It was hard to even get into to the place; the venue is already intimate in size and on Monday night, it was sardine-can packed with people. The stage is small, but the performers made the best of their space as it was full of instruments.

Bishop Briggs was sporting her classic pigtail buns and army coat for the show. She had lots of energy and had to stop singing to catch her breath at one point from all the dancing and jumping around. Her voice live was incredibly powerful and feminine. She really gave it her all and the audience fed off her energy with cheers and movement. She also performed her two main radio hits “River” and “Wild Horses” and left the stage almost abruptly, but not before thanking the crowd.

There was about a 30-40 minute break between sets and you could feel people getting anxious for Kaleo to come on. Even so that when each of the intermission music tracks ended, they would start applauding and yelling, as if encouraging Kaleo to come out earlier.

Kaleo had a 9:30 start and began the show with a single spotlight on lead singer, Jokull Juliusson. He started whistling (a very impressive whistler might I add) as they opened with “I Can’t Go On Without You”. Just as the rest of the band cut in, more lights came on, bolts of faux lightning flashed on the venue’s dark purple curtains and reflected of the candelabra chandeliers- quite dramatic, but it worked.

Juliusson ended the song in his celebrated, falsetto voice and broke into “Save Yourself” immediately after. He then spoke out to the crowd stating how enthralled he was to have a sell-out at a venue like the TLA on a Monday night. Cut to southern swagger and they began to perform “Broken Bones”.

The band members were all wearing different styles of attire and seemed very focused and intense during the performance. Getting the reputation of somewhat of a sex symbol, Juliusson was rocking a white button down, semi-popped collar and a little chest showing. His guitar was beautiful; tri-colored of red, white and medium-toned wood. All members were very versatile, the bassist went back and forth between that and the keyboards, the drummer came forth for the softer songs to tap on the tambourine and play smaller percussion instruments.

They then played “Automobile” and my personal favorite, “All the Pretty Girls”, which had a slower pace. They then went right back to rocking with “No Good” and “Walk on Water” which I might add, had many members in the audience holding up lighters in admiration- a move I haven’t seen in a while. I appreciated it.

As the concert came to a wrap, they performed “Way Down We Go”. In closing, this is a great act to see live. Juliusson is so talented it should be a crime. The way he pours himself into each song and just flows from one alto to the next is bound to give anyone goosebumps and leave them wanting to hear more. Their acoustics were great and the culmination of the band in general was impressive. I would definitely recommend catching their show next time! Hey, they’ve only been touring for 18 months and already played in 47 states- Philly multiple times! I’d keep a look out.

The first Radio 104.5 Block Party of 2016 took place at Festival Pier on Sunday to a music-loving crowd that braved the rainy and chilly weather to see some of the best bands in alternative music today.

Philly’s own Modern Colour opened the show with an energized set that completely had the crowd going wild. The incredibly talented rock band played a 30-minute, six-song set full of electric, high energy rock songs.

The band opened with their latest single, “Try,” a heavy, guitar-driven track with solid vocals from lead vocalist Stephan Sirochman. “Try” is a blend of modern rock, blues, and southern rock, resulting in the Modern Colour sound.

The quartet kept the rock ‘n roll coming with another heavy, guitar-driven song, “Can’t Hide,” followed by solid modern rock jams, “Mercury,” “Ridge,” “Slippin’,” and “‘Till I Get My Way.”

At one point in the set, the crowd was begging Sirochman to take his shirt off. Once he did, he threw it into the crowd, then guitarist Nate Ridgeway took his off, and the crowd went nuts again! The guys threw out a few CDs to fans in the front of the crowd and they absolutely loved it.

Run River North (photos by Lauren Rosier)

One of the bands we recently featured is Run River North. They took the stage next, and delivered an incredible 30-minute set of indie pop songs featuring some highly skilled musicianship. This is a six-piece indie pop/rock band based out of Los Angeles comprised of Alex Hwang (lead vocals/acoustic guitar), Daniel Chae (Electric guitar/violin), Jennifer Rim (Violin), Joseph Chun (bass), John Chon (Drums), and Sally Kang (vocals/keys).

As I watched side stage left, at one point in their set, they just played, without any vocals, and the instrumentation was absolute perfection. When a band can evoke emotion simply with their instruments, it’s an incredible thing, and they did just that.

They played musical notes that painted a landscape of mountains and valleys of intense up and down emotion. The way they’re able to easily move from intense passion to the softened sound of light acoustic guitars, drums, and sweet vocals. When a band is able to do that, you know you’re involved in an experience, not just a fun concert.

One thing I need to point out is that in between sets, Radio 104.5 DJ Reed Streets, was spinning some of greatest alternative and indie pop/rock music in the industry today. He’s such a solid DJ and really kept the crowd energized in between the bands’ sets.

Icelandic indie pop / rock / folk band, Kaleo, took the stage around 4:00 PM and played a stellar 30-minute set. They’re definitely one band you need to keep your eyes and ears on. It seems like there’s so much good musical talent emerging from Iceland and Kaleo is no exception.

Kaleo

Their sound reminded me of a combination of alternative artist, Hozier, with the gritty vocals, Jökull Júliússon, paired with the indie pop/folk vibe of The Lumineers. Live performances are whole other ballgame, though, with the crowd’s energy and reception, and Kaleo didn’t disappoint.

Traveling all the way from Southend, Essex, England, was rock band, Nothing But Thieves, who performed a solid, intense 30-minute set of emotional, yet full-on rock songs. For me, these guys really stole the show. There were crowd surfers galore just bombarding the big, burly security staff with body after body.

Lead vocalist Conor Mason has a voice that transcends time and space, I swear. A blend of Thom Yorke, Jeff Buckley, and another artist I just can’t put my finger on, Mason has a voice that’s perfect for a softer ballad, and raw and gritty enough for a harder rock song.

The British band comprised of Mason, Joe Langridge-Brown (guitars), Dominic Craik (guitars), James Price (drums), and Philip Blake (bass), delivered an intense, emotional show as their first in Philadelphia.

The guys complement each other well with the instrumentation of Brown, Craik, Price, and Blake combined with the vocals of Mason. As a band, they’re able to create a sound that reaches hard rock fans, as well as fans of melodic rock music similar to the likes of Radiohead, Muse, etc.

So I definitely recommend that go follow, like, Youtube, and purchase their music. They’re a band that I hadn’t heard of prior to this show and have suddenly turned into my new favorite band that’s destined to be huge.

X Ambassadors

Lastly, of course, but not least, was the X Ambassadors. The band that has erupted in the United States and has gone from playing Radio 104.5’s Birthday Show on their second stage to being a headliner at one of the station’s annual summer block parties at prominent Philly venue, Festival Pier.

I’ll admit that I wasn’t that familiar with them aside from the hugely popular “Renegades”; however, they did grow on me, and delivered an excellent show. They were scheduled to take the stage at 6:00 PM, but were delayed until 6:30 PM, and played to an excited, crowd-surfing crowd. Their set was full of songs like “Jungle,” “Unsteady” (in which the crowd sang loudly and sometimes out of key to), as well as ending their set with their hit, “Renegades.”

A crew member with X Ambassadors had instructed everyone to clear the area, so that the band could easily exit to their green room, following finishing the performance of “Renegades.” I cleared and stayed out of the band’s way, but as the audience cheered for an encore, the four-piece band headed back towards the stage. I gave out an energetic “woot!” and lead vocalist Sam Harris gave me a point of the finger! A seriously exciting ending to an incredible afternoon and evening of talented, solid musicians.

Summer is coming, and what would summer be without some friends, some good tunes, a few drinks, and, of course the Radio 104.5 Summer Block Parties? Starting in May, and through September, Radio 104.5 is inviting you to its exclusive block parties!

Held at Festival Pier, one Sunday a month, the Summer Block Parties will give everyone, all ages, a chance to see their favorite bands for free – grab some friends and head to the Pier for many evenings of endless fun and good tunes. Radio 104.5 is bringing to the city the best pop and rock bands of the year – don’t miss out! Opening up the festivities on Sunday, May 1^st are X Ambassadors, joined by Nothing But Thieves, Kaleo, and some of our favorites, Modern Colour and Run River North; check out the featured interview we did with RRN!

That Music Mag has been a big fan of Radio 104.5’s Summer Block Parties ever since the beginning, in 2010. If you’re not hooked yet, this is your chance. All you have to do is download your tickets online – however, they run out quickly, so better be ready! Check out below the schedule.

Sunday, May 1^st

Sunday, June 5^th

Sunday, July 10^th

Sunday, August 7^th

Sunday, September 18^th

Regular tickets for the first concert of the series are already sold out, but keep an eye out on Radio 104.5 Facebook page for exclusive ticket giveaways, and be sure to mark those concerts in your calendar – to make your summer one to remember.

What: Radio 104.5 Summer Block Parties

Where: Festival Pier, 601 N Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19123

When: One Sunday/month, through September

How much: free, but ticket required

Free tickets and information at http://m.radio1045.iheart.com/features/summer-block-parties-1986/

Kaleo, the Icelandic band that has been making waves in the US music scene since late 2014, had a sold-out show this Tuesday at The Foundry. Every square inch was filled with spectators on edge with anticipation. It was obvious just by looking at the crowd that everyone was excited to see how the band would perform live. Their expectations were about to be exceeded.

Kaleo Photo by Alexandra Valenti

The Foundry is the smaller upstairs room at one of Philly’s newest venues, The Fillmore. Both spaces have already played host to a number of superb shows, and Philly music fans have warmly embraced the Fishtown addition. Once you go up the tall stairway that takes you into The Foundry, the small stage is directly to your left and a rectangular bar stands in the center. On the sides are small seats/booths and along the walls/ceiling are vintage bulb lined-lights, with just enough radiance to give off a relaxed atmosphere.

Opening the evening was a wonderful performance from Firekid. For most of the set, it was just the lead guitarist and vocalist backed by a drummer, which actually fit well on the condensed stage. You may know their song “Magic Mountain” which has a catchy, addictive rhythm. The players had good synergy and had everyone tapping and nodding in rhythm.

In between sets you could see a number of people coming out and switching/adding the instruments for Kaleo’s set. It was kind of impressive how quickly and effortlessly it seemed considering the small space that they had.

Kaleo stole the room’s attention as soon as they stepped onstage. The band consists of Jokull Juliusson on guitar, Rubin Pollock on lead guitar, Davio Antonsson on percussion and Daniel Kristjansson on bass. Honestly, Juliusson’s vocal range is insanely amazing. The way he goes from light and airy to deep and sultry; it’s inevitable that any listener will get goosebumps and be entranced by the lyrics pouring out of his mouth.

You can tell the band is 100% engaged during the performance and really feed off one another throughout the show. It was truly engaging to see them work together to create all these different sounds in such a finite amount of time. Their harmonies were on point and transitioned smoothly from one song to the next.

The songs that were played had an array of sounds going from blues to folk to indie rock. One of my personal favorites, “I Can’t Go On Without You”, is a deep and soulful tune that penetrates directly to the listener. It’s hard to not feel the empathy in the vocals and cry of the guitar.

The falsetto lyric, light and whimsical “All the Pretty Girls” left the audience in a lullaby trance that was quite beautiful to witness. Each and every song had a different impact on the crowd as unique as the strums and hums creating it. “Way Down We Go” had everyone swaying and singing along to the easily understood lyrics.

Towards the end of the show it was hard to believe how quickly the time went by. It’s as if their songs send a message to just relax and linger in the moment of truly great music, and it’s quite likely you will do just that. After leaving the show it was a little haunting how touching and heartfelt it was. Kaleo was a phenomenal live band, and it will be no surprise when they go on to sell out bigger venues.