Days” prove that Toy Soldiers loves nothing more than a good song and dance, and isn’t that what everyone’s looking for at the end of a long, hard day working for the American dream? Next Philly Show: TBA Download: “Tell the Teller”
