Lights shine brightly (too brightly?)

Lights are a Brooklyn-based psychedelic dance-pop band whose far-out jams are matched out by their outlandish outfits.

Here are they are at Johnny Brenda's back in June, opening for Bill Callahan:

I do love hoodies -- AND sparkles -- but I feel like I'd be afraid of a nip slip in this little number.

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MASSIVE Spring/Summer Trend Watch

Hipsters, fashion. Fashion, hipsters. Love it (it’s ok to admit it), hate it, you have to give credit where credit is due: there’s some pretty bizarro stuff going on fashion-wise in the City O.B.L. these days. (Whoever said Philly was all about sweatpants and Eagles jerseys has clearly never been to Johnny Brenda’s on a weekend.) And while I’m no Leanne Marshall (or even a Jay McCarroll, for that matter), I have to wonder: who decides when something is in? Is there some special memo that goes out, on some secret underground bulletin board, alerting everyone: VELCRO SNEAKERS ARE NOW OK AGAIN? And if so…how can I become a member?

Anyway, no matter how you slice it, one thing is for certain: just because something is in style doesn’t mean it’s ok to wear. Here are some of the more unusual trends we’ve spotted in the past few months…enjoy, and proceed with caution. (click any photo to enlarge)

Knit Hats in the Summertime

At the First Unitarian Church

At Pilam, West Philly

Adam Elliott, drummer, Times New Viking. At Kung Fu Necktie

Throw-Away Vests

At Johnny Brenda’s

Rachel Stolte, vocalist, Great Northern. At Johnny Brenda’s

Joey D'Auria, drummer, Love City. At the Barbary

Harry Potter Glasses

Erik Arnesen, guitarist, Great Lake Swimmers. At Johnny Brenda’s

At Johnny Brenda’s

Rodrigo Amarante, guitarist/vocalist, Little Joy. At the Khyber

Suspenders

Andrew Thiboldeaux, keyboardist, Pattern is Movement. At the First Unitarian Church

Patrick Marsceill, drummer, Blood Feathers. At the North Star Bar

Daniel Hart, guitarist/violinist, St. Vincent. At the First Unitarian Church

Dude-Brooches (Dooches)

At Kung Fu Necktie

At Human BBQ, Pilam

Matching Guy-Girl Haircuts

At Johnny Brenda’s

At Pilam

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Funky fresh at PB+J (World Cafe Live, 5/1/09)

Who's funky-fresher: Riff, or the chick behind him with the glowing pants?


--OR-- these shoeless, percussion-ing hippie hooligans?

Sweet socks, dude!

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In absence of a real post, we present: meaningless, yet hilarious hipster drivel

Faceadelphia doesn't seek out any particular fashion demographic (other than, of course, people in Philly <----a demographic in themselves!) but we were quite pleased/amused to learn that one of our photos, the infamous man-in-pajamas shot (see below) has been usurped (with credit!) by local mindblower, Fucking hipsters in Philadelphia. As far as we're concerned, it's the best photo on the site!



Says the silly caption: Pajamas, man. I just picked up this shit at Circle Thrift to show you how thrifty I am. This pattern is fucking ugly, but maybe if I pair it with this top hat, I’ll achieve the ultimate in counterculture weirdness while I watch this Pitchfork-approved band.

Tee hee. The original site (look at this fucking hipster) is even funnier. Check it out here.

More photos soon!

K+R

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The New "Gang" Uniform -- 4/7 at the Khyber

What's with girl-fronted hip-hop bands and looking like your closet threw up all over you these days? Gang are a Philly-based electro-dance band, with dueling MCs, and a whole lotta sparkles...do they have what it takes to make it work?

(c) 2009, K. Bracaglia for Philly.com. Do not use without permission.

Le Face says yes...but only because we love headbands and glitter!

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Dangerous Ponies, Dangerous Fashions (Pilam, Sometime in February, 2009)

Dangerous Ponies are a local band here in Philadelphia, known for their dance-pop beats, crazy-dancing percussionists, and outlandish, colorful fashions. Check 'em out!

All images (c) Kate Bracaglia for Phrequency.com. Do not use without permission.

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Fashionable Crowds (Johnny Brenda's, January-March, 2009)

Are a lot of musicians known for being well-dressed and snappily-attired? Absolutely. But sometimes the fans coming to see them are just as impressive! Here are a couple faves from the past few months...





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The return of grunge: Swedish style (at the Barbary, 3/8/09)

Masshysteri are a Swedish punk band, comprised of members the Vicious, Regulations, Lost Patrol Band, Insurgent Kid, International Noise Conspiracy, and more.

They're also, it seems, purveyors of a new breed of grunge-punk: black jeans, flannel, denim shirts, studded belts.



Rock on guys!

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