Our weekly concert picks: April 1–April 7
What we’re seeing live this week!
Wednesday, April 1: Father John Misty
I Love You Honeybear, the new record from singer-songwriter Josh Tillman (aka Father John Misty) — is one of the weirdest and most compelling things I've heard in some time. Consider, for example, opening track "I Love You Honeybear." The song starts slow, with a sweeping, Disney-esque feel — over which Tillman sings, innocently: "Everything is doomed and nothing will be spared. But I love you, Honeybear." This same duality recurs throughout, as Tillman reconciles love and openness with a world that seems propelled by its exact opposites, navigating through sincerity and snark. A musician since childhood who was raised in a deeply religious household, Tillman grew up wanting to be a preacher before he began writing and performing. He released his first, untitled record in 2004 — spurred by support from Damien Jurado — and has been on a roll since, releasing a slew of indie LPs in addition to logging 4 years drumming with Fleet Foxes. He's now touring behind Honeybear and will stop at Union Transfer this Wednesday. Come for the beautiful melodies; stay for the weirdness and contradictions.
8:00 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., sold out.
Friday, April 3: Tinmouth
Your new favorite band! Philly trio Tinmouth have been gigging around the city for years now, slowly perfecting their breed of fuzzed-out college rock. Formed by Philadelphians Timothy Tebordo, Alyssa Shea, and Aaron Sternick, and inspired by your fave '90s cassettes (think: GBV, YLT, Mission of Burma) — Tinmouth reinvent lo-fi with a modern twist, replicating those same jangly harmonies and noisy nugs, but choosing to record their debut record, Says, in a proper studio with a noted producer (Jeff Zeigler, of every cool band in Philly fame). Along the way, they've built up an impressive live resume, opening for the likes of Eternal Summers, Free Time, and Bishop Allen, while still remaining staunchly DIY (order their new record on vinyl and you get a hand-printed jacket and a zine). This Friday, they celebrate Says with a release party at Kung Fu Necktie; get there early for Philly drone rockers Dreambook. Stream single "Physician, Heal Yrself" first and tell me these guys don't rule.
8:00 at Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., $8. Tickets available at the door.
Friday, April 3: Restorations
Jon Loudon and Dave Klyman have been playing music together in Philly for more than a decade. So it's not surprising they've arrived at a sound as complex as the city itself: gruff and desperate, invigorated and full of hope. Formed in 2008 as a low-key side project following the dissolution of their previous band, Restorations evolved into the respected indie stalwarts they are today thanks to an energetic live show and a series of increasingly impressive releases, that showcased them as a unique, dynamic force. Combining a brash punk attitude with warm, sprawling anthems that recollect Springsteen at his most exuberant — Restorations are proof that catharsis can be bad-ass, and their latest, LP3, the type of record you can get drunk to at night, then listen to with a fresh perspective the next morning. They're now fresh off a tour with The Get Up Kids (who share their affinity for capturing emotion in the tiny details) and return to Philly for a home show at Johnny Brenda's. Drinking and catharsis will occur.
9:00 at Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., $15. Tickets available here.
Saturday, April 4: Suburban Living (host a residency!)
Suburban Living is the brainchild of Philadelphian Wesley Bunch, '80s pop enthusiast and suburban expat, who recently relocated to the City OBL from Virginia Beach, VA to further his musical and cultural exploration. And while he may not live in the suburbs anymore, he still crafts tunes influenced by suburban ennui and complacency; TV shows and Taco Bell. A project conceived some 3+ years back when Bunch found himself jobless and alone in Virginia Beach, with nothing but Twin Peaks for inspiration — Suburban Living splits the different between cheeseball '80s pop and gauzy dream pop, while at the same time effortlessly encapsulating feelings of restlessness and detachment. Since moving to Philly, Bunch has assembled a full band, consisting of Night Panther's Mike Cammarata and Chris Radwanski plus We The They's Peter Pantina — and released his debut, self-titled record. They play Bourbon & Branch this Saturday and every Saturday in April; come experience Suburban Living without ever leaving city limits.
8:00 at Bourbon & Branch, 705 N. 2nd St., $7–10. Tickets available here.