Root Down in the Shadow

photo credit: Neil Krug First Aid Kit , a Swedish folk duo composed of sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg came through Philadelphia on a short US & Canada tour on the way to Coachella Festival .  The chilly March night did not keep a near sellout crowd away from the sonically fabulous Union Transfer.  London trio Peggy Sue opened the show.  They are a three piece outfit with hypnotic harmonies by Katy Klaw and Rosa Rex and pounding drums by Olly Olly Olly.  New song 'Idol' stood out the most, with a lyric of "Robert Johnson and the devil" catching my attention.  They played originals and two 50's/60's covers they recorded for a special tour EP; 'Blue Velvet' and 'Heatwave'. The First Aid Kit touring for new album, The Lion's Roar, hit the road with their album drummer Mattias Bergqvist, Johanna taking lead vocals and guitar,  and Klara playing her Nord Electro 3 keyboard.  The exceptionally confident young ladies, ag

Last time I sat down for a concert preview I wrote "The best thing about living along the megalopolis of I-95 cities is the close proximity and ease of travel to each other!"  While very true, I took that two the extreme, listing Brooklyn to Baltimore and as far West as Pittsburgh!  This time, I plan on expanding the borders a wee bit more.  Looking at the best shows coming to town this spring... or those best shows coming close enough! Here are the best upcoming shows that I have spotted for your viewing pleasure!  If you go, please let me know how the shows were.  I'll review as many as I make it to!  In the last two months I made it to six shows; Blind Pilot, Brown Bird, Jeannine Hebb, Anaïs Mitchell, the Devil Makes Three, and Gotye+Kimbra.  I am hoping to better those numbers in the next two months! The Beautiful View are on an East Coast swing right now.  The bring their radio friendly alt-pop to town.  Some say they are reminiscent of the Killers, but lis