LOCAL NIGHT WIZARD

They have been playing in wrestling rings, record stores, and all different types of locations throughout the US and in Philly, played a batting cage by the name of Everybody Hits. With most of the cages taking up the space inside, a corner of the venue was used as the “stage.” The lights from the cages and Christmas lights were what lit up their set for the night.

Pop punk shows are always filled with the most passionate people in their crowds, yelling every lyric as hard and as loud as they can back at the band, and this was no different. Their stage was just outlined by where their instruments were located but they were on the same floor as their fans making this show that much more memorable.

The show lasted for 18 songs and every one led into the fans yelling harder as the songs went by and getting closer to the drum set each time. Their set list consisted of the typical favorites of I Don’t Love You Anymore and Summer but also playing songs like Monday and even playing a new song, Colder Quicker.

Cards were handed to everyone walking in for the show, in which lead vocalist, Dan Lampton, later explained that it gives us access to download their new album when it’s released. On March 31st, Real Friends made the official release of Colder Quicker and their new album ‘The Home Inside My Head’ that will come out May 27th. 

Everything about the show was beyond more than what was paid for. This band is one that should be on everyone’s radars, if they aren’t already. Real Friends will be heading out on the Vans Warped Tour this summer. All dates can be found over at http://realfriendsband.com

Words and photos by Darleny Caba

Having been to my fair share of Kitten shows before, it doesn’t surprise me that the Greeting Committee is on the bill. Front woman Addie Sartino brings the kind of energy needed to draw a crowd in. It’s that powerful, raw energy that speaks volumes about not only the music written, but the performer herself. At one point, Sartino runs into the crowd and falls to the ground, pounding on the floor with an open fist to the beat of the drum, the crowd standing around mesmerized. At another, she sits down on the edge of the stage, singing accompanied by the quite thrum of guitar in the background. The emotion is palpable. All in all, this is a band I would love to see again. Keeps is a band that hails from Nashville, Tennessee and they put on quite the show. I always love to see a band that plays their instruments with reckless abandon. Guitarist Robbie Jackson throws himself into each verse, hat flying off as he plays. This was a fun act to watch. Dream pop is a very specific and odd genre, but I find myself really enjoying it. Front woman Chloe Chaidez, known by her alter ego ‘Kitten’, takes the stage to bated breath. It’s been over a year since the last time she played in Philadelphia and the energy of the room reads excitement and anticipation. Not only has she returned to Philadelphia, but she has released a new EP, Heaven or Somewhere in Between. It is a daring, ethereal album that seems toned down compared to previous releases, but speaks just as much to her character as a writer. This isn’t the first time I have seen her perform live, so I have an idea of what to expect: Killer vocals and kinetic dance moves. Each song performed is a new barrage of stimuli to the senses. When she performs Kill the Light, a single released off of her 2010 EP Sunday School, the rest of the band steps off stage apart from her keyboardist, who plays quiet chords to accompany a hauntingly devastated rendition of the song. Stripped down to it’s key components, the audience is able to the see the song for what it is. An experience. This particular point in the set is what I love most about Chloe Chaidez. She has the ability to bring you and herself to tears during this song and then jump right back into the intense, high energy performance that is the rest of her set just as quickly. But for just a few minutes you get to see what music is really about to her. It is raw, true, and powerful. With the release of her new EP, I hope to get to see her again very soon.

Photos and words by Lauren Schorr

Over the past couple of months, the name Foxing has been floating around constantly through my Twitter timeline and it wasn’t until the Fall of last year that I decided to give them a listen. Instantly, I started loving the way their music was delivered.

Their set was accompanied by mini clips being projected onto their backdrop to emphasize on the vibe that they portray. Frontman, Conor Murphy, exudes all the emotion he can into every song and just as much passion shown back to him as the crowd yells every word back him. With the way they’re able to deliver the songs as emotional as theirs, I find it a surprise this band has not yet become something bigger than what they are.

The tour is still hitting the rest of the US and Europe, as well, in the upcoming weeks. You can find a full set of dates over at http://www.foxingtheband.com/ and follow the band over at https://twitter.com/foxingtheband

Photos and words by Darleny Caba

Founded in Los Angeles, Irontom is a 5 piece rock band that has been making waves in the music scene for quite some time. They are a new face to rock. Having seen these guys back in November on Awolnation’s Run Tour, I had an idea of what I was in for, but it was so much better than I could have ever hoped. This is a band you want to see, up close and personal. Despite hitting a wall of traffic in the windy, rainy weather that forced them to show up barely before doors for the show in the Philly, they still manage to play a spectacular set. Lead vocalist Harry Hayes has some of the best dance moves I’ve ever seen on a stage, and I’ve been to a lot of shows. And seen a lot of dancing. The energy is intense, brazen, palpable. I feel blessed to have been able to see them perform two nights in a row, and to have gotten the chance to meet and talk to them after the shows. Irontom has quickly become one of my favorite bands and I am excited to see what they come up with in the future.

I’ve seen these guys too many times to count and I still keep coming back for more. Since signing to Fueled By Ramen in 2014, Vinyl Theatre has managed to garner a dedicated group of fans who are willing to come out to show after show. Despite the recent loss of their bassist, Josh Pothier, who left due to health concerns, they still manage to put on a complex and intriguing show that holds your interest for the entire time. Most exciting was the prospect of their new album which they will be recording in LA after finishing the Ones to Watch tour. They played a few new songs, including My Fault, which begins a transition from their previous album’s sound. Their new songs seem to hold more substance, and it’s exciting to see how these guys have grown not only through their music, but through their performance as well. There is never a dull moment in their set. During their Philly show at the Foundry, lead singer Keegan Calmes takes a page out of Twenty One Pilots book and climbs up one of their lighting rigs to jump off. Keyboardist Chris Senner also brings his own energy to the set, jumping and dancing as he plays. He very rarely has both feet on the ground. Knowing them, it is safe to say that whatever their plans are for the new album, it will be good. Starting out in San Francisco with two self-released EP’s, this band has come quite a long way. I first saw Finish Ticket 2 years ago in Connecticut in the smallest room on the smallest stage with 50 or so other people. To look back on that show now, it is crazy to see how much they have grown. Having released their first album Tears You Apart on Elektra Records, I was excited to have them finally release new music, in the way of an EP titled When Night Becomes Day, just in time for their 2015 tour with Twenty One Pilots. The EP, as well as that tour, put them on the radar for a much larger audience. There isn’t one member who ever stands still on these stage. The vigor and excitement that they bring to their set is unmeasurable. I can’t say enough how proud I am of these guys and what they have created.

Photos and words by Lauren Schorr

Opening up the show, South Jersey band, Pine Barons, set the stage for an evening of good vibes. They’re reminiscent of old school rock and roll, reminding me of the early ‘70s. These guys have come together to make some really fantastic feel good jams. This is definitely a band that should be on your radar. Sandwiched in between two outstanding bands, Commonwealth Choir stands out. Their energy is intense and it isn’t hard to tell that these guys have a love for what they do. They haven’t had the chance to play many shows lately, due to the recording of their next album, so this one is a treat to all Philly residents invested in the local music scene. Closing out the night, The Humble comes out to applause and adoration from the longtime fans and the new. Formerly known as Mo Lowda & the Humble, Philly three piece, The Humble, is a force to be reckoned with. Though a three piece can sometimes lack key elements, the band has all the staples to a fantastic sound. Their stage presence is quite intense. With the release of their new record, Act Accordingly, they once again grab my attention with ease. This is a record I can spin all day long and they are definitely a band that I could watch perform over and over again and still not be tired of them.

Much to my surprise, I won Radio 104.5′s studio session passes to see band Never Shout Never several weeks ago. This is a band I haven't thought about since middle school 6 years ago so I thought 'why not?'. The band was running late, and after 2 hours of waiting they were finally ready. Walking into the studio session, I wasn't sure what to expect. At first glance, it's an odd sight. Singer, Christofer Drew, sits in the center wearing a harmonica/kazoo combo around his neck and Tof Hoglen, keyboardist, sits to his left holding a toy melodica. Though the group seems a strange mix, they mesh well together. I love the folky, upbeat vibe that their music brings to the table. It was something I haven't necessarily heard from many bands in the alternative scene. They play three songs, starting with Piggy Bank, and end on their newest single, Red Balloon, off of their new album Black Cat, released August 2015. Drew stated that the band is already working on new material and that they are excited for what's to come in the future. The band is currently on tour with Waterparks, Jule Vera, and Metro Station. They will play in Philadelphia tonight at the Theatre of Living Arts.

Photos and words by Lauren Schorr