The Roots may be the greatest band to every come out of Philadelphia. Despite much of their output being classified as hip hop, this is a group whose reach spans much wider. They’re true musicians, record-collecting nerds who devour any and all music no matter the genre – the tunes just have to be compelling.
Meeting somewhere between the organized chaos of Arcade Fire and the psych-leanings of Nuetral Milk Hotel are Philadelphia’s An American Chinese. While their live shows are tough to fit on a small stage – they are seven members strong – each player his or her own very specific purpose. These guys are definitely not an epic mess. According to the band, they see their contemporaries as Of Montreal and the Fiery Furnaces, comparisons that are apparent on their new EP Panic Pilgrim.
Download: “No No Like That”
Categories: music
Tagged: An American Chinese, music
In the music world, everything’s cyclical, with trends often resurfacing decades after they were first in vogue. These days the cycles are moving much faster — look no further than the resurgence of some of the bands and sounds from the ’90s. My Bloody Valentine is touring again, the Stone Roses are the most-referenced band, and everyone wants to sound like Belly. This is by no means a bad thing.
Philadelphia-based East Hundred proudly wear their influences on their sleeves, coupling swirling guitars with striking female vocals that both know when to jump to forefront and when to stay in the background. Local media types, like the Daily News, WXPN, and Philebrity, have already sung their praises, while the band’s debut album Passenger is getting rave reviews. The band’s next performance is at Johnny Brenda’s on November 14th.
Photo by Mallary Johnson
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: East Hundred, music, Philly
