If you’re not into electronic music and are looking for a different vibe on May 9th, check out Night Beats and Philadelphia’s own Stereo League and Slomo Sapiens at Kung Fu Necktie. This venue is the perfect scene for a Thursday night, featuring the kind of quirky dive bar aesthetic that only Fishtown can offer.
Night Beats has been around since 2009, and while band members have come and gone, lead singer and guitarist Danny “Lee Blackwell” Rajan Billingsley has been the central fixture from the very beginning. Named after the Sam Cooke album by the same name, Night Beats blends vintage soul with grungy psychedelic rock. Their latest project, Myth of a Man, released January 2019, leans more into a lighter psychedelic sound evocative of The Black Keys’ 2014 album, Turn Blue–safe to say, as Blackwell has worked with The Black Keys guitarist Dan Auerbach. However, this album stands uniquely on its own with a long list of influences, and I wouldn’t miss the chance to see it performed live.
Coming off the road following the release of their first album, Light on Both Sides, Stereo League is back in their hometown once again. With carefully crafted lyrics and a collaborative mentality, Stereo League produces a captivating mellow rock. I have personally seen these guys perform twice–once in my own living room with a stripped back, acoustic set, and a second playing full-force onstage at Johnny Brenda’s. It’s incredible to watch a band effortlessly navigate between those two very different scenes; and it’s a huge testament to both their thoughtful songwriting and confidence in their craft. Check out their #1 song on Spotify (and my personal favorite), “Mother Tongue.” But don’t be fooled by their mellow sound on Spotify–they know how to put on a damn good rock show, just ask their bass player.
Slomo Sapiens, another Philly-based group, brings hard-core garage band vibes, heavy on the drums and guitar riffs. They released their first EP, Hot Milk in 2018 along with their new single, “Fangs.” Their grungy sound will feel right at home on the Kung Fu Necktie stage.
Night Beats
Stereo League
Slomo Sapiens
Thursday May 9th, 2019
Doors 8pm
Show 8:30pm
$15 advance
21 & over
Kung Fu Necktie
1250 N Front Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19122
Purchase tickets here.
More info here.
Leave a Comment