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It's no secret that Philly is a city with a celebrated cultural history, particularly in regard to music. In its heyday, the city's music scene was centered around the immense success of Gamble and Huff's powerhouse Philadelphia International label, which played a predominant role in crafting "The Sound of Philadelphia" and essentially ran the soul genre in the 70s. Hence, the naming of the arena football team "Philadelphia Soul," which luckily didn't find the same success as its inspiration. Thirty years later, with bands like Dr. Dog, Man Man, and The Roots on top of the scene, our city has decidedly adopted a new sound (ironically influenced by an old sound) exhibited in almost any genre you hear: Psychedelia. Though, with the state of music today, finding something new and fresh isn't as easy as turning on the radio and blindly following the counsel of his Holiness Casey Kasem. So, here are a few suggestions for some music to get into if you haven't yet:

The Armchairs (Punk Rock Payroll)

 

In the wake of their 2010 release, Science and Advice, The Armchairs are proving to be one of Philly's most promising and prolific acts right now. This young band takes 60s pop and modern indie rock and splatters them on a canvas like a Jackson Pollock painting. You won't be able to predict where there songs are going nor will you be used to hearing what they do at first, but their infectious vocal melodies and unique song structure prompt repeat listens. We would suggest getting into this band now since the best music they play is still in the process of being recorded, making their already off-the-wall performances even more worth the cover charge. Do yourselves a favor and see them live at Kung Fu Necktie on January 16th.

Listen to: "Little Sammy Ghetz" and "Grandpa Yells Portents at Strangers"

The Circadian Rhythms

 

The Circadian Rhythms are being chalked up as having one of the most anticipated local releases of 2011. They exhibit a variety of influences including an overall vaudeville quality, Man Man, and even a unique type of blues interwoven with their eclectic sound. Following the psych theme, the band ties in bits and pieces of the Bealtes vocally and they manage to capture a considerable amount of mileage from each of there ideas, as heard in late Beach Boys recordings. It's also refreshing to find a band that can release recorded jams that don't make you want to vomit out of pure boredom. Expect some good tunes out of these guys on their upcoming release.

Listen to: "Stealin' Honey" and "Sunday Nights"

Dangerous Ponies (Punk Rock Payroll)

 

These label mates of the Armchairs create a rich, fun and happy sound but in a way that you won't hear from every indie band nowadays. Make no mistake though, you WILL hear one of their addictive songs in some type of commercial in the future. They are catchy without being common and their sunny, pop sound and group vocals leaves you no choice but to sing along. With the apparent free spirited nature of their songs, the Ponies are like Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros done Philly style: louder, grittier, and with whiz and onions. Check them out at the Grindcore House on January 29th.

Listen to: "When You're in Town" and "Ghosts"

Sun Airway (Dead Oceans)

 

Dance/psychedelic synth pop? Count us in. On first listen, there is simply something there that you can't put your finger on that makes you keep it playing. Perhaps it's that the group includes various hooky moments in every song, as opposed to one defined hook that is repeated ad nauseum. Their lush, raucous sound mixes the likes of Phoenix, Postal Service, and Disney's electrical parade. Appearing in several lists for best local bands of 2010, you can expect more (deserved) hype to come in the future. See them at The Ox February 4th.

Listen to: "American West" and "Put the Days Away"


about the author
Mark Schaffer
Having spent his formative years immersed in the classics, Mark Schaffer is both a self-taught and degree-wielding musician. When he's not working his nine-to-five, he's busy trying to break the direct correlation between his mental stability and the success of the Phillies.
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