See show preview here
Thanks to the cool kids at WPRB for putting together a very special special lineup of (coincidentally) Philly-based artists for a show right here in Central Jersey! The show was the first of a 2-night event, and featured Lame-O Records label-mates Shannen Moser and Thin Lips, as well as Sea Slug. Kiley Lotz (aka, Petal) was originally slated to headline the show, but was unable to perform due to health/medical reasons – sending positive vibes her way for a speedy recovery!
In just the past few days, both Shannen Moser and Thin Lips released brand new LPs – they’ll be teaming up for their official record release show later this month when they play the First Unitarian Church in Philly on 9/22 (tickets here). Listen to “Haircut Song”, a brand new track off of Shannen Moser’s I’ll Sing, below.
The evening started off with a short but sweet set by Sea Slug. Performing as a 3-piece, this was only their 2nd live performance. I can’t find much info about this band, but their Bandcamp has various dreamy/shoegaze-y recordings and demos.
Thin Lips performed as a stripped-down, not-awkward-at-all 2-piece consisting of siblings Chrissy and Mikey Tashjian. Being battle-tested veterans of the stage, it was a rare and vulnerable performance to witness with Chrissy alluding to her nerves several times throughout the set and the duo stopping and re-starting a couple of times. The sibling dynamic also on display only endeared them even more. They’ll be performing as a 4-piece for their upcoming record release show; however, tonight’s heart-on-your-sleeve performance was really something special to watch.
Just in time for Shannen Moser’s performance, the Princeton HS A/V club finally figured out how to work the PA system (just kidding). As a nod and reference to the classic Adam Sandler film, Big Daddy, Shannen donned a pair of anxiety-easing sunglasses during the performance of one of her new songs (only to throw them to the ground, shortly thereafter). She’s truly an amazing songwriter and performer, with lyrics that deserve attention and dissection. If you’re local, you’ll have 2 more chances to catch her perform live this month in Philly when she opens for Okkervil River (on 9/15 at Underground Arts) and for her record release show with Thin Lips (on 9/22 at the First Unitarian Church).
See more photos from the show below.
