Looking for a last–minute Valentine’s Day date for you and your music–loving significant other? Well lucky for you, Philly is chock full of great concerts from Feb. 14th–15th, whether you and your sweetheart want to get lost in the mosh pit together or just sway to some sweet tunes. Or maybe you’re just looking for some way to pass the time by yourself while everyone else is out on dates. Either way.
February 14th
Cherry Glazerr – First Unitarian Church
On Cherry Glazerr’s song, “Daddi,” frontwoman Clementine Creevy sings, “Don’t hold my hand, Don’t be my man,” in protest of the restrictions of conventional relationships. Okay, so maybe that’s not exactly what you’re looking for in a Valentine’s Day date (or maybe it is?), but regardless, Cherry Glazerr’s new album Stuffed & Ready is sure to impress you in concert. The three–piece have an expansive sound hard to find anywhere else in rock, with gleaming guitar effects, sharp and cutting lyrics, and a glittery–goth public image. Their show at the First Unitarian Church basement should only serve to amplify this idea—you won't want to miss this Valentine’s Day concert.
Metric – The Fillmore
These Toronto rockers have big sound, with Emily Haines leading the band of maxed–out guitars, driving drums, and Haines’ confrontational vocals. Their sound harkens back to a time where the right guitar could get the crowd moving and when there was no tempo like up–tempo. With their 2018 album, Art of Doubt, they bring a more electronic sensibility to their work, which will surely only make the concert experience even more suitable for working up a sweat with your partner. Zoé and July Talk open.
Del Water Gap – Boot & Saddle
Del Water gap is the pseudonym of S. Holden Jaffe, who writes songs that you can imagine at the end of a sappy movie while you, the protagonist, run to your romantic interest (who is either boarding a plane or marrying some random asshole). Or maybe it’s only the second act, and you’re wallowing in your recent breakup before you make some huge romantic gesture and win them back. Either way, Jaffe’s got you covered. With elements of folk and blues, and that perfect mid–2000s sound that you hate to admit you love, Del Water Gap will surely make you and your significant other feel all gooey inside. Shannen Moser opens.
February 15th
Adrianne Lenker – First Unitarian Church
Most know Adrianne Lenker from her band Big Thief, which has released two stellar albums in the span of two years: 2016’s Masterpiece and 2017’s Capacity. In 2018, however, Adrianne returned to her solo work and released abysskiss, which explores the folksier side of Big Thief, grounded mainly in Lenker’s guitar and voice. With subtle keyboard and piano, the whole album is delicate and entirely unique. Perfect for you and your significant other to sway gently to the beat. Luke Temple opens.
Oso Oso – Everybody Hits
The Long Beach power punk band Oso Oso released the yunahon mixtape in 2018, filled to the brim with timeless songs that bring out your inner teen no matter your age. They combine the best parts of emo, indie, and punk with lyrics that will touch you at your very core. Their style may be lo–fi, but they boast big sound and are instant hitmakers, with songs like, “the cool,” “reindeer games,” and “the walk” making you feel like you haven't truly lived before you heard them. Combine that with the active batting cage venue of Everybody Hits, and the whole affair is sure to have you feeling nostalgic. Diva Sweetly opens.
