Capital Theatre

Philadelphia's underground music scene veterans, Crossed Keys, have a history as deep as the city's rich musical heritage. If you've been immersed in the city's hardcore and punk scene over the past two decades, you've likely encountered members of this band in their past incarnations. From the legendary Kid Dynamite to the raw energy of Ink & Dagger, Crossed Keys boasts a resume that includes iconic acts like Step Ahead, Kill The Man Who Questions, Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer, Halo of Snakes, and The Curse.

This collective experience has forged a unique sound in Crossed Keys, a band drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences. Their music reflects years spent in basements and record stores, crafting a distinct brand of punk rock. Their debut full-length album, "CROSSED KEYS BELIEVES IN YOU," released this spring on Creep Records, Dead Satellite Records, and Sell The Heart Records, showcases their evolution.

While the members of Crossed Keys may be a bit older, a touch wiser, and perhaps sporting a bit less hair, their passion for creating music for sweaty singalongs and good times remains as strong as ever. Their sound is a testament to their dedication, a celebration of the vibrant Philadelphia scene that has shaped them.

Like a Storm: A Heavy Metal Force from the Land Down Under

Like a Storm, hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, are a heavy rock band known for their unique blend of hard-hitting riffs, powerful vocals, and the unexpected inclusion of the didgeridoo. They've carved a unique path in the rock world, becoming one of the most successful New Zealand rock bands to break into the American market.

Their signature sound is a sonic assault of heavy baritone guitars, driving drums, and raw vocals, all infused with the haunting, earthy tones of the didgeridoo. This unlikely instrument adds a layer of cultural depth and sonic intrigue to their music, setting them apart from their contemporaries.

Like a Storm's success isn't just a matter of sound; it's about their relentless touring and dedication to connecting with their audience. They've shared stages with some of the biggest names in rock, including Godsmack, Alter Bridge, Korn, and Shinedown, gaining a dedicated following through their high-energy live shows.

Their impact on the American scene is undeniable. Both of their studio albums, "The End of the Beginning" and "Awaken the Fire," debuted on the Billboard 200 charts, a testament to their broad appeal. They've also made waves on the radio, achieving the highest charting position for a New Zealand hard rock band in American radio history.

The band's journey began in New Zealand, but their ambitions quickly took them to North America. In 2009, they were invited to join Creed on their nationwide "Full Circle" reunion tour, a pivotal moment that catapulted them to a wider audience. The overwhelming response to their live performances led to their debut album, "The End of the Beginning," charting on Billboard's New Artist Charts and the Billboard 200, fueled by tour sales alone.

Their dedication to touring continued, and their first single, "Chemical Infatuation," became a rock radio hit, further solidifying their presence. They shared stages with the likes of Shinedown, Skillet, Puddle of Mudd, and Drowning Pool, as well as performing at major festivals like Rock on the Range. "Chemical Infatuation" peaked at No...

This is just the beginning of Like a Storm's story. Their unique sound, relentless touring, and commitment to their craft have made them a force to be reckoned with in the rock world, and they continue to push boundaries, captivating audiences with their powerful music and electrifying live performances.

Hailing from the rock-infused streets of Burlington, Ontario, Finger Eleven emerged in 1990, ready to carve their own path in the Canadian music scene. Over the years, they've unleashed seven studio albums, including one under their cheeky alter ego, Rainbow Butt Monkeys, showcasing their evolution and musical prowess.

Their breakout moment came with the release of The Greyest of Blue Skies, propelling them into the mainstream spotlight. Then, in 2003, their self-titled album Finger Eleven achieved Gold in the US and Platinum in Canada, fueled by the chart-topping single "One Thing". This anthem marked their first entry on the prestigious US Hot 100 Chart, reaching a peak at number 16.

Fast forward to 2007, and Finger Eleven unleashed their electrifying Them vs. You vs. Me album. The album's lead single, "Paralyzer", took the world by storm, conquering the Canadian Hot 100 and both US rock charts. It also reached a remarkable No. 6 on the US Hot 100 and No. 12 on the Australian Singles Chart, solidifying their global presence. Their hard work was recognized with a Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2008, a testament to their musical prowess. Them vs. You vs. Me went on to achieve Gold in the US and multi-platinum in Canada, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with in the rock world.

Franz Ferdinand: From Glasgow Streets to Global Stage

Franz Ferdinand, hailing from the vibrant music scene of Glasgow, emerged in 2002, quickly becoming one of the defining bands of the post-punk revival. The original quartet - Alex Kapranos (vocals, guitar, keys), Nick McCarthy (rhythm guitar, keys, vocals), Bob Hardy (bass, percussion) and Paul Thomson (drums, percussion, backing vocals) - crafted a sound both familiar and fresh, blending angular guitar riffs with infectious melodies.

Their debut single, "Darts of Pleasure," hinted at their potential, narrowly missing the UK Top 40. But it was their second single, "Take Me Out," that catapulted them to mainstream success. The song, a catchy anthem with a driving beat, peaked at number three in the UK, became a global hit, and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance. It's arguably their signature song, still a staple of their live sets today.

The band's self-titled debut album cemented their status as a force to be reckoned with, winning the prestigious 2004 Mercury Prize and garnering another Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Album. Their second album, "You Could Have It So Much Better" (produced by Rich Costey), further solidified their position in the rock world, showcasing their continued evolution and songwriting prowess.

Franz Ferdinand's influence extends beyond their chart success. The band has garnered critical acclaim, including two Brit Awards (including Best British Group) and an NME Award. They've toured relentlessly, captivating audiences worldwide with their energetic performances.

After McCarthy's departure in 2016, Julian Corrie (keys, guitar, backing vocals) and Dino Bardot (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) joined the ranks. Thomson's departure in 2021 led to the addition of Audrey Tait on drums. Despite these lineup changes, Franz Ferdinand remains a vital and influential act, continuing to push boundaries and inspire a new generation of musicians with their unique blend of post-punk, indie rock, and pop sensibilities.

The Flaming Lips: A Psychedelic Journey Through Rock History

The Flaming Lips, hailing from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, are a psychedelic rock band that burst onto the scene in 1983. Their sound, a vibrant mix of experimental noise, catchy melodies, and deeply personal lyrics, has cemented their place as one of the most influential and enduring bands of the past four decades.

The core of the Lips has remained remarkably consistent, with Wayne Coyne (vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards) and Steven Drozd (guitars, keyboards, bass, drums, vocals) at the helm since 1991. Coyne, the band's visionary leader, is the only original member still standing after the departure of bassist and keyboardist Michael Ivins in 2021.

The band's early years were spent honing their craft on the independent label Restless Records, releasing a string of albums and EPs that foreshadowed their later success. The breakthrough came in 1992 when they signed to Warner Bros. Records and released "Hit to Death in the Future Head," followed by the critically acclaimed "Transmissions from the Satellite Heart" (1993) and the hit single "She Don't Use Jelly." This marked their entrance into the mainstream and propelled them toward a dedicated fan base.

The Flaming Lips continued to push boundaries and explore new sonic landscapes with albums like "The Soft Bulletin" (1999), which was named NME magazine's Album of the Year, and the groundbreaking "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" (2002), widely regarded as a modern rock classic. Their unique blend of psychedelic rock, electronic elements, and theatrical performances earned them critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a BRIT Award nomination for "Best International Act" in 2007 and three Grammy Awards.

The band's impact is undeniable, as evidenced by their inclusion on Q magazine's "50 Bands to See Before You Die" list in 2002. The Flaming Lips have become synonymous with vibrant, adventurous music that pushes the boundaries of genre and leaves a lasting impression on anyone who experiences their live shows or listens to their music.

Early Days (1983-1990)

The Flaming Lips story begins in Oklahoma City, 1983. Wayne Coyne, on guitar, joined forces with his brother Mark on vocals, Michael Ivins on bass, and Dave Kotska on drums. This early lineup laid the foundation for the band's distinctive sound, setting the stage for the psychedelic rock revolution that was to come.

Vended: The Next Generation of Nu-Metal

Vended, the Des Moines-based nu-metal outfit, burst onto the scene in 2018, bringing a fresh, youthful energy to the genre. The band is comprised of two sons of Slipknot members: vocalist Griffin Taylor, son of Corey Taylor, and drummer Simon Crahan, son of Shawn "Clown" Crahan. Joining them are bassist Jeremiah Pugh, and guitarists Cole Epseland and Connor Grodzicki.

The band's name, pronounced "ven-DEAD," is a nod to the word vendetta, reflecting their powerful, uncompromising sound. While their lineage undeniably adds intrigue, Vended are adamant about forging their own path, emphasizing that they are largely self-taught musicians who learned their craft independently of their fathers. Both Corey and Clown have publicly supported this sentiment, highlighting their sons' dedication and talent.

The band's early years were marked by a focus on honing their skills and crafting their own unique sound. They made their live debut in March 2020 in Des Moines, only to be halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they didn't let the setback hold them back. They released their debut EP, What Is It/Kill It, in 2021, along with several standalone singles, steadily building a buzz in the underground music scene.

While Vended might share DNA with their fathers' iconic band, they have proven themselves to be a force of their own. With a sound that draws inspiration from nu-metal's heavy roots, they bring their own energy and perspective to the genre, making them a band to watch for years to come.