RIVERBY- "The Truth"

Break ups.  We can all relate to this subject on some level.  It is a topic that permeates music, movies, books and Tumblr feeds across the world.  But most of the time, the perspective is coming from the heartbroken party, and these albums can be incredibly cathartic and healing for anyone currently in the depths of a recent break up.  I know that during my last break up, Angel Olsen’s Burn Your Fire for No Witness was my ANTHEM.   But what about when you’re on the other side of it?  Where is the anthem for love that just faded? Where is the support for the people doing the breaking up?  

Tubey Frank - "My, My Mind"

Tubey Frank released the music video for their song, "My, My Mind" a couple weeks ago and we want to talk about it. DISCLAIMER: This is fully my interpretation of the lyrics and video, so I could be way off base, but I'm excited to tell y'all my thoughts. First off, the video is directed by film and photography god, Bob Sweeney, so we're already sold. Sweeney has a signature style that we can't get enough of; muted tones, focused filming that seems to capture moments in slow motion while the world moves around the focal point of the video. I love this style, because it feels true. It feels like an authentic experience, a clear memory. Second, this song is beautiful. Off the upcoming EP, Euphoraphobia, "My, My Mind" perfectly illustrates how my anxious mind works at parties and in social situations. Every thought that I have could snowball into a mountain at any moment. Joshua Kirwin, frontman of Tubey Frank, validated my interpretation of the video and song, but went a little bit deeper with it, " I really had a hard time adjusting to the communication climate of Philly when I moved here, and also had a lot of self work to do...this whole EP is about my little bout with agoraphobia I had here. And then, when I worked out of it, I was so happy to find so many beautiful people here, and so much good that is here." This song is like a whirlwind, and it's interesting. It holds my attention and I want to follow it through, all the way to the end.

In fact, the entire EP is just as intriguing. Feeling like Blur meets the Beatles but with his own Joshua Kirwin style, each song is a totally unique experience but blends perfectly into one long story. We can't wait for you to hear it!!

Check Tubey Frank out next week (8/21) at our Ortlieb's residency with Matt Kelly and Matt DeCaro!

Party Muscles - Does it Even Matter

Colin and Tyler of Party Muscles met working at Creep Records on 2nd St. After discovering their shared music taste, they quickly developed a friendship. Picture Empire Records, just a couple decades later. Outside of work, the two formed a band influenced by their power pop heroes: The Strokes and Parquet Courts. The resulting sound is comparably catchy, dancy, and just plain fun. There’s a distinctly Philly edge to it, however. Their debut LP, Does It Even Matter, (click here to listen!) elicits the feeling of long summer nights spent drinking beer in lawn chairs, taking a smoke break with friends between sets, and not caring about sweating through your black skinny jeans in the August heat.

The opening track, She Goes to Juilliard, sets the mood of the record. It’s the tale of unrequited love, or rather, a one-sided fling, complete with a catchy chorus and anthem-worthy lyrics. “I don’t wanna be your secret / but you don’t wanna be anything more than that.” The heavier subject matter on the record, such as heartache and growing pains, is shrugged off with powerful guitar riffs and danceable melodies in light-hearted garage rock style. Peruvian Sunshine is another example. “This heart bleeding no emotion” sung deadpan over one of the record’s trickiest guitar lines showcases the band’s technical ability and tells a story we all can relate to.

The whole record, comprised of 3 minute digestible pop-rock jaunts, is an easy listen that’s sure to stick with you long after the first listen. You can listen to Party Muscles now on Spotify or Bandcamp. Better yet, come out to one of the band’s Ortlieb’s residency dates on Thursday nights starting 8/15. Stay for a drink with the band and enjoy a chat with some of Philly’s nicest guys. We’ll see you there!