A large crowd packed out the historic First Unitarian Church basement to see post- punkers Horsegirl, indie folk rockers Free Range and synth-heavy punks Empath on Friday March 21, in Philadelphia. This was an eclectic bill but each band had something in common- strong energy.
Up first on the bill was Empath, from Philadelphia. Their most recent album is from 2022, ‘Visitor’ on Fat Possum records, and they provided a bristling live show, with Catherine Elicson’s distorted vocals and guitar swirling around while Jem Shanahan played keys, Johnny Costa ripped the bass guitar and Garrett Koloski played drums. We eagerly await new music from them and are glad they’re playing shows again.
Next on the bill was Free Range, from Chicago, Illinois. Led by singer-songwriter Sofia Jensen, this quartet plays country-tinged indie folk. This Friday March 28th, they’ll release their sophomore full-length album, Lost and Found. The set was mainly songs from this upcoming release, including the singles ‘Hardly’ and ‘Storm’. With Bailey Minzenberger (also of Friko and Hemlock) on bass, Jack Henry on drums and Andy Krull (Red PK) on lead guitar as their backing band, Free Range has some real talent and some of the best young Chicago musicians out there today. They mentioned being big fans and old friends of the headlining band, Horsegirl, who are also Chicago-based.
Up last at this show was Horsegirl, a trio of musicians. They have a 90’s alternative style of music, taking cues from groups such as Tiger Trap, and have released two albums, one this year called Phonetics On and On (produced by Cate Le Bon). Although in the recordings the album is rather calm, I loved Horsegirl’s live performance, especially how one guitarist played their guitar like a bass, and the songs are deceptively simple but so catchy and sweet. Band members Nora Cheng, Penelope Lowenstein and Gigi Reece now live in New York, with Penelope and Nora attending NYU. The album was written during their first year there. Empath, Free Range and Horsegirl put on a show that was not to be missed.
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Photos by Jay Leiby
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