We’re finally drying out from Sandy. It’s the weekend after Halloween. Need any more reason to get out and celebrate?
Typically the week of Halloween is one of the best out of the whole year. It’s not like you can dress up like anything imaginable and parade around in public. Yet, thanks to one of the worst storms to ever hit the east coast much of the creepy, ghoulish fun was limited. Luckily our city wasn’t hit as hard as others and the clean up time was much quicker. Now that it’s the weekend, there’s a lot to make up for the rough start.
Friday, November 2nd | Friday starts the weekend off with two great shows. Fresh off the release of their new album Diluvia, indie pop quintet Freelance Whales bring their tour into Union Transfer. Sharing the stage with them is up and coming San Francisco up and comers Geographer. Diluvia sees Freelance Whales taking a step towards a more full, complete sound for the band. The band’s reputation for using a vast array of instruments hasn’t changed, just altered. Synth lines are now layered with guitar and other various instruments like glockenspiel. Freelance Whales will be showing off these new tunes as they come to Philly’s newest venue.
On the other side of town pro surfer turned musician Donavan Frankenreiter plays downstairs at World Cafe Live. Frankenreiter, who followed in the footsteps of close friend Jack Johnson, released his fifth studio album earlier this year. Start Livin’ combines intricate guitar work and the slightly raspy, sun soaked vocals that Frankenreiter is known for. Opening the show are two great locals from Philly’s folk scene, Chris Kasper and Hogmaw.
Saturday, November 3rd | It doesn’t seem like it, but So-Cal punk rockers Social Distortion have been around for over 30 years now. By the looks of it they have no plans to end that streak anytime soon. They will be kicking of the new year by beginning to record a new album, with plans for it to be released in 2013 as well. To get ready, Social Distortion have been making their way around the country for a fall/winter tour. On Saturday they stop at the Electric Factory. Joining them will be Lindi Ortega and The Biters.
Also happening on Saturday is a local show at Union Transfer with some of the best talent this city has to offer. Headlining the show are folky roots band Hoots & Hellmouth. They released their third full length album, Salt, back in April. For those who aren’t familiar with the band, think a more soulful Mumford & Sons dragged through the backroads of Pennsylvania. Opening the show are Creepoid and David Mayfield Parade. Creepoid, another excellent example of a rising band from the city, straddle the fence between loud, noisy rock and dark folk. They are currently working on the follow up to their amazing debut album Horse Heaven. Grammy nominated David Mayfield is known for is extremely energetic performances so be sure to come early!
Sunday, November 4th | Emo pop rock group Motion City Soundtrack swing into the TLA as the weekend comes to an end. They have teamed up with Drexel University’s student run record label MAD Dragon Records for a 7″ release as part of the label’s Making Moves series. The record will be out November 6th. I Was Totally Killing It, Jukebox the Ghost and Now, Now round out the bill.
Out in Upper Darby, genre mashing EDM artist Pretty Lights plays at the Tower Theatre (interesting venue for a dance act). Opening are Keys N Krates. Lastly the Beliebers will be out in South Philly on Sunday. Their idol Justin Beiber plays the Wells Fargo Center. Carly Rae Jepsen will be accompanying him.
And, I may have mentioned this show just so I can finish the post with “Call Me Maybe”…
