Spotlight: Trophy Wife

photos taken by Star Child at the Irish, Kearny, NJ 8-16-10. 

Trophy Wife is a heavy, grungy two-piece that play loud. The Philadelphia based pair, formerly from Washington D.C., just put out a killer record on 307 Knox Records called Patience Fury. It's an album that battles the calm with the storm. It's a headbanger and simply rips, but the lyrics get you, too. Prepare to get your face melted by drummer Katy Otto and guitarist Diane Foglizzo. Yeah, it's that kind of album.

Live the band play small D.I.Y spaces, on the floor, intimate, close,  facing each other, and sing together at times. Check out "Sister Outsider" on the band's MySpace. The title is a reference to activist, feminist, and socialist Audre Lordre's essays and speeches of the same name. The work discusses the struggles of marginalized persons. The song  in a broad sense is about realizing that we need to speak out about the things that matter and not be quiet just because we're told to. Yes, Trophy Wife write from a very personal experience, so obviously, it connects well to queers, punks, and feminists, like the linear notes indicate. But I think the music itself is accessible anyone open to listen. If you dig bands like L7,  Nirvana, Lightning Bolt, Japandroids, then meet Trophy Wife. If not, listen too!

Patience Fury is available here. See below for an excerpt of an interview with Otto for Tom Tom Magazine on the band's name and new record, the interaction with her guitarist live, her drumming, singing lyrics in other languages, and much more!

Spotlight: Titus Andronicus

DOWNLOAD: Titus Andronicus- A More Perfect Union

Titus Andronicus is a New Jersey band that makes you think and no matter how big they get they still remember their roots. The Glen Rock band has garnered much attention and have played sold out shows but they still manage to get away with playing the same venues. Their brand of punk rock is both urgent and intelligent, thoughtful and passionate. The band's Shakespearean name and themed Civil War album, The Monitor are just two intriguing aspects of the band. At least two of the members (Patrick and Amy) live in Brooklyn, but so be it, they are still a Jersey band. The band's history is worth mention to show their progress. I think there's so much to learn from a band like this.

In August the band performs both at Glasslands and Maxwell's. The band performed a free show at Glasslands Gallery in 2009 with The So So Glos, now they come back to play for $15. The day after they'll be at Maxwell's. Earlier this year the band played a sold out show there. Finally, the band plays the 1, 000 capacity Webster Hall in September. I saw them open for Man Man in November 2008 there, now they are headlining. Truly amazing. They've played with Ted leo, Los Campesinos, The Breeders, No Age, Black Lips, and Lucero, among others.

Titus Andronicus plays Glasslands Gallery with Bad Credit No Credit, Bottle Up & Go on August 18th. Tickets available here. Then they're at Maxwells on August 19. Tickets are $12 in advance here, $14 at the door. Finally, the band wraps up their tour on Sept. 22nd at Webster Hall. Tickets are $16 in advance here.

--by Star Child

Interview excerpt, line-up, and full tour date below.