Power began as a challenge.
Zachary Fairbrother began Countach to collect the unfinished scraps and fragments from his band GHÖSH, the digital hardcore duo that broke up in 2023. But when Feel The Four, the Philadelphia-based label run by Cristian Adams and Jarrett Dougherty (ex-Screaming Females), asked him for a proper 12”, he saw an opportunity to push the project in an ambitious new direction.
The result is Power – EP, which finds Fairbrother exploring the freedom of longer run-times and varied textures, all while maintaining the post-industrial vision of his previous work. Across 20 minutes, he runs through propulsive acid house, harsh electro, and ‘90s big beat, using 303s and 808s to build an upbeat but haunting record that’s as indebted to the forebearers of those genres as it is to the grim landscapes of Phillip K. Dick and Paul Verhoeven.
34 Trolley is the brainchild of Jarrett Dougherty, drummer of legendary DIY punk band Screaming Females. “Relaxation EP,” Jarrett’s first solo release, evokes the sound of early 1980s NYC Post Punk Mutant Disco. Think ESG. Think Liquid Liquid. Think Tom Tom Club.
GLOORP is a Philadelphia-based percussion duo creating hyperactive, rhythm-forward electronic music that blurs the line between live drumming and machine precision. Their debut release Gloorp ’Em Up was built from hand-recorded beats using electronic drum kits like the DrumKAT and SPD-SX, weaving together elements of footwork, gabber, acid, and breakbeat with manic, high-energy precision. The pair take a performative approach to electronic production, using the physicality of percussion to push club music into strange, ecstatic new territory.
Philadelphia’s Subtle Body is announcing the release of their debut self-titled album available Jan. 30 via Strange Mono. The band’s influences draw from ex-Yugo punk such as Paraf, Tožibabe, and Kaos, alongside classic post-punk bands like Rakta, Xmal Deutschland, Siouxie and The Banshees, Neu!, Rudimentary Peni, and Décima Víctima. Their music also incorporates ambient and experimental synthesizer music which serves as contrast and furthering the bands atmospheric vibe.
Featuring prolific members involved in a variety of projects including Diuretic, The Berserk/Plomo, and Lottery. Most of the group has played in lots of different kinds of bands over the years, usually within punk, hardcore, and grind..
The band began under unusual circumstances. Mike recounts “ I was taking a casual stroll by the graveyard on a dark, moonless night when I heard the sound of a faint whistling. Upon investigating I was pleased to come upon my friend Chips emerging from the dense fog surrounding us. As we walked on among the crypts and mausoleums, we became aware of an ominous whispering, accompanied by the soft glow of a campfire. But of course there was nothing to fear- Dave, Bo, and Rachel were merely performing some inexplicable ritual. I never learned the nature of it.”
The debut album was recorded in a single session within the mythical Grey’s Warehouse in west Philadelphia, a massive warehouse of unending hallways home to practice spaces, churches, workshops, and studios. Drums, bass, and guitar were recorded live, with synth and vocals added separately. The session moved quickly due to the band being well practiced going in, with most live takes requiring no more than two attempts. “Honestly it was very chill and smooth and fun. Eric did a great job and was super easy to work with.”
The Full Moon Fool is the culmination of experiences from the hood to the woods and everywhere in between. Curious, off kilter, and excited by the exchange that happens when sharing what I love and it’s felt. Proud Great Circles Resident, Hivemind aficionado, host of PHASES party series, frequent collaborator with Razor N Tape, WKDU, and Subsurface included amongst them. Moving dance floors and curating listening experiences across Philadelphia with eclectic selections driven by a relentless pursuit of the pocket.