So I realize it’s been a while since High Voltage has heard from me. I’ve been doing most of my ranting and raving on Philthy (http://blog.philthy.us/blog/) however, now that High Voltage is re-launching I am diving back into the loop. Yes, you’ll notice the site is looking prettier than ever, my column has a fresh title, and I have an […]

This past Friday tUnE-yArDs was in Philadelphia for a long-sold out performance at Johnny Brenda’s. However, it was openers, Buke & Gass, who provided the evening’s most impressive performance. The Brooklyn duo kicked off the evening of musical subversions armed with their self-crafted buke (a six string, what-was-once-a-baritone ukulele) and gass (a guitar-bass hybrid) and a bevy of leg-strapped percussion. […]

Ever since I was a teen (actually, a little bit less), attending concerts has been my only real “hobby.” During my highschool years my mom would drop me off at the doorstep of the 9:30 Club or the Black Cat several nights a week, where I would wait on the sidewalk for hours so that I could be front row […]

So I realize that an average AC/DC fan is about as likely to have heard of Girl in a Coma, Smoke Fairies, or Twin Tigers as they are to have seen the latest episode of The Whitest Kids You Know. Their concert-going is likely relegated to summer sheds, they probably couldn’t name a song by Belle & Sebastian, and they […]

Girl in a ComaAdventures in CoverlandBlackheart Records Group The Velvet Underground and Selena rarely find themselves in each other’s company under amicable circumstances. However, the two seem more than at-home on Girl in a Coma’s latest, Adventures in Coverland. This collection of covers has the band straying from their usual brand of power pop (except for their take on “Come […]

Smoke Fairies | Johnny Brenda’s (Philadelphia, PA) | May 15, 2010 | “Who here wishes they were as cool as the Smoke Fairies?… I do” Laura Marling says, raising her hand in the air. The 20-year-old prodigal folk chanteuse was referring to the act who had taken Johnny Brenda’s stage before her. I’m pretty sure most people wish they were […]

Derek and the DarlingRock Face7 Trick Pony Derek and the Darling manage to transcend not only genres, but mediums. The duo, comprised of Derek Nicoletto and Sammi Garett, met while performing with indie improv. troupe Upright Citizens Brigade. Likely, the reason it’s often difficult to decipher the irony/sincerity ratio of the songs found on their debut EP, Rock Face. Opening […]