Cheerleader shows off in Philly at Boot & Saddle / Ready for vinyl release of "Perfect Vision"

Philly electro-dream-pop band Cheerleader has been bouncing around the world the last few months.  They played Philly's Kung Fu Necktie in March, were off to Austin for SXSW, back to Philly again to play MilkBoy in April, and off across the pond to the U.K. playing shows with the likes of The Hold Steady and Alvvays.  

Like a teenager, the five-piece band comes and goes so frequently, you never really know when you'll see them next at home in Philadelphia.  With all the cool stuff going on for Cheerleader, it's a must see event.

Last Saturday night at Boot & Saddle was their highest profile local show yet, playing a bill with a hodgepodge of area bands Dream Safari and Langor.  Dream Safari was an easy match on the bill with some electro pop sounds.  Langor, while not quite a sonic fit, is like Cheerleader in that you have to see them in person to truly appreciate.

In the headlining slot, could Cheerleader stand up to the studio cuts? With hot singles "Perfect Vision", "Dreamer", and "New Daze", it was hard to imagine how the sounds would really translate to the stage. As a new band, how well would Connecticut transplants Joe Haller (vocals/guitar) and Chris Duran (guitar) gel with their Philly bandmates Joshua Pannepacker (Keys/Guitar), Paul Impellizeri (bass), & Carl Bahner (drums)?

There were a good number of fans ready to find out, and they didn't care how new the band was, who was local or who was a transplant; they came to enjoy the music.  Cheerleader did their part and came to put on a show.  What stood out the most, besides the cheers for "JOSH" was how perfect the performance of "Dreamer" was.  Lead singer Joe Haller comes off a little more shy than the recorded vocals would suggest.  Watching him perform the song, it's easy imagine that he wasn't writing about someone else, but perhaps writing while staring into the mirror and giving himself a little pep talk.  Clearly the pep talk worked as here he was with longtime friend and roommate Chris Duran playing their tunes surrounded by other talented musicians.  The "JOSH" fans were spot on with their admiration; he is the glue behind the live performance as his skills on the keys, etc. really made the translation from studio to the show.




Don't miss out on their new single "Perfect Vision" / "Waiting, Waiting" will be issued on limited edition vinyl on June 16 via Young & Lost / Bright Antenna and is available for digital download (released April 28).  The vinyl will be a limited 300 release run.



For more Cheerleader, check out their "New Daze" video:

Cheerleader - New Daze