While most of the music world was converging on Austin, Texas for the SXSW conference, Philadelphia was still asserting it's place as a music city to reckoned with last night at Johnny Brenda's. First up in a preview of next month's Bag Of Songs night April 20th at The M Room were the Thinking Machines with an amazing set of songs from their brand new cd, A Complete Record Of Urban Archaeology. A guitar oriented rhythmic sound sound I can best describe as sort of like Gang Of Four meets Fugazi. Next up was folk-edelic stylings of The Chimeras playing songs from their new disc, Party Of God, a loosely conceptual rumination on war and religion in the middle east. Baltimore's Squaaks were next, tearing through a tight set of their blend of high energy rock. Jotto closed the evening with a set of dancey music that fans of current buzz bands Yeasayer or MGMT would love.

MP3: Thinking Machines - Return To The Red Sun
Buy A Complete Record Of Urban Archaeology
MP3: The Chimeras - Good Friday
Buy Party Of God
MP3: Squaaks - Be Dry My Bleeding Heart
Buy Rock Control
MP3: Jotto - Backyard Circus
Buy Jotto EP


Thinking Machines
The Chimeras
Squaaks
Jotto

Although their name may be reminiscient of a sound you'll hear on the new Radiohead album, Squaaks music is not. Their bio describes their sound as "crunchy guitars, a driving rhythm and catchy melodies" and it's right on the money. Their new album Rock Control is part sixties garage rock, part eighties post punk with songs that are catchy and often lighthearted. They're also not afraid to show they have a sense of humor, check out the opening track of the disc, Two Hippies, and you're sure to crack a smile. Catch 'em this Friday in Philly on the bill with American Princes, The New Motels, and The Sw!ms at The Khyber.

The Baltimore, Maryland based Squaaks are:
Songwriter Virat Shukla on vocals and guitar
Bassist and vocalist Elena Fox
Guitarist and keyboardist Justin Custer
Drummer Charles Cole














MP3: Squaaks - Two Hippies
MP3: Squaaks - Be Dry My Bleeding Heart

Upcoming Shows
Oct 12 2007 8:00P The Khyber Philadelphia, PA
Oct 13 2007 9:00P Lo-Fi Social Club Baltimore, MD
Oct 19 2007 8:00P The Metro Gallery Baltimore, MD
Oct 27 2007 8:00P The Vintage Porter Salisbury, NC

[WEBSITE] [MYSPACE] [PHOTO by C. Arkwright]