Jumping from freak-folk outfit Feathers, to J Mascis side-project Witch, Kyle Thomas has been at refining his methods for some time.
But even before Feathers, Thomas penned his very early career as King Tuff, releasing hardly known CD-R's in the mid-2000s. Those DIY efforts, along with a ton of luck, eventually became Thomas' debut LP Was Dead in 2008.
What came from it was a shining example of garage punk mixed with Thomas' propensity for T. Rex-era glam rock. Not a posthumous anecdote for the lack of glam appeal today, rather, Was Dead melded Thomas' bubbling folk inspirations into a sugary portrayal of garage glory. The method climbed to a bigger realm last year with Thomas' self-titled release, showing his ability for bigger and more grand efforts. In between the album's charming, subdued takes, Thomas exposed his frenetic side with the likes of "Anthem" and "Bad Thing," two undeniable joy-rides that split between '70s nirvana and modern punk thrill.
Thomas' style should fit dubiously well alongside Jacuzzi Boys and Wavves, which will be headlining tonight's show at Philadelphia's First Unitarian Church. Tickets are still available here, courtesy of R5, beginning at 8 p.m.
