Philadelphia Bands: Modern Baseball

Music Review

Pure adolescence in musical form: that's what Modern Baseball's new album is. Recently released yesterday, and with an unadulterated sound, "Sports" is what everyone needed, lying on the bed with arms and head dangling upside down, the ceiling fan spinning to the rhythm of suburbia's heartbeat.

There's a warmth to the tone in Modern Baseball's songs that shines through the world-weary vocals and fuzzy edged guitar riffs. Emotional and relatable, songs like "@chl03k" and "I Think You Were in My Profile Picture Once" will reach out to you with an open hand, one that asks to be taken and held.

Folksy-punk at times and acoustic-rock at other times, Modern Baseball is nothing less than honest and true.  Founded only one year ago, this band is truly worth a listen. Like their facebook page to keep up with their updates, and purchase "Sports" here.

What to do: Philadelphia

For those of you in Philadelphia wondering what to do now that Thanksgiving is over, here are some concerts to consider.

Tuesday: 

• The Gaslight Anthem at the Electric Factory
• Twin Sister, School of Seven Bells, and Moon King at Union Transfer

Thursday

• Passion Pit and Ra Ra Riot at the Electric Factory
• 3LAU, Aylen, DJ Sylo, and Chris Rivera at Whisper Nightclub

Friday

• Title Fight, Pianos Become the Teeth, Single Mothers, Tigers Jaw at Union Transfer

Saturday

• Zeds Dead at the Electric Factory

Expect to see me Friday at Union Transfer. If you'd like to rendezvous, contact me on The Tiny Sparrow facebook page. Keep an eye out for an Asian girl with blond hair in a pixie cut.

Philadelphia Bands: Toy Soldiers

Music Review

Crooning vocals and toe-tapping beats are what make Toy Soldiers so memorable. Their light guitar riffs make the music fun and takes this band in a twisting, turning timewarp. With a slight bluesy twang, Toy Soldiers sets up a kind of soulful, modern spin on classic rock 'n' roll, bringing it to 2012 with a fresh coat of paint. As local music connoisseur, Jake Brophy, puts it, "It's cowboy shit."

Made of members Ron Gallo, Dominic Billett, Matt Kelly, Luke Leidy, Bill McCloskey, this Philadelphia band will knock you out with its leather boots and shake you down. Come see them at World Cafe Live this December 22nd, and expect only the best.

Philadelphia Bands: Triceratopolis

Music Review

Ever heard of a thing called "chiptunes?" The music genre was fairly recently opened up to me, and now that I've gotten into it, I'm forever hooked. With musicians like Bit Shifter and :( on the rise, this genre is getting a growing fan base that'll bring it up into the spotlight.

It was through a band called Triceratopolis that really got me into this genre, and though it's not completely chiptunes, it relies heavily enough on it to make it an applicable adjective to the band. A punk-chiptunes lunch combination, Triceratopolis will rock your world with its catchy beats and fun lyrics that get you headbanging whether you like it or not.

A solo project of Edward Spinelli's, Triceratopolis is everything your neighborhood punk needs for quenching the angst out and letting the pop/punk beats in. Locally renowned as a third-year music industry major and all-around-nice-guy, Ed has dedicated his life to creating only the best songs you'll ever hear. If you need something to belt out while dancing in the shower, Triceratopolis' hit single, "All My Friends Have Cameras" is a great one to get your day off on the right foot.

In his first album, "Welcome to Triceratopolis," Ed combines his mastery at composing with his easy-to-get-stuck-in-your-head voice to concoct a catchy chiptunes-punk set list that'll get you on your feet and into the mosh pit. 

Keep an eye out for this diamond in the rough as he makes his way on stage at your next local house show. For now, get him on your itunes by going to his bandcamp. Check out his website, too.