.philly and the arts

Teri! Le Butcherettes @ Underground Arts 2016

Despite a concert-less weekend (which is fine, I like to recharge!) I went to Ox Coffee off South Street. Here I popped in to check out "Sound Into Sight" my friend Chris's opening night of concert photography (to be displayed up until May). Many people may know Chris as "countfeed" on Instagram. He goes to numerous concerts and captures so many interesting moments (especially hair flying in the air as a cascading waterfall). Some of his photography includes Le Butcherettes, Sleater-Kinney, Radiohead, Bruce Springsteen, Screaming Females, Patti Smith, Adia Victoria, and more. As I perused his gallery I found myself saying, "Yes! I remember that show!" I chose this image (above) to upload on Instagram because it was the first concert where I met Chris, M.J., and other Philly concert friends. If you are in the area definitely stop by and check out his portraits or give him a follow on Instagram for live performance goodness...

.pre-orders, glorious pre-orders

 Thought I'd share some of the items I recently pre-ordered. First is Crystal Fairy. Crystal Fairy is a side-band project that contains members of The Melvins, At The Drive-In, and front woman Teri GB from Le Butcherettes. Their debut album "Drugs on the Bus" drops February 24th! You can check out some of their songs on band-camp as a sneak peek. 

Garbage is releasing a coffee-table picture book called "This is the Noise That Keeps me Awake." It features live-shots, behind-the-scenes images, portraits, as well stories from the four on their journey as a band. If you have the money to shell out (and I mean over $100) you can get a signed copy and 7". The book drops on July 4th. I'm really excited for this as I'm seeing Garbage this summer with Blondie on the Rage and Rapture Tour.

Those PWR BTTM kids can take all my money. Their new album "Pageant" drops May 12th. On their website you can choose from different bundles as well as different colored vinyl! I choose the starburst vinyl so I'm curious to see what that looks like. Of course it won't be anything short of amazing! Being an insane pin collector I picked up the Ben and Liv pins as well as the Ben and Liv magnets. You can change their outfit and accessories! Wha?! How fun! I will probably buy more merch come June when I see them in concert again.

Saw this on Jennifer Clavin's (Bleached) Twitter last night. The zine is $12 and came out to less than $20 with shipping. All of the proceeds go to Planned Parenthood. It's titled "Can You Deal?" and features a compilation from many different artists: Julien Baker, Suzi Gardner/Donita Sparks, Alice Glass, Allie Hanlon, Kate Nash, Liz Phair, JD Samson, Patty Schemel, Mish Way, Allison Wolfe, Tegan Quin, and many more. It deals with the annoying question many women (especially Sleater-Kinney) have mentioned time and time again they are sick of answering, "What is it like to be a girl in a rock band?" I'm really interested in reading this.

.le butcherettes

I have never heard of Le Butcherettes until I heard a song off of Pandora Radio a while ago. It was instantaneous knowing I'd like their music and Teri reminds me a bit of Karen O. The moment I heard they were coming to Philly I knew I had to jump on it. Boy was it mind-blowing and I am wanting more. I'd rate Teri Suarez at the top of my list for performers. Top meaning close to PJ Harvey. No clue what to expect at this show except it would be explosive rage and raw power.

This was my first show at the Underground Arts. The venue is pretty sweet and the stage comes a little below your knees. It was great to be right in front of all the action. The two opening bands were Eureka the Butcher and The Dead Ships. Le Butcherettes didn't come on until 11. They killed it. Teri slayed on the keyboard and guitar, Chris pounded those drums, and Riko kept smiling jamming out on the bass so you knew they were having a great time. The fans were really great and we all rocked out in the front. The funniest moment of the night was when some random guy shouted out "Muy...MUY BIEN!!" after a song and Teri was like "Gracias!" We were holding them back from starting songs because the applause was extended and much deserved. I didn't manage a set list but a fan let me take a picture of his....

LEIBNIZ
THEY FUCK YOU OVER
SOLD LESS THAN GOLD
SHAVE THE PRIDE
DEVIL LIVED
BURN THE SCAB
WEAKNESS
BOULDERS
SICK OF ZACH
WITCHLESS
STAB MY BACK
BANG
WE NO OWE
DEMON
WRECKING BALL
HENRY
LA UVA 

I would rate this band as really high up on my list. At the merchandise stand I bought a shirt and their latest album. I'm going to look more into Bosnian Rainbows (Teri's other band) now. Sadly the people who work at the venue kicked us all out early so we had no chances of meeting the band. I would love to go to the DC show this evening but I'm trying to save my last two days for taking off of work for May. If they open for At the Drive-In near me, I'm totally in. I need to see this band again. We need more front women like Teri. She is just a force to be reckoned with.