iradiophilly | Culture - Dangerous Ponies Played Milkboy Philly for TenderHeart EP Release with Starlight Girls And Slutever

Streaming Radio for Philadelphia
More Music. Fewer Interruptions. Just what you want to hear.

FOLLOW:

Culture
Talk about Arts, Culture, & Entertainment


The Post

Dangerous Ponies Played Milkboy Philly for TenderHeart EP Release with Starlight Girls And Slutever

by: SteveKane - Broomall, PA
started: 04/03/13 4:45 pm | updated: 04/03/13 5:04 pm

Nevermind the glitter, face-paint and sparkles; Philadelphia's Dangerous Ponies are fierce and musically tighter than ever. This past Friday night, March 29th saw the 7-inch record release of Dangerous Ponies new TenderHeart EP at Milkboy Philadelphia. Presented by Philadelphia's own Y-Not Radio (listen on iRadioPhilly) the show boasted a star-studded lineup the show quickly generated a buzz among many local music fans, officially giving the title "event of the evening." Offering enough power-pop rock for even the most elitist listener, three of the four on the bill of featured bands were at last month's South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas. The show served as a record release as well as a brief welcome back for the Ponies, as they continue their spring tour. Joining them were Philly's own femme-fi bratpunk duo Slutever, the west coast country boys of Desert Noises, and the psychedelic genius of Brooklyn based Starlight Girls.

Take a look at the photo gallery here.

Listen to iradiophilly's Y-Not Radio for Indie Rock

Milkboy Philadelphia is a unique venue in Center City, the downstairs holds a full service restaurant with tables and booths next to an impressively-sized bar while the upstairs has a room with a performance stage suitable for stellar live shows and a second bar in the back. As an extension of the Milkboy Coffee location in Ardmore (who just started the Milkboy On Tap series), the city location is a coffee house and restaurant by day and concert venue/bar by night. With $3 drink specials and a sound system comparable to some of Philly's larger venues, Milkboy caters directly to the event seekers and live music enthusiasts everywhere. Shortly after 8PM, people started to gather in the dimly lit second floor of Milkboy anticipating the first band.

Drexel University alumnae Nicole Snyder and Rachel Gagliardi make up the fuzz-punk dynamics of Slutever. The band has been serving Philadelphia's underground circuit since 2010, and have since generated supreme recognition as the city's queens of punk rock. With attitude and style not seen since the early 1990's, Slutever remind us of classic Simpsons episodes, Wayne's World, and the guitar-driven days that once reigned over pop culture. With Nicole on guitar and Rachel on drums, the band started the evening with rock and roll delivered at a powerful velocity. Overdriven guitar and melodic vocals presented by Nicole was reminiscent of garage rock meets Bikini Kill. Leading into the song "So Prone", which was featured in a Forever 21 commercial, the crowd was enthralled by the sonic intensity. Midway through the set, members switched guitar/drum roles with Rachel singing and playing guitar and Nicole on drums. An impeccable cover of Hole's "Violet" was performed with Rachel's screeching vocals. During a marvelous rendition of "Pussycat" Nicole played drums with attack-and-release dynamics serving the song on point. Yet another high-energy set from the Slutever girls, who anticipate the release of their new 7" single of "1994" with backside of "Spit."

Utah natives Desert Noises then took the stage with country-blues guitar and synchronous vocal harmonies. The 4-piece played an explosive set of songs with similarity between Tom Petty and Tame Impala. "This next song is about Stephen Hawking," said Guitarist and Lead Vocalist Kyle Henderson before leading into "Birds." With song writing in the same realm as many folk and country all-stars, Desert Noises sound similar and pay homage to the classic rock 'n roll of heartland America. Desert Noises continue their spring tour, ending in Toledo, Ohio on April 5th at Mickey Finns Pub.

Rising next on stage was the psychedelic pop sensations of Starlight Girls from Brooklyn, New York. A visualizer backdrop provided a multimedia experience that gelled flawlessly with their surrealistic melody and drive. A frenzy of dance-pop brightened the room and soon people were sent in a trance by the gypsy-like grooves. Lead Vocalist/Keyboardist/Flutist Christina B. sings with suave skill and swooning posture, reminiscent to French singer/songwriter superstar Francoise Hardy. In addition to an outstanding front woman, Starlight Girls as a whole work together in such perfected harmony allowing the audience to be lifted for an otherworldly experience. Think of a young Jefferson Airplane infused with your favorite B-Horror films within the Andy Warhol "factory" visual aesthetic. Being the first time Starlight Girls have played Philadelphia, the band definitely will be returning to critical acclaim next time through. With pop-sensibility unmatched by any current act, Starlight Girls anticipate nation-wide reception. This Sunday, April 7th, the band plays a sold out show at the Mercury Lounge in New York with Nick Waterhouse.

After Starlight Girls' revolutionary performance, it was time for the Dangerous Ponies to make way to the stage. Returning from SXSW the band is welcomed back to their hometown of Philly and while sporting a new record and new bass player there was plenty commotion. The crowd made their way close to the front, excited to see the spirited local band play. Sparkling with talent and dÃ©cor, the Dangerous Ponies packed the stage and started their set. With a full crowd packed even to the back of the bar, people were singing along to each chorus and danced song after song. Guitarist and Lead Vocalist Chrissy Tashijan sang with unmatched enthusiasm during each hook and verse. The pop rock dynamics within the band was fueled by brilliant guitarist Evan Bernard, who sonically takes the band to a whole new level. The audience swayed chanting along the love-stricken lyrics, providing a unified force together in song. Keyboardist and Vocalist Sarah Mackenzie danced on stage in harmony with other band members, eventually leading to a masquerade slow-dance in the middle of the crowd. Playing each song off of their TenderHeart EP, the Dangerous Ponies played an incredible set including classic material as well. The release celebration of the Ponies' new 7-inch was met with a fantastic turnout of all music fans alike. The versatility of a band like the Dangerous Ponies keep the local music scene of Philadelphia aflame and very much alive. The band moves onward for their spring tour, which ends on April 24th at Club K in Baltimore, MD.

Together each band played tremendously, providing an amazing night for live music. Camaraderie within the audience allowed for the sharing of an exciting experience. With two out of the four bands being from Philly, it shows just how prominent our local music stands. Milkboy Philadelphia has more events lined up for spring shows this season, and it's definitely highly recommended to check them out. Photos from the night are featured here.