Gutters and Strikes

It is with great sadness that we must announce the probable demise of Philly pop punkers the Mad Splatter. Lead singer/guitarist Scott Slomeana is leaving the band at the end of the summer to pursue other interests, both musical and otherwise. The rest of the band is considering soldiering on with a new frontman, or with one of themselves taking over, but even they admit that it is unlikely that the band will survive. This leaves a big gap in pop punk here in the city of brotherly love and it is doubtful that anyone will take up the reins of writing love songs about zombies, gore and other horror movie inspired topics. They played the Blockley Pourhouse last night and have another Philly show scheduled in June for the Clark Park Festival. They are trying to book a super special final show (I would assume here in Philly, though they were not specific) with their favorite bands, but no details yet. Go see them while you still got the chance.

As we bid a fond farewell to our friends in the Splatter, we turn and welcome with open arms the return of the Gaslight Anthem. They have a new album, American Slang, due out June 15th and the Jersey boys are poised for some big changes. Unchanged is their label; they opted to stay put and put out Slang on SideOneDummy--a wise move as many bands in their position have jumped ship to a major only to find themselves overhyped and eventually overlooked. Gaslight were sensible enough to do one last album on a relative indie and continue to build their fan base. What is changing is the venues for their live act. Last time they came through Philly, on the final leg of the '59 Sound tour, they sold out one night at the Troc and almost sold out a second night. This summer, when the hit us up with new material, they are playing Penn's Landing. That's quite a jump for a band who, three years ago, were opening for the Loved Ones in the Church basement. Good for them. They have worked hard and are deserving of their success. While most any band is enhanced by an intimate show, Gaslight's songs have always been big and open enough to fill larger spaces. The Philly date on their summer tour is Thursday, July 29th. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, but the only place I found any info was on Gaslight's MySpace (not their official website, nor Penn's Landing's website), so that is where we will link you at the bottom.

Finally, Boston's perhaps-not-legendary-but-still-none-the-less-noteworthy '80's hardcore punks Gang Green are gracing Philly with their presence. I saw these guys a couple of years ago and they look like your dad in a Hawaiian shirt, but they still booze it up on stage, spit beer on the crowd, jump around (as best they can without breaking a hip) and generally party hardy. Worth a glimpse if you want to see where NOFX was looking for inspiration when they first started out. Have fun. Tell them that their set was wicked awesome and that you are wicked excited they are playing in Philly; they will love you. This one is at the M Room, Friday May 7th.

the Mad Splatter
the Gaslight Anthem MySpace
the M Room