Underground Arts

“With this record, I was like, ‘I’m gonna make this song and I’m gonna see who’s around to help out,’” says Golden Apples’ Russell Edling of Shooting Star, the Philadelphia indie rockers’ fourth full-length, which drops September 19th on their longtime home, Lame-O Records.  The album was recorded across...

“Our live show is always very happy, even if it is a bit rowdy.  My anger that I express is cathartic, I don’t ever point it at the audience…  It’s a place to let out the anger,” says Kelli Mayo, co-founder and co-frontwoman of self-professed “ugly pop” (their own...

“I heard that it doesn’t smell like trash in Philadelphia anymore,” says Nathan Williams, vocalist, guitarist, and founder of San Diego alternative rockers Wavves, before expressing his solidarity with the until-recently-striking union: “Power to the people!”  However, I hear a collective, “Ohhhh,” from the entirety of the band when...

Experimental rock outfit Deerhoof are currently celebrating their 20th album and 31st year (That’s china and a clock, for gifting purposes.)  April 25th saw the release of Noble and Godlike in Ruin via Joyful Noise, followed by the first leg of the 31 Flavours Tour, which kicked off the...

Last month Metropolis Records released HAU RUCK 2025, a 20th anniversary remixed and remastered edition of industrial legends KMFDM’s 14th LP, HAU RUCK.  And just last week KMFDM vocalist and keyboardist (of a quarter century now…) Lucia Cifarelli kicked off her first-ever solo tour, which has her handling opening...

The powerpop/punk band from Essex, Bad Nerves, return to the States for their Still Nervous Tour. San Francisco punk rockers, Spiritual Cramp, join them as their openers. I attended and photographed their Philly show at Underground Arts, and it was one hell of a show.     Bad Nerves...

New York minimalist folk outfit Florist have played a number of noteworthy shows in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.  The summer of 2023 had them double-headlining Underground Arts with Skullcrusher and the previous summer saw them headlining The Lounge and World Café Live.  They’ve also played...

The last time SASAMI headlined the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection was in March of 2022 at Johnny Brenda’s, which the singer/songwriter told me during a chat last November was an especially memorable experience: “That was a great show!  I think I injured my guitarist at that show…  I...

“Joe’s Cheesesteaks!” exclaims Nick Sampson, drummer of LA-based, self-proclaimed “emo-friendly, punk-curious” duo senses (who are ineffably friendly, themselves) when I ask the band their favorite thing about Philadelphia.  senses lead singer/guitarist Madison Taylor goes on to explain, “We walk to Joe’s pretty much every time we’re there, and not...