Sunday night at Hotel Vegas was a homecoming for the revered pop punkers Literature, now residing in their northeast haven of Philadelphia PA. Kicking the show off late with blistered guitars and flailing percussion, Slow barreled through their fussy, stylish brand of 90’s college rock with plenty of energy and commitment.
Local guitar heroes Jonly Bonly set up next to set on display their own slick brand of power-pop, weaving in and out of a series of referential anthems, calling back most notably to The Feelies’ most loosely arranged embellishments. Lead man Jason Smith (also of OBN III’s) kept the pace light and uplifting, with enough technical skill to impress most know-it-all’s, matched only by his charisma onstage. This show acted as a release date for their new LP Put Together out now on 12XU (order it here).
Always ones to be true to form, Beth Israel scowled through their darkly psychedelic, but purely heavy set of songs from their latest release. Bound to some technical difficulties between their drum machine and newly introduced human drummer, it took the trio a couple songs to get into their usual seemingly hypnotized state, but once the fog rolled in, it certainly didn’t lift. Thick with smokey distorition and sludgy rhythms, the boys lurched through incredibly focused romp through rock’n’roll territory.
By 1:15 Literature were soundchecking, bright jangling telecasters vibrating the ears of the stragglers left with dwindling Lone Star. Those still standing were definitely there for the band’s return to their hometown and knew exactly what to expect. The boys gleefully joked with each other in the microphones, inside jokes abounded, grinning while looking down at their tuning pedals. As the first song began, it was very clear the band had not once stopped perfecting their impeccable blend of twee and shoegaze. Guitarist and singer Nathaniel Cardaci effortlessly crooned through songs of love and loss, exhibiting his best Morrissey at a Black Tambourine concert.
Lead guitarist Kevin Attics pounced around the stage with giddy excitement, in control of his brightly affected riffs at every turn. A wonderful amount of energy burst from the stage as the band lovingly performed songs from past and present, especially certain crowd favorites from their previous record Arab Spring (specifically “Lily”). Feeling right at home, the band never seemed sluggish or tired and completely embodied their appreciation for Austin and the city that pushed them to do what they’re doing today. Their new album Chorus is out now through the wonderful people at Slumberland. Order the LP here and be sure to keep up with the band as they finish up their North American tour.
All photographs © Neil Lord and Pop Press International; all rights reserved. Special photo processing thanks to Olivia Vale, Madeline Harvey, and Bryan C. Parker. Select any image below to open set in slideshow viewer.
