Waste

Reviewed by: Julia Cirignano

Nathan Allebach has recently released his solo debut album titled Waste. Before this album, he released music with his band Former Belle, and with Rachel Moyer as a duo they called Nathan Earl and Rachel Joy.

Allebach is known for writing songs about various subjects such as politics, religion, and growing up in this crazy world. He commonly deals with the struggle of merely existing, and does so in a truly artful way. Allebach’s talent for turning serious subject matters into creative, fun, energetic, moving music is special and important. During the song “The Nationalism Gospel” (only Allebach could come up with such a title), he speaks of God in a beautiful way with delicate guitar playing over powerful lyrics, “When will the weak have justice?/And the bombs stop falling”. Then comes the chorus with the repeating lines, “God is love/And love is God”.

In contrast, during his track titled “Alright”, he chooses to use simple, casual language to express his ideas with lyrics such as, “I wanna be/The one you go to sleep with/ Every night/I wanna be/The one you brush your teeth with/Every night”. No matter what Allebach’s subject is, he sends out a great message. He draws attention to the importance of world peace, and also romance between just two people.

Waste is also full of many musical styles. Allebach uses the creative freedom he possesses to make each song an important piece within the album as a whole; both in terms of subject matter and sound.

Rating: Bad-Ass

Sometimes the best instrument is the human voice. The only thing better is multiple human voices. Portland band Ages and Ages proved this claim Saturday night at Center City’s MilkBoy as all six band members lifted up in song during a stirring performance.

Ages and Ages (all photos by Adam McGrath)

Led by Tim Perry, Ages and Ages has a knack for building layers of sound that add up to a remarkable whole. Flanked by Sarah Riddle and Annie Bethancourt, Perry was mild-mannered but confident as the band played through tracks from their excellent 2014 release, Divisionary (Partisan Records). Riddle was amiable as she chatted with the crowd while switching out a variety of percussion instruments, and the boys in the back held their own with subtle, guiding rhythms. The moment of the night came as Perry dedicated final song, “Do the Right Thing”, to the people affected by the school shooting in Washington. It gave the already moving song even more poignancy.

Also on the bill were Horse Thief, led by Cameron Neal out of Oklahoma City. Touring behind this year’s Fear in Bliss (Bella Union), the band reminded me a bit of My Morning Jacket, with their interplay of guitar, keys, and vocals. Definitely worth looking into.

Cameron Neal, Horse Thief

Opening the show was local act Former Belle, led by Bruno Catrambone. It was Bruno’s last show in town for a while, as he hits the road with fellow Philly rockers CRUISR. He certainly seemed to appreciate the strong turnout as he flitted nervously around the stage, occasionally alighting upon the microphone like a butterfly testing a perch. Simply seeing him play live makes me want to learn more about him, and that’s what it’s all about, right?

Former Belle

The wet weather this week didn’t dampen the spirits of Philly concertgoers, as big crowds turned out for acts like Courtney Barnett, Benjamin Booker, and Shakey Graves, but now it’s time for the sun to clear the way for a fresh batch of weekend shows. First, though, a shout out to Instagram user @ally2137 for using #phillyconcerts at the Little Dragon show last week! Follow her lead with your concert pics and posts this weekend.

Friday, October 24

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour @ Underground Arts

Get your dose of European-flavored pop with the Danish band built around vocalist Mette Lindberg and songwriter/producer Lars Iversen. After initially gaining recognition when featured in a 2008 Apple commercial, The Asteroids Galaxy Tour recently released their third album, Bring Us Together, on Hot Bus Records. Leisure Cruise opens.

Sylvan Esso @ Union Transfer

When the electropop duo of singer Amelia Meath and producer Nick Sanborn was last at Union Transfer in June, they were opening for Tune-Yards and winning me over with their smooth, seductive sound. Hit single “Coffee” is only the tip of their fantastic debut album, and they will get the room moving Friday night. Psychic Twin opens.

Saturday, October 25

Temples / The Districts @ Union Transfer (early show)

After conquering the big SBC stage at XPNFest this summer, The Districts are living the dream, in town Saturday with Fat Possum labelmates Temples. I haven’t seen them since guitarist Mark Larson left the band, but I’m sure their brand of blues-rock is still in fine form. The English gents in Temples bring a more psychedelic sound, and have received a warm welcome in Philly before.

Ages and Ages @ MilkBoy Philly

The whole gang will be there as this Portland rock collective crams onto the stage at Center City’s MilkBoy Saturday night. Featuring raw, uplifting arrangements, Ages and Ages will get your spirit stirring. Also on the bill is the slightly more subtle Horse Thief and local artist Former Belle.

Communion Club Nights in Philadelphia is one of my favorite nights. After consecutively bringing amazing bands to Philadelphia since October, Communion set the bar high for themselves ever since the first club night at Johnny Brenda’s. Now over at Underground Arts, they kept the ball rolling with December’s installment just a few days ago that combined merry Christmas cheer, charity, and amazing performances.

For anyone who has been following Communion since it landed in America, I think we can all agree that this has been the best yet! I can only speak for myself and the performances in Philadelphia when I say December’s Communion was top of the line. The lineup? Perfectly paired. The sound, atmosphere, and skill executed on stage from ALL bands…surprisingly refreshing!

Ali Wadsworth (photo credit, Jaz Bowens)

The rain didn’t deter people from coming out. Although it was a much smaller crowd than November’s show it was still a sizable attendance. The first on stage was Ali Wadsworth. Philadelphia’s love affair with Ali had people making sure they came early so they didn’t miss her set. The bouncer even commented by saying I shouldn’t miss her performance. With a cute black dress on and her lavender hair swaying as she wowed the audience, she sang songs from her debut self-titled album (released Oct. 6). She also sang a Christmas classic, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”.

Former Belle (photo credit, Jaz Bowens)

With seven bands and two stages, things can get a little confusing but I had a better handle on navigating between the two stages this time around. Former Belle was next on the second stage. The three piece band from Philadelphia has a smooth mellow temperament and a guitar that carried the band’s sound. They are diverse- one song can be light while the next song they play is rocking hard. Very interesting with a unique sound. Check them out on Bandcamp. Their album, Cathedral, was released in February, 2013.

Mo Lowda and the Humble (photo credit, Jaz Bowens)

Mo Lowda & the Humble were on the main stage.  Another Philadelphia band that represented well. They sounded almost seamless as if only their CD, Curse The Weather, was playing instead. The album was released in September and it has been getting rave reviews. I haven’t of them before their performance, but I’m now a fan. Aside from their own tunes, they played Vince Guaraldi Trio’s “Linus and Lucy”, one of my favorite Christmas songs, and put their very own spin on it. They did the song justice. Learn more about Mo Lowda & The Humble on Facebook and on Bandcamp. Or, check out one of That Mag‘s interviews with them here.

Lucy Stone (photo credit, Jaz Bowens)

Back on the back stage was Lucy Stone, not to be mistaken for the American suffragist and abolitionist, @LucyStoneMusic is a Philadelphian maneuvering her way through the music scene and I think she has what it takes. I’ve never heard of her music before her Communion performance and I like her sound- upbeat, almost dance music and some slower songs. She has a three-song EP titled Would You?. You can listen to her music, learn more about her, and watch her videos on her website.

Roscoe Bandana (photo credit, Jaz Bowens)

Rosco Bandana, Rosco Bandana, Rosco Bandana. Remember that name and make sure you take any chance you get to see them live! The seven member band hailing from Gulfport, Mississippi did their thang. Yes, THANG! They played non-stop. Each song flowed into the other and each song came equipped with a generous break down. They played their instruments like they could do it asleep and blindfolded, playing effortlessly. Rosco Bandana is a rock band that takes you back to rock from the 60s/70 with a blue grass/country blend. Think, The Who, The Doors and Traffic mixed with some Jerry Reed. Everyone was energetic on stage and really into playing, getting screams, whistles, and endless applause after their set. It was well deserved. Even if rock isn’t your thing, you have to give respect when it’s due because this band really killed it. Their album, Time To Begin, has my personal favorite, “Woe is Me”. I highly recommend you check them out and keep a look out for new music from them. Like them on Facebook, watch their music videos on YouTube, and follow them on Twitter. Check out their website, too.

Song Dogs were back on the second stage as Brown Sugar, covering The Rolling Stones, simultaneously played the main stage. The crowd dwindled down by time they played but it’s a shame they missed those two performances. I wish they had played one after the other and not during the same time because they each deserved our undivided attention. Song Dogs is a indie-rock band from Philadelphia with a new album titled Wild Country. Their album does sound like it has elements of country with more of a twinge of rock. During the Dogs, Brown Sugar were doing the same- rocking out. Their median age had to be about 40 and they were all over the stage, getting the crowd going wild. This band sounded like the legit, authentic Rolling Stones.

Song Dogs (photo credit, Jaz Bowens)

Once again Communion put on a great show. The best in my opinion. If you haven’t been to a Communion Show, I highly recommend them. You won’t be disappointed. I’m looking forward to what January has in store. Stay tuned and check out the Communion Philadelphia page on Facebook.

Brown Sugar (photo credit, Jaz Bowens)