A perfect Philly summer evening, and yet with hardly an audience at The
Fire. What gives? Is everyone away? It seemed so, as only a handful of folks
showed up for 2 acts.
Early on I wasn’t sure I’d be on time, myself. I had trouble locating my
camera battery, and opted to make a last-ditch run to the local Staples
(near the local Acme, which every pronounces “Ac-a-me.” Never understood that).
Receiving the usual above-board customer service, I found just the battery I needed, did a quick costume change after a mile walk, and was off for Fishtown.
One of the announced bands, The Left Lingo, was not on the roster tonight.
Instead, there was a solo act, guitarist-songwriter Anjuli Josephine.
Anjuli is a local songwriter, armed with a Rickenbacker (I think; it’s branded “Supro”) who was playing her 4th-ever show. Her six-string has a finely-crafted low sound, yet strong, a perfect complement to Anjuli’s middle-high range of vocals. This contrast in sound is what makes her unique. Her songs seem to be based around relationships and her life experience. I’m curious to hear these songs with a full band, which she has had for all prior gigs.
Fire. What gives? Is everyone away? It seemed so, as only a handful of folks
showed up for 2 acts.
Early on I wasn’t sure I’d be on time, myself. I had trouble locating my
camera battery, and opted to make a last-ditch run to the local Staples
(near the local Acme, which every pronounces “Ac-a-me.” Never understood that).
Receiving the usual above-board customer service, I found just the battery I needed, did a quick costume change after a mile walk, and was off for Fishtown.
One of the announced bands, The Left Lingo, was not on the roster tonight.
Instead, there was a solo act, guitarist-songwriter Anjuli Josephine.
Anjuli is a local songwriter, armed with a Rickenbacker (I think; it’s branded “Supro”) who was playing her 4th-ever show. Her six-string has a finely-crafted low sound, yet strong, a perfect complement to Anjuli’s middle-high range of vocals. This contrast in sound is what makes her unique. Her songs seem to be based around relationships and her life experience. I’m curious to hear these songs with a full band, which she has had for all prior gigs.
La Resistance traveled from their home of Birmingham, Alabama to tour the
East Coast, with this show only recently announced before performing in
NYC’s Spike Hill on Thursday. The band is a classic 4-piece of drums, bass,
keys and rhythm guitar. Their keyboardist was filling in for regular member
Erin Tumlin, who is with child. The band’s sound is fairly original, with
an album produced by lead vox/guitarist Greg Summerlin. Tho this band is
from the Deep South, they stand apart from the country and Americana band
are that are prevalent there. I say it’s more like engaging space rock.
There are elements of early New Wave (Joy Division is an oft-compared
example) and some danceable rock that was popular circa 1990 (Jesus Jones,
for one). Much of the music is anchored in Randall’s bass, with lots of
distorted guitar by Greg, and piercing synth from the aforementioned
keyboardist (whose name I didn’t recall). Greg playfully mused on drafting
a fantasy football team with or without Michael Vick. There were some brief technical issues with amps but otherwise they plowed through song after song, showing an experienced confidence on stage.
East Coast, with this show only recently announced before performing in
NYC’s Spike Hill on Thursday. The band is a classic 4-piece of drums, bass,
keys and rhythm guitar. Their keyboardist was filling in for regular member
Erin Tumlin, who is with child. The band’s sound is fairly original, with
an album produced by lead vox/guitarist Greg Summerlin. Tho this band is
from the Deep South, they stand apart from the country and Americana band
are that are prevalent there. I say it’s more like engaging space rock.
There are elements of early New Wave (Joy Division is an oft-compared
example) and some danceable rock that was popular circa 1990 (Jesus Jones,
for one). Much of the music is anchored in Randall’s bass, with lots of
distorted guitar by Greg, and piercing synth from the aforementioned
keyboardist (whose name I didn’t recall). Greg playfully mused on drafting
a fantasy football team with or without Michael Vick. There were some brief technical issues with amps but otherwise they plowed through song after song, showing an experienced confidence on stage.
In the audience was Alex Yaker, who is in several Philly bands, and goes back with Greg a number of years. Alex fronts a lounge-type band called Roomtone; they have just completed their debut album. Greg was fond of citing Bottletree, a favorite venue in Birmingham. Greg & Max after the show had mentioned working with John Strohm (Blake Babies, Lemonheads) . La Resistance will return to NYC in October for the CMJ Music Marathon, and will likely swing through Philly. There are plans to record some songs for an EP later in 2012 as well.
More photos at the latest Facebook gallery.
I do have video of La Resistance which is awaiting approval by the band. If it’s permitted for viewing, it will be linked here and also appear on my YouTube channel.
