July 13th, 2012
There Are Some BOSS Shows To Attend This Weekend: Crocodiles, El-P, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, Girl In A Coma, And Surface To Air
Friday, July 13
Crocodiles
Fat Possum Records damn well knows its duos. They have a history of signing a bunch of good ones: Black Keys, T Model Ford and Spam, Bass Drum of Death. So, in ’09, when they inked a deal with Crocodiles, a two-piece from the “whale’s vagina,” meaning San Diego, those in the know tuned their ears in. Of course, it didn’t hurt that the two in the group—Brandon Welchez and Charles Rowell—came from an impressive pedigree, spending time in hardcore heroes like A Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower and Some Girls. Those bands blew wigs back with scream-centric force. But Crocodiles came out the gate shooting fuzzy, warm Jesus and Mary Chain-like hugs from their amps, choosing this time not to break hips, but make them sway. The guys have added a few more instruments since their debut—live drums, keyboards—and, like the Keys before them, the result is a band that’s more fully realized, more versatile, lusher and readier than ever for prime time. In short, these Crocodiles have more teeth. -Brian McManus
8pm. $12. With Nothing. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave. 215.739.9684. johnnybrendas.com
Saturday, July 14
El-P
“So you should pump this shit/Like they do in the future,” goes the riled-up chorus of “The Full Retard,” off Cancer 4 Cure, the May-released third LP from El-P. If this banger and Cancer indicate what will be happening years from now, the future is destined to be a place ruled by uber tangled, rapidly delivered, ultra intellectual raps, plus mistrust, resentment, self-doubt and more of the MC’s favorite subjects. The Blade Runner-smitten Brooklynite born Jaime Meline has long maintained a highly motivated hustle—his own discography and guest verses aside, El-P founded crucial indie hip-hop label Definitive Jux and has grown increasingly interested in production (beats on the new R.A.P. Music from tour partner Killer Mike are all El’s doing)—but Cancer marks an apex of agility and agitation. Take that advice, and start your pumping in the present. -Reyan Ali
8pm. $20. With Killer Mike, Despot + Asher Roth. Trocadero, 1003 Arch St. thetroc.com
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart emerged in 2009 with a debut that captured the rainy day jangle of mid-1980s British pop, nods to the Smiths and the Jesus & Mary Chain embedded in bittersweet paeans to young love and library sex. The band seemed likely to join a wave of fuzz-crusted romantics—Wild Nothing, Yuck and others—that emerged in the ’00s. Then the band’s Belong took a swerve toward 1980s alterna-rock, submerging pretty pop hooks in oceanic guitar roar a la the Smashing Pumpkins. Live, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart let their songs speak for themselves, supporting their swooning melodies with only the most understated showmanship. With tunes this good, though, that’s enough. -Jennifer Kelly
6:30pm. Free. Morgan’s Pier, 221 N. Columbus Blvd. 215.821.7575. r5productions.com
Sunday, July 15
Girl in a Coma
Ever notice how little sisters can be preening divas? Phanie Diaz recognized in her 12-year-old sister, Nina, the indomitable stage presence and powerful pipes of a great frontwoman. It ended a long search by Phanie and BFF bassist Jenn Alva. Now, Nina’s versatility is key to their eclectic sound. Sometimes she’s a sultry, shoulder-shimmying minx. Other times, she’s a blustery gale force rocker, and still others a breathy, pouty-lipped dream pop crooner. She’s such a dramatic presence—like a model, she’d look good in anything—that the music could be an after-thought. It’s anything but. Last year’s Exits & All the Rest skillfully runs the gamut from whiskey-stained country to glam, surf and garage. -Chris Parker
7pm. $10-$12. With Black Box Revelation and Deadbeat Darling. Ortlieb’s Lounge, 847 N. Third St. 267.324.3348. ortliebslounge.com
Surface to Air
There’s serenity but also a restless spark in the music of Surface to Air. Jonathan Golberger’s acoustic guitar and Jonti Siman’s upright bass give a hint of stripped-down folk and jazz. Rohin Khemani’s tabla and percussion bring an energized North Indian element, pushing the trio into open improvised terrain. The eponymous debut is mostly original, but even the cover of “Heysátan” by Sigur Rós and the theme from Blood Simple end up sounding like originals. At the new underground music series Rip Rig (first and third Sundays), they’ll share a bill with local six- and 12-string guitar maverick Nick Millevoi and the duo Rake (Ryan A. Miller, Jake Nussbaum). -David R. Adler
8pm. $7. With Rake, Nick Millevoi. Café Clave, 4305 Locust St. 215.386.3436. riprig.com
