Tag #Philadelphia

Get Ready To “Rave From The Grave” From ALTARBOY

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Life sucks, but ALTARBOY is enjoying the ride with their new single “Rave From The Grave,” out now via Crusty Wrapper Records.

We recently had the spook-tacular opportunity to check out the new video and single, “Rave From The Grave” from Philadelphia, punk band, ALTARBOY, via Crusty Wrapper Records. You can listen to “Rave From The Grave” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here

You can also watch the video for “Rave From The Grave” below

If you want to know why we live and breathe music…… look no further than Philadelphia based punks, ALTARBOY. They have a sound , style and vibe that could literally wake the dead . If you want more proof than check out their ghoulishly new single and video “Rave From The Grave”

Formed in 2024, ALTARBOY has already carved out a reputation for their high-energy shows, horror-inspired imagery, and campy matching uniforms. The lineup features Sean Flanagan (bass/vocals), Ben Harkins (guitar), Adam Kelly (guitar), and Nick Held (drums). Their sound blends ferocious punk urgency with undeniable hooks, making their music as addictive as it is aggressive.

“We love all of our music videos for different reasons, it’s hard to pick a favorite. But this one was by far the most fun we had shooting,” the band shares.

It’s a ‘zombie party,’ but that’s exactly what it was behind the scenes — just a party. Everyone in the video are our closest friends and we just told them to drink and dance. We hope the video is as fun to watch as it was for us to make. Our friend, Nicky Fexx, directed the whole thing and it was an absolute blast. Life sucks. The world sucks. We’re going to party anyway.”

After years of self-releasing FRND CRCL material, Zac Johnson officially launched Crusty Wrapper Records in 2025. He says ALTARBOY embodies the label’s vision of community and artist development:

“If there’s anything I believe in, it’s artist development. With FRND CRCL, we learned how to push ourselves as both a band and a business. When I first met the guys from ALTARBOY at a show in Lansdale, PA last winter, I instantly fell in love with their sound. They’ve got the music, the energy, and the look. I couldn’t be more excited to be working with them.”

So stop what you are doing and get your zombie on with “Rave From The Grave” from ALTARBOY

Gina Zo Released Beautifully Crafted New Single + Video “I Need To Cry”

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We recently had the honor and privilege to check out the new single and video for , “I Need To Cry”, from electrifying artist, Gina Zo. You can listen to “I Need To Cry” Here

You can check out the video for “I Need To Cry” below

“I Need To Cry”, from Gina Zo, is an awe inspiring , synth-soaked summer anthem about finding your people, embracing who you are, and letting the emotions flow.

Gina Zo, is an indie-pop tour de force and it is on full display on “I Need To Cry”

“I Need To Cry” was co-written with Grammy winners Tim Sonnefeld and Justin Miller

Gina Zo, a powerhouse vocalist hailing from the suburbs of Philadelphia and now making waves in LA, is not just a rock-pop singer-songwriter—she’s a beacon of authenticity and empowerment within every performance, song, and beat. With her bisexuality boldly declared in her 2023 anthem “Faking It,” Gina has transformed her personal journey into a powerful narrative for the LGBTQIA+ community, proving that true identity is a form of rebellion against conformity and that the tribe you ride with is where you truly belong.

We are absolutely all in on “I Need To Cry”, from Gina Zo and we think you will be too.

Hallelujah! Soft Skies Inc, Hit The Sweet Spot With Splendid New Single, “Sin Some / Lose Some”

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Single Artwork by Lindsay Metivier

We are absolutely thrilled beyond words, to check out the amazing new single, “Sin Some/ Lose Some”, from Philadelphia based , alternative duo, Soft Skies Inc. You can listen to “Sin Some/ Lose Some” on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here

“Sin Some / Lose Some”, from Soft Skies Inc, is absolute dream pop perfection. We are blissfully basking in the glorious and divine melodies of a song that has truly captured our music loving soul.

“Sin Some/Lose Some “, is the first dose of new music in 2025 from the duo of identical twin brothers and longtime musical confidants Ryan and Martin Rex, who resurfaced last fall with a pair of releases in the streaming “Sooner or Later” and a Sapphire Goss-directed video for “Your Small Army.” 

Photo Credit: Chris McLaughlin

“At the core, these songs explore chaos, love, darkness, beauty, and redemption,” says Ryan. “Finding meaning in the mess, and light in the shadows.”

This new single and its creative lineage traces a path around the world, taking Ryan from Massachusetts to Australia to North Carolina, all while providing a reminder to stay grounded as life’s tension and instability creep up on us in our most vulnerable moments. Like all Soft Skies Inc compositions, there’s room for the listener to take it to their own emotional shelter, but there also exists a compass for the song to take the listener somewhere, as well. 

More than anything, I want people to find their own meaning in the song,” Ryan adds. “But for me, it’s about the chaos of living a life that’s been off the rails for too long – trying to wrestle control over things that were never really in your hands to begin with. There’s a kind of madness in that. The line ‘just come down for a while’ is a plea – almost like someone shaking you awake. It’s a call to ground yourself before you burn out completely. That lyric, ‘you won’t treat those burns in a fire,’ is a warning. You can’t heal while you’re still standing in the flames. At some point, you’ve got to start doing things differently.” 

“Sin Some / Lose Some,” its title a foreboding twist on the familiar mantra about life’s ups and downs, reflecting on a “can’t win” scenario Ryan describes above, began to take shape after he relocated from Boston, where he and Martin were known for their work in ‘90s-era space rock band Lockgroove, to Sydney, exploring new surroundings and cultures while a significant distance from his best friend and family. 

Sonically and melodically, “Sin Some/Lose Some”, is Soft Skies Inc at their very best . We felt like we were on a magical musical journey and we didn’t even leave our office.

The “Sin Some / Lose Some” artwork, utilizing an up-close photograph of a weathered and weary person gazing off, the focus on the eye and what it sees, was created by Lindsay Metivier of Peel Gallery in Carrboro, North Carolina. It feels like it belongs in the record bin alongside other college rock classics, and directs the viewer into the Soft Skies Inc world. 

The otherworldly track , was produced by Ryan and Martin Rex with Chris McLaughlin at DeepSpace Studios, Brooklyn, New York . Engineered by Chris McLaughlin  and mastered by Rich Morales at Super Fine Audio, NYC

“Sin Some / Lose Some”, feels like a dream…. So please don’t wake us.

LABRADOR Release New Album “My Version Of Desire” And….. We Can’t Get Enough

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We recently had the epic opportunity to check out the new album, “My Version Of Desire” , from Philadelphia, based Maximum Alt-Country’ band Labrador. You can listen to “My Version Of Desire” on Spotify Here and Apple Music Here

Labrador, has crafted memorable and melodic gems on “My Version Of Desire” that are authentic and lasting.

As soon as we heard the opening chords on “Someday I Pay”, we were absolutely mesmerized. Labrador, has a style and sound that perfectly blends a rock / alt -country sound that is letter perfect.

Led by guitarist, singer, and songwriter Pat King, Labrador has been around for a handful of years — seen moves to a new city (Philadelphia), seen a handful of lineup changes (the band is now officially King, Will Hochgertel and Steve Kurtz), and an excellent full-length breakthrough in 2023’s Hold The Door For Strangers. As you might guess from the title, Strangers was an album about empathy, full of poignant character studies and patient witching-hour ruminations. 

“Dry June, and “A Favor To Someone”, are two solid tracks , that show off the next level musicianship of Labrador.

The title track, “My Version Of Desire “ in our opinion, is the best track on the album and is Labrador, at their absolute best.

Flawless vocals and brilliantly crafted melodies make “My Version Of Desire”, from Labrador, a must listen.

‘MY VERSION OF DESIRE’ RELEASE SHOWS

5.29 — Brooklyn, NY @ Sleepwalk NYC w/ Perennial + RADAR
5.30 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Khyber Pass Pub w/ Hurry + Lowercase Roses + Petal 
5.31 — Holyoke, MA @ Tori Town w/ Perennial + Radical Joy + Blue Penny 

We Have Hit The Punk Rock Lottery, With Five Hundred Bucks And Their Blazing New Record, “Pest Sounds “

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We recently had the extraordinary opportunity to check out the new record, “Pest Sounds“ from Philadelphia , based punks , Five Hundred Bucks , You can listen to “Pest Sounds “ Here

“Pest Sounds “, from Five Hundred Bucks, is a punk rock lovers dream. Every single song is full of punk rock goodness.

On their second full-length Pest Sounds, lead songwriter Jeff Riddle has written a set of maximalist punk rock songs that buzz like a metal detector in a crowded mine-field while never shying away from classic pop structures and affecting storytelling. This is punk-pop for the kicked-around. Sing-along songs for the rough-around-the-edges, and the sound of a new and exciting band stumbling onto their masterwork.  

Going back a few years, Riddle (formerly of The Holy Mess) hooked up with his old friend, drummer William Francis Orender (Captain, We’re Sinking), to fulfill an assignment of writing the soundtrack the hit indie horror flick Uncle Peckerhead, written and directed by Riddle’s friend and close collaborator, Matthew John Lawrence. During the dire days of the pandemic, the two got together for almost daily writing sessions. They quickly amassed a well of songs and a sound that stays true to their punk past but makes room to include their all-encompassing musical vocabularies. The band made a name for themselves on their 2022 debut $500, as well as with the success of Uncle Peckerhead, but have dug even deeper into their modus operandi of following wherever their muse leads them on this new batch of songs.  

We’re doing this for us,” says Riddle of their approach. “If people connect with it, great. But we’re not writing for anyone else.” And it’s that defiance that shapes Pest Sounds, which swings from world-dominating heartland anthems like  “Promises of Gold” to the wild, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fury of “Baker’s Lung.” to the sleazy 70’s rock strut of “The Cramp.” There’s no safe zone here—every track is an unpredictable dive into a new corner of the band’s world.        

While the album is chock full of hooks that pass by with a rabbit’s heartbeat, Riddle is opening up lyrically in a way he never has. Emotional haymakers like the stomping “Denialism” offer a sepia tone snapshot of days of yore: fleeting impressions of innocence—a stolen cigarette here, a bummed ride there—swirling in a fog of nostalgia and droning Leslie organ.

When we were younger and just discovering punk we dream of finding a band like Five Hundred Bucks, now our dreams have come true .

Every song on “Pest Sounds” , is like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. “pest Sounds”, from Five Hundred Bucks, is everything we wanted in a punk rock record and more.

Philly ‘Maximum Alt-Country’ band Labrador sign to Safe Suburban Home for new album MY VERSION OF DESIRE

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We recently learned that Philadelphia, “Maximum Alt-Country “ band , Labrador, will be releasing their new album “My Version Of Desire”

Philly ‘Maximum Alt-Country’ Band Labrador
Announce New Album ‘My Version Of Desire’ 
Share Single ‘Dry Out In June’ 

The new album arrives May 30th
via No Way Of Knowing (U.S.) & Safe Suburban Home (U.K. / E.U)

We absolutely love the sound and vibe of LABRADOR, The guitar sound is a great combination of alt country and jangle pop . The recent single, “Dry Out In June” is a sonically and melodically pleasing track that we couldn’t get enough.

You can listen to , “Dry Out In June” Here

We were especially attracted to the drum sound within , “Dry Out In June” , it really gave the track an added dimension.

Led by guitarist, singer, and songwriter Pat King, Labrador has been around for a handful of years — seen moves to a new city (Philadelphia), seen a handful of lineup changes (the band is now officially King, Will Hochgertel and Steve Kurtz), and an excellent full-length breakthrough in 2023’s Hold The Door For Strangers. As you might guess from the title, Strangers was an album about empathy, full of poignant character studies and patient witching-hour ruminations. 

We are looking forward to the release of “My Version Of Desire “ on May 30th, You can pre-order “My Version Of Desire “ Here

Five Hundred Bucks Unleashes Stellar New Single, “Promises Of Gold”

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We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single, “Promises Of Gold” , from Philly punks Five Hundred Bucks. You can listen to “Promises Of Gold”Here

We were instantly drawn to the melodic goodness of “Promises Of Gold” from Five Hundred Bucks.

“Promises Of Gold”, is a straight up anthem. The beer-in-the-air, piano-aided singalong comes off of the heels of their first single “Southern Accidents” and highlights songwriter Jeff Riddle’s penchant for writing vivid narratives over blistering punk arrangments that never shy away from classic rock grandeur. 

Great songs, have a way of finding their way in to your soul and never leaving, “Promises Of Gold”, from Five Hundred Bucks is without question one of those songs .

“Promises Of Gold” comes ahead of the bands new album, “Pest Sounds”, which will be released on April 25th via Pest Sounds/ Creep Records.

Soft Skies Inc Deliver Cinematic Magic With New Video For “Your Small Army”

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We recently had the opportunity to check out the new video for “Your Small Army” from Philadelphia dream pop and alternative duo Soft Skies Inc. you can listen to “Your Small Army“ on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here and you can watch the video below.

The Philadelphia alternative and dream-pop duo teams with English filmmaker and video artist Sapphire Goss to bring this expression fully to the screen through a kaleidoscopic and vibrant new video for “Your Small Army.”

Photo credit- sapphire Goss

Your Small Army” rekindles Soft Skies Inc’s shimmering luminosity, and plays with our notions of chromesthesia as Goss‘ visuals come to kaleidoscopic life. The video finds the Brothers Rex, known for their work in Boston’s ‘90s space rock band Lockgroove, dipping into their musical vault to develop a visual accompaniment to the lush and bittersweet track, bringing back into focus an exploration of a faded relationship and the mental gymnastics we endure to ignore its reality. 

“I always want people to find their own meaning in the songs, so I don’t want to go too in-depth, but to me this is a relationship song,” Ryan Rex admits. “It’s about that point in a relationship where some of the luster has worn off, and you know you are probably not with the right person, but you’re still holding on to that heady and magical feeling of attraction and connection that brought you together in the first place, all while not wanting to admit the truth that things are starting to disintegrate.” 

The visual for “Your Small Army” from Soft Skies Inc. is a lush and dream like experience that, we absolutely couldn’t not take our eyes off of. The collaboration between the brothers Rex and Sapphire Goss is a stroke of artistic genius.

“Your Small Army” was written and arranged by the brothers, with Ryan Rex on vocals, guitar, bass guitar, and keyboards; and Martin Rex on drums, percussion, backing vocals, and keyboards. It was recorded by Chris McLaughlin at 1867 Recording Studio in Boston, co-produced by the trio, and mastered by Heba Kadry at Timeless Mastering in Brooklyn.

SORAIA Will Make Your Friday Absolutely Rock With New Single “Bang Them Bones”

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Cover Art: Brianna Signorovitch / Cover Graphic Design: ZouZou Mansour + Brianna Signorovitch

Thank god for Philadelphia based rockers SORAIA and their absolutely killer new single “Bang Them Bones via Wicked Cool Records. SORAIA and their epic new single have kick our Friday to new heights. – much appreciated

You can listen to “Bang Them Bones” Here

Frontwoman ZouZou Mansour said, “We love recording while we’re touring in Sweden–and have done so every time we go. It always feels like we’re just a little more “beat up” mid-way through our tours there, so it’s a good time to get some honest representation of ourselves recorded. This one was another song written by Sulo (Sören Karlsson, frontman of Swedish rock band The Diamond Dogs). We immediately love how it reminded us of a 60s/70s rock anthem. The title can be interpreted in so many ways, too–which we love writing our own songs in that style, and often, Sulo’s style complements our songwriting in that way. This time, we recorded in a new-to-us recording studio–which keeps things fresh and fun for us.”

Photo credit- Cassandra Panek

“Bang Them Bones” was produced by Sören “Sulo” Karlsson and recorded at Dog Pound Studio in Stockholm, Sweden. Engineered by Jonas åhlén, Mixed by TravisSmith,Mastered by Joe Lambert.

The perpetually touring band is hitting the road once again, joining the lineup for The Wicked Cool Records Revue, presented by Hard Rock and Little Steven’s The Underground Garage. The traveling Rock ‘n’ Roll roadshow will showcase some of the stars from Wicked Cool Records, the groundbreaking label founded in 2007 by the legendary Stevie Van Zandt – a.k.a. Little Steven. The 5-city tour commences on March 16 (during SXSW) at the renowned Continental Club in Austin, TX. Tickets available at www.undergroundgarage.com. Check out the dates below.

Dates:

March 16: Austin, TX – Continental Club

March 19: Phoenix, AZ – The Crescent

March 20: Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room Highland Park

March 21: Las Vegas, NV – The Shag Room at Virgin

March 22: San Francisco, CA – Brick & Mortar Music

April 25: Hamden CT – The Cellar on Treadwell (Soraia only)

We absolutely love the energy of “Bang Them Bones” from rock tour de force SORAIA