Algiers at Johnny Brenda's
Many, not all, but many of Algiers's songs are just so HEAVY, both musically and in the weighty policial and personal reflections in their lyrics. They've labeled themselves "Doom Soul" which is certainly apt. Isn't it interesting though that they use samples of gospel music in so many of those heavy songs? Gospel music can be about praise but it can also be about souls and suffering. I have the feeling their songwriter has a churchgoing experience more full of the latter than the former. It would certainly explain a lot.
Posted: 9/13/2021 at 8:00pm Tags: Algiers Johnny Brenda's
One Way Out at PhilaMOCA
The touring band on this bill (which is a nice thing to be able to say once again) was One Way Out from Washington, DC. I think that to talk about them I have to start with their's lead singer's voice, which is much more powerful and soulful than I would have expected coming from a relatively young person. He's got stage presence too which is why he's in so many of these photos. The band's music is heavy and kind of funky actually. Not that they sound like RHCP or anything. I think they're more like Living Colour, playing intense music with enough of a groove that they just seem to have ended up there.
I would love to joke about the band's matching hazmat suits but honestly with the Delta variant and all they're probably being smarter than me. The door guy probably should have worn one too.
Posted: 8/22/2021 at 8:00pm Tags: One Way Out PhilaMOCA
The Dead Flowers at PhilaMOCA
When a band opens their show by shouting "Get ready to rock!" or that sort of thing they'd better damn well rock. The Dead Flowers damn well rock, no question. If you like raw rock-n-roll where you can pick up on the Blues and Boogie Woogie influences then this band is for you. Also, if you like bands which are actually doing something on stage. There seem to be an awful lot of stand-there-and-play bands here in Philly. Those bands can still be good but I definitely prefer bands which look and act like they're having a blast.
If you read my last review you might remember that I said the lighting at PhilaMOCA could be better. This is that better lighting. If the photos this time were less than spectacular then that's my fault. Also, yes, the default video at PhilaMOCA is a live shot of the band which then turns into one of those video tunnel things.
The Dead Flowers's Website, Music.
Posted: 8/22/2021 at 6:00pm Tags: PhilaMOCA The Dead Flowers
