iradiophilly | Culture - Lansdowne Welcomes New DIY Music Venue: P.U.H.D.; Show This Saturday 10/26/2013

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Lansdowne Welcomes New DIY Music Venue: P.U.H.D.; Show This Saturday 10/26/2013

by: SteveKane - Broomall, PA
started: 10/22/13 2:09 pm | updated: 10/22/13 2:09 pm

In the dawning age of do-it-yourself music, an abundance of independent venues have been opening up throughout cities everywhere. Art spaces, house venues and outside festivals can be coordinated with like-minded acts and bands and are ever popular to conduct. Opening this past June, a new music venue has been receiving plenty buzz and making impressive noise in the outer city suburbs of Philadelphia.

"P.U.H.D." (an enigmatic acronym pronounced 'puh â€“ d') located in the quaint town of Lansdowne, PA is one of the most recent DIY venue additions to the ever burgeoning Philly music scene. Organized by a collective of nine roommates living in a historical and spacious house, most of whom are in bands renowned to support and play the local show circuit. Setting events usually on the last Saturday of the month with star-studded lineups featuring only the finest hometown acts as well as bands on tour looking to play a more intimate atmosphere.

What draws P.U.H.D. out of the crowd is the unique aesthetic to which each show is presented. Generally on an event's bill there will be four full electric acts playing the main stage located in the basement and two acoustic acts playing the upstairs 'Red Room' in between sets. This allows for a fantastic flow of music throughout the evening, providing genuine linear segments of entertainment. The basement is well equipped with an elevated stage and a phenomenal PA sound system, perfect for a loud and energetic performance from your favorite local band. The 'Red Room' is a living room converted for acoustic acts, complete with a fireplace to help you swoon over the singer/songwriters playing incredible ballads. Next to this room is the kitchen, which provides a grand selection of refreshments and merchandise such as CDs, t-shirts and records from the featured acts.

The community aspect of the venue is definitely a prominent feature and sets the venue apart from other house venues. P.U.H.D. is a testament of the current state of local music in Philadelphia; a place where established local bands can play and the surrounding group of fans and friends can congregate and thrive in the most alive DIY music scene. Instead of the usual city house show which are more often than not presented like a party than a full engaging production, the venue serves for the dedicated audience. For this reason P.U.H.D. has nearly been years in the making, bringing to the surface a well-developed group of musicians and listeners alike who now have the time and space to delight in their passionate vision of live music, kinship and art. Tickets cost $3 to enter before the first band and $5 once the music starts. Public transit riders can take advantage of free admission when taking the R3 train.

Most recently P.U.H.D held a show on Friday, October 11th. With four main stage acts and two acoustic sets, there was sure to be an eventful night of music. Two bands featured on the lineup are residents of the venue, Rasputin's Secret Police and Snoozer. The other two main stage bands were touring from New Jersey and Brooklyn, respectfully Knights Templar and Tom Blacklung & The Smokestacks. In between the main stage bands were acoustic acts Jesse Gimbel and Jeanette Lynne. Knights Templar started the night with loud alternative rock, permeating the basement with infectious guitars and energetic drums. Afterwards a genius acoustic set by Jesse Gimbel provided a fantastic display of songwriting and musical proficiency. The electric band to acoustic act is an amazing dynamic and leads to a much more comprehensive night of music. Next were Tom Blacklung & The Smokestacks, a three-piece rock band from Brooklyn, New York. Fast, loud and melodic Tom Blacklung proved to be the raw and fascinating act many were anticipating.

The next acoustic act was Jeanette Lynne, engaging in a set of riveting songs of love, emotion and vigor. An audience gathered in the 'Red Room' captivated by the excellent talent of Lynne's melody. Each song carried with a beautiful cascade of form and creativity. In the midst of the show, a fire pit burns bright outside in the backyard with many friends sharing stories and conversing about the latest in musical happenings.

Jeanette Lynne at P.U.H.D.:

Photo courtesy of Tracey Patrick.

Next up was P.U.H.D. residents Snoozer consisting of brothers Mike Kelly on vocals and guitar, Tom Kelly on drums, and Paul Hewes on electric bass. Snoozerâ€™s set was full of intense distorted guitar and grooving bass infused with swift drums. Each song delved into a new barrier of rock music, drawing influence from Foo Fighters, Weezer and Primus. The crowd were swaying as singer and guitarist Mike Kelly delivered an energetic set of supreme sonic ability. Snoozer relished in glorious reception by the audience for their spectacular performance.

Snoozer at P.U.H.D.:

Check out Snoozer's studio session from iRadioPhilly's Steve Kane here!

Final act of the night was rock and roll heroes Rasputin's Secret Police. Consisting of guitar and vocalist Brandon Ayers and drummer extraordinaire Josh Phillips, their sound breaks beyond the comprehension of the standard duo. As a band for almost ten years, RSP is progressing with unbelievable ability. Buzz-saw guitar provided by Brandon quenches any head bangers mighty thirst, while Josh's drummer will rock stomp you into hysterics. RSP's set started with the new anthem, "Don't Forget To High Five Me, Man" which is characteristic of naming many surrounding suburbs of Pennsylvania throughout the lyrics. The amazing influence of many different styles of rock is shown ingeniously within RSP's catalog. Brandonâ€™s shrilling vocals and well-crafted piercing noise guitar work throughout songs like "Zoe" shine with a majestical radiance. Serving the local Philadelphia music scene for years now, Rasputin's Secret Police is growing to become one of the next great pioneers holding the torch of rock and roll. The band releases their next upcoming album entitled 'Then' this fall.

Rasputin's Secret Police at P.U.H.D.:

Check out RSP's studio session from iRadioPhilly's Steve Kane here!

Serving the lively and local do-it-yourself music scene surrounding Philadelphia, P.U.H.D. prospers in bringing the right acts to the eager music lovers around town. With so many bands looking to play a more intimate crowd atmosphere, the venue is perfect for interaction between entertainer and audience. The spirit of P.U.H.D., located in Lansdowne, PA, is strong bearing a great resemblance and homage to punk rock and the 90's aesthetic of a tightly-knit music community. The coordinators at the venue have proposed a special two shows for this month, the next one being a Halloween themed event this Saturday, October 26th. The lineup consists of Philly metal band Worshiper, experimental band Gunk and singer/songwriter Brian Reichert. Guaranteed a night of great music, local art and outstanding culture. The address of the venue and more information can be found at "facebook.com/PPUUHHDD."

Photos courtesy of Tracey Patrick.