Jesse Malin

Most think that there are two schools of thought musician Jesse Malin could fall into. Surviving the ’70s and ’80s means he could belong in the traditional “I remember when ...” school of rock ’n’ roll reserved for those who hit their prime back in the day. Then there’s the newer and more trendy school that follows the “I kept up with the changing times of rock music,” ethos reserved for those both talented and timeless. It’s no question that the 44-year-old falls into a school of his own that is both reminiscent of the beginnings of rock ’n’ roll and edgy at the same time.
 http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/arts-and-culture/Calendar-June-27-July-3-2012-160523485.html

Appeared in the June 27, 2012 issue of Philadelphia Weekly. They posted a typo with the artists name, there is no "e" at the end of "Malin."

Exitmusic

The crooning tunes of Exitmusic leave goose bumps on the skin and send chills down the spine. Whether that’s from the achingly beautiful voice of Aleksa Palladino or the sometimes guttural tones of the accompanying band, we’re not quite sure. The experience of Exitmusic’s live performance brings out the best and the worse in us, where sweeping melodies and drawn out vocals spur memories we swore were long forgotten. Not unfamiliar to the area but different from everyone else, this one-quarter Canadian four-piece brings the frost of Northern weather to the American East Coast like nothing we’ve ever seen before.

 http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/arts-and-culture/Calendar-June-20-26-2012-159624725.html?page=2&comments=1&showAll=

Also appeared in the June 20, 2012 edition of Philly Weekly.

Turning violet Violet

Turning Violet Violet has mastered the art of masking heavy lyrics with upbeat pop tunes. The band performs with a ferocious honesty not often seen in the indie scene. The song “Take Away” exemplifies touching, heartfelt lyrics covered by lighter tunes, where lead singer Sarah Gulish croons about the passing of her grandmother. This six-piece lighten things up with melodic guitars and swelling vocals and we wouldn’t be surprised to find a sound bite from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory thrown in, a nod to the origin of the band’s namesake.

 http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/arts-and-culture/Calendar-June-20-26-2012-159624725.html

Appeared in the June 20, 2012 edition of Philly Weekly.