Like a Moth to a Flame, You’ll Find a Natural Attraction to This Philly Band
It’s hard to say anything against the likes of Iggy Pop himself, a true rock icon. So, when he hosts his radio show – Iggy Confidential, which you should absolutely tune into on BBC- and says that Electric Candlelight is his opinion of a noteworthy listen, you’d listen, right? Same. And needless to say, I’m nothing but impressed.
This four-piece band is made up of talented individuals from long backgrounds in music. They are led by singer Owen Stewart from Ruby the Hatchet. Also, in for attendance is guitarist Justin Pittney, formerly of Residuels and Moon Women. They are rounded out by Max Jonas from Tough Shits on bass, Joshua Aaron from The Lawsuits band on drums, and Ali Awan on guitar. These folks sound like almost everything good and classic in all genres thrown into a gumbo pot. Jazzy, raw, complex, soulful, grassy, face melting. All at once, and the result is somehow decidedly clean and fresh. Just honest to goodness badass rock, and their newest single, “Don’t Turn” just dropped February 16th.
“Don’t Turn” is a chill-vibes revelation on a badass backdrop. It reminds me immediately of times as a kid, on a highway road trip with Iggy Pop blasting through my dad’s convertible stereo. The groovy 70’s and 80’s stylings on guitar between verses is so feel-good that it could be nostalgic for everyone, all going on a different journey at the same concert. Stewart’s gravely, robust vocals are the perfect touch, bringing everything together with value. And near the end there’s an epic guitar break with a drum solo that fades into nothingness, a classic trope of oldies and goodies that never have a true end. They’re just still playing on in hyperspace outside of your range of hearing.
Electric Candlelight’s newest single “Don’t turn came out on the 16th, so give that fresh song a listen. And if you’re near Philadelphia on Saturday February 19th, go check them live at the Music Hall at World Cafe, where they will perform with Grace Vonderkuhn and Slomo Sapiens. Only thing better than having your brain happily buzzing from headbanging through headphones is doing it live and these stars will provide.
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