Local music lovers, open your windows and listen to the breeze. OK, maybe that’s just your neighbor dusting off their guitar with another inspired cover of “Wonderwall.” Close the window and, instead, download tickets to one of these local gigs happening throughout the month in the 717.
Smooth Grooves
Couch, 4/6, H*MAC
A few chords into “Easy to Love,” and I was smitten with Couch. There’s a rich nostalgic sound from the band and a honey-like quality to vocalist Tema Seigel’s voice that fans of Lake Street Dive or Postmodern Jukebox will appreciate. The band’s only released a few EPs, but don’t sleep on this. It’s only a matter of time before this funky group is going to be on every late night show.
Hip-Hop for a Throwback
The Pharcyde, 4/20, H*MAC
I had to do a double take when I saw that The Pharcyde is coming to H*MAC. The late ’80s/prominent ’90s Los Angeles-based hip-hop group behind hits like “Passin’ Me By,” “Drop” and “Runnin’” added H*MAC to its world tour this spring. Attendees can expect to see three of the original foursome—Imani, Slimkid3 and Fatlip (Bootie Brown is no longer touring with the group). From what I read in an October review of the group’s current tour, The Pharcyde’s still packing the action for the crowd to rock along from minute to minute.
New Wave Moment
Harrisburg University Presents Neon Trees, 4/23, XL Live
Neon Trees, hailing from the very insider-y music mecca of Provo, Utah, has been a fun band to watch over the last two decades, with frontperson Tyler Glenn delivering powerhouse performances every time I’ve caught the synthy pop/rock act when I lived in Philly. You may recognize hits such as the unfathomably catchy “Everybody Talks” and early favorite, “Animal,” but I’d also highly recommend checking out the band’s 2020 effort, “I Can Feel You Forgetting Me.” This is a show you’ll definitely want to add to your radar this month.
Retro Rockers
Harrisburg University Presents The Heavy Heavy, 4/27, XL Live
After hearing The Heavy Heavy on the radio a few times over the last year, I cannot and will not be missing this show. From having “Miles and Miles” stuck in my head on end (a perfect song for those runners/joggers/power walkers among us, even if a bit on the nose), or singing along to “Go Down River,” I’ve found myself daydreaming many a time while listening to their lyrics and dancing along. Their jangly melodies and sunny psych rock vibe really feels quite timeless, just as fresh now as it would have been if the band existed in the 1970s.
Honorable Mentions
4/11—Moon Hooch, H*MAC
4/12—Cumberland Honey, Tanjo & Crow, Shine Delphi, The Abbey Bar
4/12—Badfish, XL Live
4/18—Spafford w/Flux Capacitor, XL Live
4/21—Caña Dulce y Caña Brava, West Shore Theatre
4/24—The Hip Abduction w/Vana Liva, XL Live
4/26—Harrisburg University Presents Beach Fossils, XL Live
4/27—Dizgo w/Solar Circuit, The Abbey Bar
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