This past Friday evening, some of Philly’s finest flocked to Johnny Brenda’s in celebration of The Lawsuits’ latest album, the Bill Moriarty-produced Cool Cool Cool. There was a steady flow of spectators coming in throughout the evening, which eventually sold out.

 

The impressive folk-rock combination of The Districts kick started the festivities. Ripping through a head-turning set that included standout songs such as “Long Distance,” “Silver Couplings” and “Telephone,” the group displayed a raw instrumental tenacity pairing Rob Grote’s emotive guttural vocals with appropriate foot-stomping jams that gather momentum particularly in a live setting, which was also apparent from their performance the following night opening for White Denim on the same stage. BTW: I heard that White Denim was so impressed by the young outfit that the Austin group invited The Districts to join them for a tour.

Though it was a hard act to follow, The Fleeting Ends fed off that momentum and shifted the tone of the evening towards a smooth, casual pop-rock direction. Focusing on songs from their latest album Our Eyes Are Peeled, the trio showcased catchy, energetic tunes such as “Poor Gloria” and “Sing Groupie,” which helped to rouse their fans. Closing with the quick attacking “Speak in Morse Code,” it was clear that The Fleeting Ends had gotten their message across.

The moment had arrived that the capacity crowd had been waiting for; the lights dimmed, and The Lawsuits hit the stage. Displaying their latest product for the faithful to hear. The room, at once, seemed to truly become a collective, embracing each song like a friend. There was comfort in the simple home-cooking bass groove on “Onion” with its yearning lead vocals and layered harmonies, while the peaceful “Dreaming #26,” turned up-tempo with its instantly infectious backing vocals. Brian Dale Allen Strouse delivered the sermon on the revival-esque “The Working’s of You,” the combination of keys, bass, and percussion set the vibe, gathering steam before leading into torching guitars. “25w A19, 120v Blues” proved to be robust, hard-charging, boogie blues. Vanessa Winters brought the crowd to a fever pitch when sharing lead vocal duties on “Long Drive Home,” and her sultry, soulful voice on “You Won’t Love Me, If You Don’t,” the album’s closer, captured the audience for its entire duration. But, the show wasn’t over. After a quick break, the band came out for a highly encouraged encore that included feel-good favorite “Love Is Weight” amid a series of older material.

This night showcased some fine local talent at different stages of their development. Opening and closing with bands, who demonstrated that they’re truly a force to be reckon with. (Photo by Seth Klinger) - Michael Colavita

 

Out Of Town Films presented a “pop-up” show with high schoolers The Districts a few weeks back at Girard Hall. Check out an impassioned performance of “Lyla,” the set’s opener and the opening track to the band’s LP Telephone, below! 

 

More places to hide out from the heat…

 

Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) SAT Mock Suns, SUN Arc In Round

 

Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI (Early) Johnny Miles

 

PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St. Philadelphia) FRI Norwegian Arms, Dream Safari

 

Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI Cultureal, The Underwater Sounds, Katie Barbato, Members of The West Philadelphia Orchestra, Philewephia, Sacred Vibration

 

North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI Seven Second Suicide, No Remorse For The Fallen, SAT Luther, SUN Wild Rompit

 

The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Kevin Killen, SAT Rafiya, Rotimi

 

MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI The Echo Cellar Rockers, SAT Citadel, Cheers Elephant, W.C. LIndsay, Lucy Stone

 

Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Ang & The Damn Band, Shorty boy-boy

 

M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) SAT Alien Architect, Droid Daughter

 

TLA (334 South St.) SAT Chic Raw, Inner City Hustlers, Dollar Boyz, Young Savage

 

The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) SAT Midsummer Mayhem w/Us, From the Outside, After The Glory, Mercy Starts With Me, Stealing Skies

 

The Blockley (3801 Chestnut St.) FRI Jason Fraticelli & The Wet Dreams, SAT Phantasm

 

Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI Ryan Weidman, Ado James, SAT The Jack Roses, SUN Rusty Cadillac

 

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Downstairs) Jeff Thomas' All-Volunteer Army, Divers, Chelsea Reed and The Fair Weather Five, (Upstairs) The Districts, Satellite Hearts, SAT The Better Half, Dime Street Joker, Brett Talley Band, Quixote Project, Rodger Delany, SUN Woman's Way Benefit Concert w/Wounded Healers

 

The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) SAT Brithers In Exile, SUN Supreem & The New Experience, Supreem Da Rezarekta, Silvercord

 

The Station (1550 McKean St.) FRI Braille, Window Liquor

 

Voltage Lounge (421 N 7th St.) FRI No Such Noise!, The Stonewall Vessles, SAT Flesh Engine

 

The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Soraia, Counter Riot, Banned Books

 

Pageant Soloveev (607 Bainbridge St.) SAT Mincemeat or Tenspeed, Dungeon Broads, Some Pepper, Unguent

 

Golden Tea House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Restorations, Run, Forever, Ma Jolie

 

Yarga’s Basement (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN Marietta, Smoother, Airman Trout