Tag Archives: Indie

Empire of the Sun – “Alive” + Official Music Video & New Album Announcement!! [Indie//Synthpop]

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Empire of the Sun

This is a name I have actually been seeing on a surprisingly good amount of festival lineups this Summer: Empire of the Sun. I guess it makes good sense though considering they have officially announced the release of their full-length new album, Ice on the Dune, for June 18th this Summer. If you aren’t too familiar with the Australian electronic rock act, they got some talk going with their debut album Walking on a Dream in 2008, most notably their songs “Walking on a Dream” - which many of you would probably recognize as the sample from Wiz Khalifa‘s “The Thrill” – and “We Are the People”. I will have to also personally recommend “Half Mast”, my personal favorite from the first album. Empire of the Sun is also known for their great outfits, which they can be seen wearing in almost all their music videos as well as at each performance. As I said, this Summer they will be taking the stage alongside Passion Pit quite a few times, which I think is appropriate, giving I have always sort of seen Empire of the Sun as a Passion Pit and MGMT fusion. Check it out for yourself though.

Empire of the Sun - Website // Facebook // Twitter

Empire of the Sun - “Alive” [Official Music Video] — Buy “Alive”/Pre-Order Ice on the Dune

 

Album Review: Coyote Kisses – Thundercolor EP + “Changing Guard” FREE DL!! [Glitch-Hop//Electrofunk]

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Coyote Kisses - Thundercolor EP

This release has seen the light of day for a bit now, but it’s been looping periodically on my computer almost for a week now, so I feel it still warrants a post. And while some of you have already stumbled upon the new Thundercolor EP from Virginia-based production team Coyote Kisses, I am sure there are a few of you, at least, out there who will be very pleased after giving this album a listen. The style is mellow, yet far from minimal, and psychedelic in a dreamy and melodic, yet welcoming way. Comparable to artists like Seven Lions, Ghostland Observatory, and Michal Menert – I know that sounds like a confusion fusion- the group still remains far removed from anything I can say I have yet to hear. 5 out of 5 stars, this is freaking awesome.

Coyote Kisses - Soundcloud  // Facebook // Twitter

Coyote Kisses - Thundercolor EP – Buy on Beatport

Funkadelphia Pick: “This Is How You Know”

[BONUS!]

Tack #4 – “Changing Guard — FREE Download!!

SHMNS – Between Here and There EP [Rock//Indie]

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SHMNS - Between Here and There EP

Time for a change of pace, which is always a good thing, especially when it’s some good, mellowed-out vibes; and especially, especially when it comes from a local artist. I would be talking, of course, about the new Between Here and There EP from local band SHMNS. Now, someone’s going to need to do me a favor and tell me how you pronounce that, but nonetheless, these guys have put together a really awesome sound. It’s almost got a surf rock feel to it, but with some much more upbeat and groovy rhythms that give the album and almost math-rock feel. I would honestly say a comparison to Minus the Bear is not too huge a stretch. But I really want to let this EP speak for itself, and the only way to do that is for you to give it a listen. And be sure to head on over to their BandCamp to pick the album up if you enjoy it as much as we do.

SHMNS - Soundcloud // BandCamp // Facebook // Twitter

SHMNS - Between Here and There EP – Buy on BandCamp

Funkadelphia Picks: “Secret Shores” & “Somewhere Between Here and There”

Jimmy Eat World – “I Will Steal You Back” [Rock//Alternative]

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Jimmy Eat World

It’s a throwback… but it’s not a throwback. Say what? That’s right, beloved New Jersey band Jimmy Eat World has put themselves back on the map; or ours at least. Consider this a little piece of nostalgia, but with a nice update to it. There’s certainly nothing spectacularly different hear from the Jimmy Eat World classics we all grew up on and love, but that’s far from any reason to discount this track. If anything, this gets me really psyched for a new full LP release from these guys — that would be Damage, out June 11th! Now I know this might not be everyone’s band of choice, but I have to believe I’ve got some fellow J.E.W. fans out there reading us, and I hope this one finds you. Enjoy!

Jimmy Eat World - Website // Facebook // Twitter

Jimmy Eat World - “I Will Steal You Back” — Pre-Order Damage (Digital) // Pre-Order Vinyl

Album Review: Cold War Kids – Dear Miss Lonelyhearts [Rock//Indie]

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Cold War Kids - Dear Miss Lonelyhearts

There’s a side of Funkadelphia music love that we don’t show off too often here on the site, and that is our love for some great non-electronic based music, whether it be some form of rock, pop or about anything else. If the tunes are good, we’re tuning our ears in. So Cold War Kids have been a band that have been our radars for a while. Their early career, which included Robbers & Cowards and Loyalty to Loyalty, was impressive to say the least. The album’s had a dark undertone with a harsh rock vibe that took grip of your soul. But their last album, Mine Is Yours, veered off in a strange direction that left many of the band’s fans, and ourselves, a bit confused. The album was good, but very untrue to the California bands roots in their first two albums. Now, just a few days ago, Cold War Kids have unveiled their latest album, Dear Miss Lonelyhearts, to the world. It certainly shows off a lot of progression, once again, from their first two albums, but it strays from the poppy vocals and instrumental lines that seemed to plague Mine Is Yours. With seemingly more of an electronic influence on this album, the band certainly still flexes an appreciation for their early work and lets their songs delve into the same deep rhythms that held grasp on on those albums. In summary, we could not be more pleased with this new album. Cold War Kids seemed to have fallen back into stride.

Cold War Kids - Website // Soundcloud // Facebook // Twitter

Cold War Kids - Dear Miss Lonelyhearts – Buy Album

Funkadelphia Picks: “Fear and Trembling” and “Tuxedos”

Metaform – The Electric Mist [Synthpop//Hip-Hop]

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Metaform - The Electric Mist

This is by no means new music, but it’s still awesome music, and less known than it should be. I myself just discovered Metaform, a California producer and musician who creates his own beats and lays his own vocals on top. His most recent album was called Electric Mist, and it moves away from more traditional hip-hop beats into some other more experimental sounds within the electronic music world. It results in some seriously knocking tunes, some of which have been repeating on my computer for a straight day now. The most mesmerizing thing about this album is its span across the plane of electronic music, covering glitch-hop, dub, drum & bass, even some trap, and also still taking it down to groovy synthpop tunes that resonate an essence of such acts as Cherub. If you enjoy chilled out rhythms, then don’t let this one slip through your fingers!

Metaform - Website // Soundcloud // Facebook // Twitter

Metaform - Electric Mist – Buy Album

Funkadelphia Picks: “Revenge of a Nerd”, “Electric Eyes”, “Pop the Trunk” and “Door Number One”

2013 Festival Preview: Camp Bisco – Full Lineup Announcement!!

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Camp Bisco 2013

Camp Bisco - Website // Lineup // Buy Tickets

Easily one of the most premier festivals for the Northeast, Camp Bisco, curated of course by The Disco Biscuits, will return this year to Indian Lookout Country Club in beautiful upstate New York. The festival will take place from July 11th-13th. We were lucky enough to make it up to Camp last year for our first Bisco experience, and to say “pleased” would be a bit of an understatement. With two massive main stages, setup side by side for rapid change-off between acts, and two dance tents, the festival has more than enough to offer; not to mention the late night,, silent disco DJ tent as well. This year the festival promises to return with just as much force, as well as plenty of new surprises, and definitely plenty of smiling faces. The lineup this year is even more eclectic and jaw-dropping as ever, boasting jam bands STS9, Lotus, Umphrey’s McGee, The Werks, Twiddle and Zoogma (and yes of course The Biscuits); a few very impressive indie acts including Passion Pit, Animal Collective and Dan Deacon; and of course a premier list of DJs and electronic acts including Bassnectar, Flux Pavilion, Boys Noize, UZ, Aeroplane, Baauer, Break Science, Cherub, Crizzly, Eskmo, Gramatik, Heroes + Villains, KOAN Sound, Manic Focus, Paper Diamond, Toro Y Moi, Wick-It the Instigator and lots more. This year looks to be an amazing year to spend a wonderful weekend in upstate New York; hope you’ll be camping with us!

Camp Bisco - Website // Lineup // Buy Tickets

Camp Bisco 12 Artist Announcement:

Phoenix – “Entertainment” [Indie//Rock]

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Phoenix - Entertainment

Whoop, change of pace. I’m here today to talk about a band that has been making a lot of noise in the indie world the passed few years. I was lucky enough to catch them at Bonnaroo a few years ago, and this year they will be headlining Coachella. I am, of course, talking about French pop/rock band, Phoenix. These guys have been climbing the charts one album at a time, and with their newest one slated for an April 22nd release, the band has just released the first track from Bankrupt! At first listen, it sounds, well, like Phoenix. The band has definitely kept true to themselves, and while I hope the album brings a bit more variety to light, this new track is definitely a nice sneak peek of what’s to come.

Phoenix - Website // Facebook // Twitter

Phoenix - “Entertainment”

2013 Festival Preview: Hangout – (Almost) Full Lineup Announcement

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Hangout 2013

Hangout - Website // Lineup // Buy Tickets

Next up in our festival preview for the Summer of 2013: Hangout Music Festival. It happens each year on the beautiful, sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Like Wakarusa, this one tends to fly a bit under the radar to the majority of the public; which, in our opinion, is always a good thing. You’re looking a much more local crowd, and more importantly, a smaller, friendlier one. Plus no one can deny that wonderful southern hospitality. Undeniably the biggest surprise and big gun on the lineup this year is Tom Petty, but he’s followed by a formidable list of artists including Kings of Leon, Trey Anastasio (of Phish), The Shins, Bassnectar, The Roots, Slightly Stoopid, Passion Pit, Bloc Party, Jim James (of My Morning Jacket), Porter Robinson, Moe., Dirty Projectors, Best Coast, Twin Sister, The Werks and plenty more; plus one final headliner still to be announced. This one’s definitely a bit of a haul, especially for our Philadelphia readers; but it’s definitely got a great vibe and still worth knowing.

Hangout - Website // Lineup // Buy Tickets

Hangout 2012 “Thank You” (Recap)

Album Review: Glitch Squad – Glitch Squad Compilation Vol. 1 (FREE DL!!) [Electronic//Glitch]

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Glitch Squad Compilation Vol. 1

When Funkadelphia first started out, Jack Deezl and Architekt were two Philadelphia producers that we had in prime focus; and they’ve helped carry us a long way. So it’s a really rewarding thing to see their own careers continue to grow and flourish as we try to do the same. Just a few months ago, the two local artists came together to form independent label, Glitch Squad; and now we are proud to present you with the labels first, full compilation album. It features tracks from some artists you’ve already heard and come to love, including it’s label owners of course, along with JXLBeats, redHat, Speaker for the Dead, The Nineties, Tilsonic, Jay Danko and plenty, plenty more. What sets Glitch Squad apart from the typical electronic/dance world? It’s incredible diversity. Classifying this album as “electronic” or “glitch” doesn’t even begin to encapsulate the various influences, styles and musical approaches of all these artists. The music ranges from dark, downtempo beats; to uplifting, jostling rhythms; to offbeat, glitchy tempos; to light, minimal melodies; and anything you can possibly imagine in between. If you want to get upbeat and real dubby, I highly recommend Makra‘s track “RWD Selekta” or The Nineties remix of their own “Who Are You”; if you want to run the trap, may I suggest “Gourmet Shit” by JXLbeats and FedRox; if you’re feeling loungy and just kickin’ it then Jack Deezl’s own “Haunter” might serve you well; and if you’re feeling any sort of dancey, in-between I certainly recommend Speaker for the Dead’s new track, “Sunrise on Saturn”. Even if you’re looking for something TRULY different (and by that I mean completely un-electronic), then Everybody’s Changeling has certainly got you on “The Glow”, a slowed down acoustic instrumental track that diverts from the album’s most typical path. I could go on for days ranting on particular tracks, talking about the various and incredible talents of each and every one of these producers; but I really think the tracks speak for themselves, so I think I’ll let them do just that.

Glitch Squad - Bandcamp // Facebook

Glitch Squad - Glitch Squad Compilation Vol. 1 – Buy Album [Name Your Price!]

Funkadelphia Picks: <radioaddict> - “Shaku” ;Makra - “RWD Selekta”; Tilsonic - “Transmission”;   Thirdkind - “’68 Classic”; Speaker for the Dead - “Sunrise on Saturn”; JXLbeats (feat. Fedrox) – “Gourmet Shit”; The Nineties - “Who Are You (The Nineties Remix)”