Evil Sword Olivia Neutron-John Guerilla Toss Johnny Brenda's 10.27.18 The wildly eccentric Guerilla Toss took full advantage of the Halloween season for Saturday night's gig at Johnny Brenda's, letting the naturally dark and playful setting that the holiday typically provides enhance the band's artful and cartoonish nuances. Attendees dressed up for the occasion, inspiring a costume contest (Mother Nature won and then promptly fellated the trophy). Punk disco was the scene, the evening's collection of costumed and plainclothes fans caught in the groove and dazzled by the vivid lights and the abstract visuals that gleamed overhead. Think of The Exploding Plastic Inevitable had it been set to post-punk/mutant disco.  Guerilla Toss is currently touring to promote Twisted Crystal , their latest LP which is currently available at DFA Records . I reviewed the album for No Ripcord . Once again, bad iPhone pics of the event to look through. Somebody ...

Public Image Ltd. Union Transfer 10.16.18 Acting on an unexpected offer to attend Public Image Ltd. 's Philly stop on their current The Public Image is Rotten tour, I wound up with a writing assignment for Phawker. The show review is linked below along with some shitty iPhone photos I managed to take. The professional shot was taken by  Josh Pelta-Heller . One observation that I didn't include in the show review: Following PiL's performance of "Black Swan," John Lydon shot two of the most confident and spectacular snot rockets from his nostrils that I've ever seen. I was simultaneously impressed and disgusted. It was kind of amazing. Phawker: Public Image Ltd. at Union Transfer, 10.16 Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

All Souls The Jesus Lizard Union Transfer 9.8.18 Following my interview with David Yow , I was able to attend the Philly stop of  The Jesus Lizard 's current run of shows at Union Transfer. I want to state for the record that David Yow is 58 years old and I hope to possess an iota of the energy he burned through during that gig by the time I'm his age. I also never want to see a younger band or performer visibly worn out after a much less physically demanding show. The Jesus Lizard played three encores that were three to five songs apiece after an hour or more of constant crowd engagement, (i.e. body surfing, stage diving, being yanked), while pounding us all with decibel after decibel. The theater of it all was a sight to behold and I'm fortunate I had the opportunity to witness it. This show review was also written for Philadelphia's The Key . Please check out the live photos by Josh Pelta-Heller , because my iPhone shots are nowhere near as good. The Key:...

EZTV Ex Hex Boot & Saddle, 9.10.18. Mary Timony continues to rule. I was happy to have the opportunity to watch her play. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Easy Action Dinosaur Jr. Union Transfer Philadelphia, PA 9.29.17 Photo by Josh Pelta-Heller Phawker  live show coverage Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Secret Chiefs 3 Dead Cross Union Transfer Philadelphia, PA 9.10.17 No Ripcord  live show coverage Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Body Spray M Ax Noi Mach Pissed Jeans Boot & Saddle Philadelphia, PA 3.10.17 Photo by Josh Pelta-Heller Phawker live show coverage Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Kill Alters Blank Spell Deerhoof Union Transfer , 6.25.16 Isabella , a.k.a., Daughter of a Tapehead , attended her very first concert on Saturday.  She wrote the following: P.S. — I would personally like to thank the very accommodating people at Union Transfer.  When we arrived Saturday, my daughter was treated almost like royalty.  She was given a reserved seat very close to the stage so she had no issue with obstructed views, the venue manager stopped by to greet her and ask if there was anything we needed, and the patrons were incredibly sweet to her.  As a first concert experience, Isabella's couldn't have been better. I would also like to thank Deerhoof , who took the time to sign Isabella's ticket stub and chat with her a bit at the end of the show.  With us, you have a family of fans for life.   Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead