Johnny Brenda's, Feb. 1 - Buke And Gase (Preview)

Aron Sanchez and Aron Dyer, the same-named duo better known as NY piece Buke and Gase, are pulling themselves up. After years of twisting obscurity and figuring out their own mechanized ambitions, the two pieced together the metallic churn of Riposte in 2010.

Despite the size, as I've noted before, the two cull their sounds to seem bigger than themselves. Pedals - pedals everywhere. Watching Aron and Aron live as they maneuver their feet across a staggering amount of extra pieces seems exhausting. In a way, that seemed to be the living appeal of Buke and Gase - so much in such a small scene. The side-effect with Riposte seemed to be, however, stagnation. The band understood what worked but rarely strayed from it.

While the setup remains largely the same, the noise pop constructions on the band's latter two releases - the Function Falls EP and the recent General Dome LP - flirts with the idea of something bigger. The melodies twist into an experimental mesh, not necessarily dragging through to seem overly sensible. The methods are challenging, almost improbable to replicate considered how contorted the band's homemade instrument set is. It's the affirmative move from kitsch to positively unique.

Catch the duo in Philadelphia tomorrow night at Johnny Brenda's. The band will be preceded by fellow art-rockers Ahleuchatistas and Norwegian Arms. Tickets are still available here.

New Wavves - Demon To Lean On + tour dates w/FIDLAR

Last night, Wavves frontman Nathan Williams released some more information on yet another release hyped for early 2013. Wavves new studio LP, Afraid Of Heights, is set for release through Mom + Pop Records March 26. The first official single from the album, "Demon To Lean On," is also available to stream below.

But the more exciting news to go along with it is FIDLAR joining the upcoming Wavves tour. Full dates are listed after the bump, but local fans should be excited for the April 9 show at Johnny Brenda's.

New King Tuff - Screaming Skull

Sub Pop has released an early stream of King Tuff's upcoming Screaming Skull 7" A-Side. You can check it out below, grab a pre-order, and see him when he comes to Philadelphia October 22 to Johnny Brenda's.

Review: Iceage @ Johnny Brenda's (Philadelphia, July 23)

Cast on a tiny stage, Danish punk four-piece Iceage made a more lasting impression last Monday night at Johnny Brenda's than fans may have anticipated.

Following a somewhat confusing short set from Brooklyn duo LAW, and a calmly chaotic performance from Dirty Beaches (Alex Zhang Hungtai), Iceage cast a fast-paced 30 minute set in front of a mixed audience. While most were clearly there for the headliner, some had stayed behind for Hungtai. So for some, the frenzy was a little centralized.

The band, although only a year or so into their post New Brigade LP careers, has earned a not so welcoming reputation for its lives performances. Lead-singer Elias Bender Rønnenfelt dictates a decent amount of energy on the crowd, although most seem slightly inaudible. His three counterparts, however, play through shorts jolts of energy some methodically that to them they appear almost completely separate.

Although only 30 minutes, the band has limited material to work from. That in its own gives the band a pass, because the more the show went along, the better and better the energy transferred around the room. The set's closer, "You're Blessed," seemed to resonate extremely well, despite its abruptness.

With more source material, the band should be bigger in a few short years. As for now, New Brigade will carry them as far as they can go.

Johnny Brenda's, July 23 - Iceage, Dirty Beaches, LAW (Preview)

Rousing, effortless, and criminally enjoyable, Iceage's 2011 New Brigade tracks in barely at 26 minutes, but unnerves the unsuspecting listener.

The band's debut album, which landed #10 on Bears and Bullets best albums of 2011, showcases the unquestioned potential of the four (at the time) Danish teenagers. Since setting out on their first tour last year, the band has been refining their style and stage presence, converting their chaotic sounds to furious live experiences. Although still learning and still young, the band continues to make a noise all uniquely their own.

Making an effort to catch the act this Monday, at Johnny Brenda's in Philadelphia is all the more important considering how big this band will likely be in a few short years.

Alongside Iceage will be Alex Zhang Hungtai, otherwise known as Dirty Beaches. The Canada-via-Taiwan lo-fi act adores the mellowed, soulful styles of West coast punk. His eerie debut, Badlands, showcased his affectionate and noir take on murky surfer elements and modern rockabilly.

The style obviously differs from the aforementioned Iceage, as well as lead-in act LAW, an emerging experimental duo from Brooklyn. LAW are set to release their studio debut in the near future.

Doors open at 8 p.m., with the shows slated to begin at 9. Tickets are a mere $12, and are still available.