Archives: October 2018
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- Meat Wave
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- Meat Wave
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- The Brokedowns
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- Drilling for Blasting
Smoking Popes
Below photos by Katie Hovland
Earlier this month, Smoking Popes released their latest full-length, called Into the Agony. We recently met up with lead guitarist Eli Caterer and discussed the new album at length. We spoke about the return of original drummer Mike Felumlee and how his involvement in many ways sparked the band to write new material. We also talked about the manner in which the album was recorded and their desire to capture more of a live feel. In doing so, there are moments on Into the Agony that are suggestive of the Popes’ first two LPs, but at the same time there’s a host of new influences present, including several political songs. Additionally, we addressed their upcoming show with Jawbreaker and Naked Raygun, their November tour dates and more. Continue Reading…
The Arrivals to play Ian’s Party 2019
All photos by Katie Hovland
On Friday, January 4th – Sunday, January 6th, the 12th annual Ian’s Party will take place at Chop Shop and Subterranean. Nearly 40 bands have been confirmed for the event so far, including The Brokedowns, Canadian Rifle, Drilling For Blasting, Elephant Gun, The House That Gloria Vanderbilt, Meat Wave, Sincere Engineer, Toys That Kill and many others. Also, we’re proud to announce that The Arrivals will be playing Ian’s Party 2019, marking their first hometown show in over five years. Beginning today, weekend passes are available at the presale price of $40 and can be purchased here. As of November 1st, weekend passes will be $60. Check back for further details as more announcements will be made soon.
Restorations – LP5000
Tiny Engines – Release Date: 9/28/18
Within seconds of listening to the opening track on LP5000, it’s plainly evident that Restorations have found a new sense of focus and made significant strides since their last full-length. And that’s not to say anything derogatory about their previous work. Rather, this album is simply confirmation of a really good band turning the corner and becoming great. The first song, “St.,” establishes a mood of disillusion and disconnect that’s present throughout, yet there’s also a sense of resistance that’s never too far out of reach. Singer/guitarist Jon Loudon’s vocals are nothing short of commanding, leading the charge of an empathetic chorus, “I’ll tell you what you already know / Can’t do this all on your own.” “Nonbeliever” deals with the inevitable ways in which relationships change over time, as well as societal changes that are perhaps unavoidable too. It features interwoven guitar leads and inventive rhythms, both of which collaborate to make for one of the record’s most memorable tracks. “The Red Door” is an indie rock-leaning entry that’s exceedingly catchy, but in a manner that’s unique and unpredictable. It addresses the ongoing gentrification in the band’s hometown of Philadelphia, a theme that surfaces multiple times on the record.
The production, courtesy of Jon Low, (The National, Frightened Rabbit) draws attention to the subtleties of the songwriting, while simultaneously making complex arrangements sound effortless. And as much as LP5000 is about Restorations reaching their apex, it’s also centered on observations, both in terms personal connections and what it’s like to be living in today’s America. In that sense it’s very much rooted in the present, yet this record is also somewhat timeless as it’s one of the best examples of anthemic rock ‘n’ roll to come along in years.
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