Local Band Review

Bardus, a Riverwards-based power trio creates walls of fuzzy guitars, strained vocal melodies and powerful drums in their music. If Minor Threat and Neurosis were cross bred by extraterrestrials, the result would be the sludge rock of Bardus. The band members are fans of all things conspiracy, alien and counter-culture and their lyrics make that very evident.

Since forming in 2011, longtime friends Justin Tuck (guitars and vocals) and Kyle Pierce (drums) have helped lay the ever-evolving foundation for the rock scene in Philadelphia.

Tuck and Pierce grew up together in central Pennsylvania and have known each other for more than 15 years. As a result of their familiarity with one another, Pierce says that they “share the same ear and brain when it comes to music.” With bassist Ari Rosenberg rounding out the band’s roster, Bardus has achieved a level of controlled, calculated noise rock that can shake a listener’s core.

It’s been three years since Bardus released their first record in 2013, titled “Solus.” Having recently signed to Solar Flare Records — a French, musician-run label — Bardus is now busy booking shows up and down the coast in support of their follow-up record, “Stella Porta,” which is eyeing a physical and digital release on April 1, 2016. So far, the new album sounds powerful, full and inspiring. This is thanks in part to Gradwell House, the studio where Bardus recorded live in one take, adding only guitar and vocal overdubs.

You can come see, feel and hear Bardus for yourself when they play The Waiting Room on April 6, 2016. Doors open at 7PM for this all ages show.

Local Show Review

A delightfully eclectic mix of pop punk and indie rock is gracing the stage at Everybody Hits (529 West Girard Ave.) on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 8PM. Featuring a variety of bands from the East Coast, the show will include some heavy hitters from Washington D.C. (The Max Levine Show), several Brooklyn bands (Bellows, Worriers) and, of course, an amazing local act, Thin Lips.

Thin Lips is a local band to get excited about. Featuring siblings Chrissy Tashjian and Michael Paul Tashjian, and the talented Kyle Pulley, the band sounds a bit like Weezer, but with an awesome female singer. The band recently had their record, “Divorce Year”, pressed to vinyl by Philly’s own Lame-O-Records.

Moving on to the out-of-towners, The Max Levine Ensemble are a DIY punk band from the D.C. metropolitan area. A powerful trio of musicians, the group consists of David Combs, Ben Epstein and Nick Popovici. Nostalgic for some and just plain fun for most, The Max Levine Ensemble are sure to keep you bopping around for the duration of the evening.

Bellows began in 2010 when songwriter and producer Oliver Kalb starting recording in college. An intimate and honest experience, Kalb’s music is equal parts humble and beautiful, featuring sparkling arpeggiated chords with layered vocals.

Worriers are a punk band from Brooklyn, featuring Mikey Erg, Audrey Zee Whitesides, Lou Hanman and a few other rotating musicians. With a steady discography on Don Giovanni Records, the band will wrap the night up at Everybody Hits

Want your band or a local band you love to be spotlighted on Music Row? Shoot us an email at news@spiritnews.org with the subject line “Music Row.”