This summer, Philadelphia’s premier public radio station, WXPN, challenged local musicians to write a song in 24 hours. While Khalil Amaru was named the grand prize winner, earning himself a spot on stage at this year’s XPoNential Music Festival, three other artists were named finalists out of the several hundred submissions.

Those artists are Yuneer Gainz, Mackenzie Johnson, and Best Bear, all of whom performed short but sweet sets Thursday night at World Cafe Live for WXPN’s Homegrown Live! show.

The free gig took place in WCL’s upstairs venue, The Lounge, and for a Thursday night show, the crowd was sizeable.

The fun kicked off with Yuneer Gainz, who was joined on stage by guitarist Sam Mandell and Andrew Miller on Keys. Offstage was Tyrell “Ace” Clark, working beats and vocal effect detail.

First was a heavy-hitting track featuring thumping bass and deep peels of a church bell. Yuneer Gainz showed off his skills both in rapping and singing in his first song. The chorus was overlaid with backing vocals, but Gainz’s shined when it was just him on the mic.

Best Bear

That became even more evident throughout his set, which featured his 24-hour song, “Grown Man Tears.” The track’s production is minimal, with just guitar and keys, no drums. He told the audience he recorded the song in just one take, a truly impressive feat.

Gainz later in the set performed his latest release, “Flight,” a song he dedicated to a late friend. This song was a more traditional hip-hop track in which Gainz showed off his ability to spit lyrics quickly.

He went on to play an unreleased track titled “Back Home in Bethlehem,” a song he wrote about visiting his brother in rural Pennsylvania. When Mandell began to play the song’s chords, Gainz was surprised at the key, noting it was different from what was laid down on the record. But Gainz found the key and nailed the vocal performance, and Mandell laid down a slick solo, continuing the motif of peppering crafty guitar licks, riffs, and solos throughout the set.

The last song was another new track and featured a lyric about the galaxy, which was fitting as Mandell and Miller’s guitar and keys were drenched in dreamy effects, complementing the lyrical content.

And it should be mentioned that Gainz told me after his set that Thursday was his first time performing live.

Up next was Johnson.

From the jump, her vocal control was on full display, and I immediately thought she could easily fit on a bill with acts like Phoebe Bridgers, Muna, or Taylor Swift.

Johnson was alone on stage with her guitar. She told the crowd her first open mic experience was at World Cafe Live, which made her set feel serendipitous.

Johnson’s song “The Sisterhood” highlighted her penchant for all things “witchy.” Leading with an eerily finger-picked minor chord riff, the song included word suggestions offered to her by fans, and Johnson put them to good use, evoking supernatural and dark vibes. We were all welcomed into her coven.

Then came a cover, featuring Blue Barnett of Best Bear. They gave the crowd a beautiful rendition of “Dreams” by The Cranberries. The two best friends delivered wildly good vocal harmonies on the classic 90s hit.

Johnson moved on to “Straight to Hell,” which she said will be her next single to release. She taught the audience a singalong section of the track’s chorus, and during the song, the audience participation aspect didn’t quite hit as hard as she surely would have liked. However, the song’s lyrics are relatable to many people: being with someone who just isn’t right for you but still pursuing that relationship. “Straight to Hell” made me think of Taylor Swift a bit, as the pop superstar often waxes poetic about her love life, and the song’s structure felt comforting like a good T-Swift song.

She closed out with “Sunburn,” her contest-winning song. While the song was written in summer, it was about the end of summer. More appropriately, it was about losing summer. “Sunburn” is a breakup song. Johnson performed the song live for the first time Thursday, and given its 24-hour turnaround, she showed true artistry in the composition and performance.

Best Bear finished the show.

The four-piece indie rockers started their set with “Apathy.” The song starts slow, with only Barnett on guitar and vocals. It builds up and includes some tasteful lead guitar work from Gwen McFadden.

Drummer Charles D’Ardenne and McFadden joined Barnett vocally on a few tracks, providing backup singing to make the band sound even more rounded out.

Best Bear’s contest-winning track was “Fireworks,” and it was recorded solo by Barnett. But Thursday, the band played a fully expanded version. The song reminded me of another band; maybe it was Soccer Mommy’s “Circle the Drain?” Either way, it was a great song that had a catchy riff and had the crowd’s heads bobbing along with the brainworm-y vocal lines.

Johnson then joined the band for a song Best Bear dropped that very day, “The Fall.” The song is reminiscent of unavoidable 90s alt-rock that many of us millennials grew up with.

Best Bear then came in with the track “Eleventh Grade.” Barnett’s lyrics tell the story about their coming out and serve as an anthem for anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community. The band seemed to put their hearts in this particular song, given its message of “do whatever’s going to make you happy.” And McFadden again delivered lead guitar work that shined, but not so bright to outdo the rest of the band.

They went on to play “When,” the title track from their 2022 album. I hadn’t looked around the venue in a bit, and I was disappointed to see many people left by this point. I get it was a school night and a free show, but Best Bear was killing it on stage.

I couldn’t tell you what the closing song was, but it was more rock than indie. The band kicked it into overdrive to bring an end to the night that celebrated local artists so well. It was fast and had a driving force thanks to bassists Storm Paul and D’Ardenne holding down the rhythm section.

Yuneer Gainz

Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, Apple Music, YouTube Music

Mackenzie Johnson

Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music

Best Bear

Website, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Soundcloud, Bandcamp

Written and Photographed by: Max Bennett

Temperatures in Philadelphia have been pushing 100 degrees, so the last thing anyone wants is more heat. But at Johnny Brenda’s Saturday night, three local acts turned the heat up all the way, delivering heavy riffs, dance-inducing punk, blistering solos, and mind-bending aural trips.

Psychedelic rockers Slomo Sapiens celebrated the release of their sophomore album, The Holy Babble, by headlining the gig, with Wax Jaw and Flatwaves opening the show.

Flatwaves hit the stage first and brought a thundering bass tone that served as the driving force of their set, which featured vocals reminiscent of 90s rock frontwomen, with both guitarists taking turns singing lead and at times belting lyrics in tandem. While the guitars bathed the crowded venue in swirling, ambient shoegaze leads, drum fills provided contrast with bursts of speed and ferocity.

It’d be a shame not to shout out Flatwaves bassist Stephen Edwards, who was at center stage during the set and was hyping up the crowd during and between songs. From standing on his monitor doing hair flips to chugging what was left in a can that was tossed on stage, he helped set the tone for the remainder of the show.

Wax Jaw came out strong with an incredibly high-energy vibe. The crowd already fired up from Flatwaves, picked up on the band’s intensity and spirit instantly. Kids were moshing around, throwing in a little two-stepping, as soon as the set kicked off. It’s unclear if Wax Jaw is influenced by hardcore punk, but their set was dripping with rhythms from the golden era of punk.

At this point, no one in the crowd seemed to care about how hot it’s been. Everyone was feeding off the music, sweat be damned. The vibe, as the kids say, was immaculate.

What set Wax Jaw apart from other punk acts was the ripping guitar solos. Both guitarists took turns shredding solos and lead riffs, which aren’t that common among punks thanks to curmudgeons like Johnny Ramone, who actively worked to be a mediocre player. Early in the set, one guitarist broke a string on his Telecaster and busted out a black Les Paul, which felt more fitting given the pace Wax Jaw and Flatwaves set. The Les Paul likely made the show a bit more physically demanding for the already frenzied shredder, as they’re considerably heavier than Telecasters.

Regardless, the band tore through their set, with singer Shane Morgan putting some serious attitude into her performance. The vocalist may be short in stature, but her presence was larger than life on stage. She commanded the crowd at one point to crouch down. On the band’s mark, everyone leapt into the air in unison and the band rushed right into another dance-punk banger.

Not once during the set did Wax Jaw slow down. It was going to be a tough act to follow for Slomo Sapiens.

Unfortunately, Wax Jaw said they won’t be gigging much for a bit. Fortunately, that’s because they’re working on a new alum, so stay tuned to their socials for updates on fresh material.

Slomo Sapiens hit the stage not long after 11 p.m. for their headlining set. The band’s second album was released June 7, and they’ve hit up Brooklyn, Asbury Park, and Richmond recently to support the “The Holy Babble.” As part of the celebration, Johnny Brenda’s was offering two signature cocktails. Well, one cocktail and a city wide.

The vibe shifted with Slomo Sapiens. To say they had less energy than Wax Jaw would be wrong: the energy was just different. While both bands share punk elements, Slomo is rooted in psychedelia, blues, and stoner/sludge. Frontman Ceallaigh Manaaki is a blues head when it comes down to it. His other band — simply called Manaaki and featuring members of Sixteen Jackies, St. James & the Apostles, & Grave Bathers —  is a heavy blues outfit that puts on a hell of a show, as well.

With Slomo came less moshing and more tripped-out vibing from the crowd. A Slomo show would surely be a heady event with a bit of psychoactive chemicals rushing through your blood. That’s not to say catching a set sober is boring: it’s still a must-see display of virtuosity and creativity.

Manaaki and multi-instrumentalist Mike Sanzo traded guitar licks and riffs, with Manaaki taking the bulk of the set’s guitar solos. The set’s opening song, Desert Head/Slacker, is the lead track on “Babble.” It features a dizzying guitar solo that breaks the bounds of traditional keys and modes found in popular blues rock. That particular solo gives feelings of mystery, confusion, and unease, and in the best ways possible. A live rendition of it is even more enthralling, as the band nailed the track’s eeriness and intrigue in a way possible only on stage.

When taking his solos, Manaaki kicked his rig into gear with a wah pedal that sent his tone through the mix, giving the crowd crisp and fiery leads.

Sanzo, bassist Greg Geiger, and drummer Jon Pritchard backed Manaaki on vocals. A band this good with members who can all sing well is like getting ice cream after eating cake. A pure treat.

The vocals had some modulation, too. Manaaki’s words were often saturated with a fuzzy effect, like the tracks on their studio releases. It’s always appreciated when a band works to deliver a nearly identical version of their recordings when playing out.

But some deviation is welcome, too. Stone Bones, an anthemic track on “Babble,” featured a bit of a jam, it seemed. The song felt like an extended version with more instrumentality from all four members as they grooved together, laying down serious solos.

Slomo Sapiens closed the show with “Stone Bones,” but came back out for one more song after a few minutes of the crowd beckoning them back to the stage.

Overall, it was a great show and a prime display of Philadelphia’s vibrant music scene. And a shout-out to Johnny Brenda’s for keeping the temperature comfortable amid the heatwave.

Slomo Sapiens: Instagram; Facebook; YouTube; TikTok; Bandcamp; Spotify; Soundcloud

Wax Jaw : Instagram; Bandcamp; TikTok; YouTube; Spotify; Soundcloud

Flatwaves : Instagram; Bandcamp; Spotify; Bandsintown; YouTube; Website

They only come out at night—the freaks, the dark souls, all preparing to roam the earth in search of kindred spirits. This Halloween weekend promises to be full of mirth and mayhem as bands masquerade as other bands and channel those who came before. Have fun at any of these #PhillyConcerts, and keep those veins covered up!

Friday, October 31:

HALLOWEEN @ MilkBoy
Presented by Bonfire & Rising Pulse
Black Stars (as The Rolling Stones), The Better Half (as Pearl Jam), Kate Frank & The Pheromones (as Tom Petty), Wild North (as Neil Young)

Halloween Night @ The Fire
Migraine Boy (Trackjackets and Psychic Teens) (as REM)
W.C. Lindsay (as Early 2000’s Pop-Punk All Stars)
The Best Westerns (as Creedence Clearwater Revival)
Hit it Sideways (as The Velvet Underground)
Pitter Patter (as Stone Temple Pilots)
The Really Cooks (as The Blues Clues Experience)

TJ Kong Halloween Murder Show V @ Underground Arts
TJ Kong & the Atomic Bomb, Northern Arms, Tutlie, Lantern, The Bernhardt Family Band, Divine Hand Ensemble, Mo Lowda & The Humble

Burger Records Caravan of Stars @ Johnny Brenda’s
Together PANGEA, Cherry Glazerr, Mozes & The Firstborn, AJ Davila & Terror Amor, Wax Witches

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.

Here are the shows in and around Philly that caught my eye this week. Let us know who you’re seeing with #PhillyConcerts.

Friday, October 10

Iceage @ First Unitarian Church:

The Danish punk band is kicking off a two-month American tour behind their third album, Plowing Into the Field of Love, released this week on Matador Records. With Helm and The Holidays.

Foxygen @ Union Transfer:

The California rock duo of Jonathan Rado and Sam France bring their unpredictable live show to Philly this weekend, showcasing songs from forthcoming album …And Star Power, out next week on Jagjaguwar. With Dub Thompson. Catch the band earlier in the day at WXPN’s Free at Noon.

Saturday, October 11

If you’re not tuckered out from Blocktoberfest, the South Jersey Arts & Farm Festival, or the River City Festival, Saturday night holds even more great bills.

Allo Darlin’ @ Boot & Saddle

The London-based indie pop band is releasing its third album this month, We Come From the Same Place (Slumberland). With The Pretty Greens. Look for our writer Tom at the show and check back for his review.

Jeff the Brotherhood / Diarrhea Planet @ Underground Arts

If you really want to get rowdy on Saturday night, this is the show for you. Both of these bands are known for their raucous live performances. With Left and Right and Hound opening. Look for our writer John at the show and check back for his review.

Sunday, October 12

Monday is a holiday for most folks, so take advantage and get out to a show!

Wheat / Roses / The Shivers / The Skis @ Kung Fu Necktie

I love that bands come down from Brooklyn and Connecticut to play at Kung Fu Necktie in Fishtown. All of the bands on this bill have been following their musical passion for years, but I’d especially like to see the interplay of The Shivers’ Keith Zarriello on guitar and vocals and Jo Schornikow on piano.

Check back next Thursday for next weekend’s concert picks, and no matter what show you see, tell us with #PhillyConcerts!