Local Band Review: Mumblr
Mumblr/Michelle Rose
Few bands in Philly carry as much excitement as Mumblr. These local heroes are a tight, noisy band who set the stage for what Fishtown’s music scene can really be proud of. If Sunny Day Real Estate were ever to meet Cursive at a Philly house party, you could guarantee Mumblr would be opening.
Sitting down with Nick Morrison (vocals and guitar) and Ian Amidan (lead guitar) at a coffee shop in Kensington, I got a chance to discuss their upcoming record and catch some details on the band’s songwriting process.
For Mumblr, it is very much about viewing the music as a whole. Leaving lyrics open to interpretation, Nick paints pictures using metaphors, intelligence and comedy. Both serious and fun, Mumblr often accomplishes a unique atmosphere of high energy and deep thought.
For their next record “The Never Ending Get Down”, Mumblr recorded live takes while adding additional production through vocal and guitar overdubs in order to keep the energy level high. Recorded entirely at Sex Dungeon Studios in West Philly, this new record will be the first time additional mixing/production will be done by someone other than Scott Stitzer, the band’s drummer. “The Never Ending Get Down” will likely be a little more polished and full sounding than the band’s previous recorded material. Ian described the record as a “chorus of Nicks” so those of us familiar with the vocalist’s powerful voice will no doubt be very excited for this eargasm.
Why go for something so different? Nick told me that he was afraid of being pigeonholed as just another punk band. Experimenting with these techniques will bring Mumblr to the next phase of their musical career, one that I think we can all agree will make the band want to “Stay in Philadelphia.”
Local Show Spotlight: Kat Kat Phest @ Everybody Hits Philadelphia
A plethora of good bands will be performing this year at the Kat Kat Phest — a six day long festival beginning December 27th and running through January 1st. Everybody Hits Philadelphia’s batting cages (529 W Girard Ave) will transform into a music venue each night. One evening in particular, December 30th, shapes up for an extra special lineup, featuring Alex G., Forth Wanders, I Tried To Run Away When I Was Six, Half Waith, Second Marriage, Coping Skills and more.
One of the best artists to come out of Philly in the last few years is without a doubt Alex G. His sporadic music styles, soothing vocals and prolific recording career have been amazing to watch develop. Having recently released a new album titled “Beach Music”, Alex has been keeping busy touring all over the country this year. He will be headlining the show on Wednesday night with his dreamy lo-fi folk.
Forth Wanders is also set to perform on that Thursday night. Featuring Ava Trilling, a singer who mleds melodies from the 50s with grunge vocals, Forth Wanders is a lush pop rock band from across the Delaware River that plays songs to sooth that restless emo soul.
I tried to run away when i was six is a throwback to the old days of guitar and vocals being enough to create a safe honest space. The haunting atmosphere created by Domenica Pileggi is both simple and beautiful. A combination of aggressive strumming and melody sustains listening even in the most intimate settings.
Half Waif will be mixing it up a little that night with her experimental vocals and off time beats. This compliments Nandi Rose Plunkett’s experimental use of electronic drums, synths and rich female vocals, which echoes both indian and celtic music.
Second Marriage is a four piece pop punk band from Philly featuring alternating vocalists Calvin and Andrew who keep things interesting with catchy layered guitars, punchy drums and classic chugging bass lines.
Coping Skills are scheduled to open the show. Mixing Lo-fi guitars and dueling pop vocals, Coping Skills is a solid listen set to only be the tip of the iceberg that night.
The show is Thursday, December 30 at 8PM. Admission for this all ages event is $10. Everybody Hits Philadelphia is located at 529 W. Girard Ave.
Full Line Up:
I TRIED TO RUN AWAY WHEN I WAS SIX
CALLING ALL MUSICIANS/MUSIC FANS: Is your band from the Riverwards? Did you record your last EP at a local studio or is your practice space in our ‘hood? Or is there a local band you love and want us to spotlight on Music Row? Shoot us an email at news@spiritnews.org with the subject line “Music Row.”
