Categorized | Concerts, Philadelphia

The Bye Byes, Arizona @ The M Room, Philadelphia

A majority of my favorite local artists play constantly around the city of . Just about any night of the week I can expect to find at least one or two great Philly bands playing somewhere between Old City, Fishtown and West Philly. One of those few exceptions is retro pop rockers , so it’s always a treat to see their name on a bill.

Front man Pete Shauger’s pop sensibilities shine through as the foursome plays simple rock ‘n roll riffs on songs such as ‘Leftover Lois”, “I Am The Office” and “Holly Has Hobbies”. The simplicity of the harder sound is kept interesting and innovative with pop flourishes from the keyboard melodies of Joel Rose. The set was mostly tight and crisp with some reverb resounding throughout “Holly Has Hobbies”.  I loved the handclaps building up against a surf rock riff on “I Know It’s Hard” that just explodes into a spot on pop song.

The current popularity of retro indie pop can only help break out of the scene and join the ranks of the She & Hims of the indie rock world.  The commercial potential of is almost overwhelming. My only suggestion would be to play up the kitsch of their sound with matching suits for performances.

In an odd line-up, , a Pennsylvania prog rock four piece, took that stage next. They played a very experimental set full of classic rock influences with lots of smooth, drugged out riffs and just excellent songwriting. Many of the songs were almost manic in their changing of dynamics that took each person in on an intense musical journey, even though technical difficulties prevented the band’s planned light show.

: myspace | @ the khyber | interview with
: website | myspace

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This post was written by:

Jessica McGinley - who has written 381 posts on popwreckoning.

EIC, ya dig.

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Concert Calendar

July 31, 2010
Tokyo Police Club @ Record Bar, Kansas City MO

August 2, 2010
The Vans Warped Tour @ Sandstone at Cap Fed, Bonner Springs KS

August 3, 2010
Lady Gaga @ Sprint Center, Kansas City MO

August 3, 2010
Happy Birthday!! @ Replay, Lawrence KS

August 6-8, 2010
Lollapalooza @ Grant Park, Chicago

August 10, 2010
Gogol Bordello @ Uptown, Kansas City MO

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