Philly Spotlight
By Ryan Simmons

Johnny Mile (Tree Records)

There are a few bands out there that do not get the same recognition as most because they don’t have the time to fit touring into their busy schedule. Unfortunately, these bands are tough to come across based on word of mouth alone. So when you hear one that you absolutely love, you want to keep them a secret as to not pack their shows with absolute assholes and obnoxious morons. The kind of band that eventually gets big, while you scoff and announce, not so casually, that you have been listening to them for years.

One gem that I have attempted to keep to myself over the last couple years is a singer/song writer by the name of Johnny Miles.

Upon his arrival to the great city of Philadelphia, you could catch Johnny playing anywhere from coffee houses, to street corners, or back porches at a local party with nothing but an acoustic guitar and a harmonica. It did not take long, however, for him to make an impression on those around him and start working his way into performing at much larger venues. Playing with different band members almost every show under a new name, you may think you are headed to the wrong show. However, every name reads to be something along the lines of “Johnny Miles and the Something Band,” so if you are unsure of whether or not you are going to see the right Johnny Miles, don’t worry, the name is subject to change.

Although he takes a minimalistic approach to his music, there is nothing simplistic about this folky, wunderkind. Accompanied by some of the biggest music names in Philly, his 2007 album, “Sign of The Times” is a Midwestern treat for those of us on the East Coast. Shortly after it’s release, the album was featured in Philadelphia Weekly and John began getting a fair amount of well-deserved press. The album vividly paints pictures of a falling economy, the trials and tribulations of love and the views of an everyday guy. The twelve-track twangy slice of Americana is the perfect addition to any folk lover’s collection.

Any fan of Wilco, The Avett Brothers or Bob Dylan would be able to find something to love about Johnny Miles. Although he has not released anything in three years, he can still be found playing shows around the city. It took a lot out of my false sense of elitism to reveal this artist to the world, so please, if you see me at those shows, don’t be the drunk guy spilling beer on my shoes.

Downtown Harvest (Malogna Records)

Some bands attempt to mix a ton of musical styles and crash and burn within their first couple months of playing. Unfortunately, a lot of times nobody make them aware of this and they continue to play shows anyway as people awkwardly walk away or outwardly make fun of you. Either way, bands that have too much going on rarely find a nice balance, making it difficult to listen or watch them play live. I recently had the pleasure of catching a show by Downtown Harvest mid-January and found out that not only do they do a good job mincing styles, but put on a flawless performance when they do so.

Beginning with two former high school classmates running into each other at a train station in Philadelphia, Bobby Cahill and Tommy Moore became the glue that would hold the band together. With the addition of singer/drummer Chris Wood and Frank Ewing’s deep-rooted multi-instrumental prowess, the band was ready to start. Since then, Downtown Harvest has released two albums, which received tons of airplay and have a third, highly anticipated full-length on the way. Their music is a mix of everything from jazz, power pop, to funk. Filled with earthy drum beats and compelling keys, the culmination of the group is one that will keep you interested even if it is not exactly your cup of tea.

The band can be seen playing all over Pennsylvania and have played basically non-stop since 2006, playing well over 400 shows in the last four years. Anyone can respect the time and effort it takes to put music together that is so involved and layered. Even if you are not into the indie power pop clusterfuck scene, this is a band that combines the talent and performing qualities needed to deliver every time.

www.myspace.com/downtownharvest

Panic Years (Unsigned)

Last June, a list of possible articles for the Philly Spotlight piece were dropped into my lap, most of which I had never heard of. When you get twenty-five new bands thrust upon you, it is hard to give them all a respectable listen other than your basic research. One band that I waited to write about so that I could extensively look into them, was Panic Years, a formerly residing in Virginia Beach, the band decided to try their hand at Philly living. Since 2007, they have not only survived their move, but they have held their own in a city full of some of the harshest critics out there.

Before their move, the band recorded a self-titled EP, which pretty much revitalized early to mid-nineties alternative. I am not talking about the kind of alternative you see on “NOW That’s What I Call 90’s!” infomercials at four in the morning, featuring bands like Three Doors Down and Matchbox 20. I am talking about alternative bands that were around before the music became a pariah. There is something nostalgic, yet new to the bands sound and it is one you will want to experience habitually.

The band has been touring and writing music non-stop since their move to the city, so go out and support this band either by checking out one of their energetic sets, or picking up their EP that has been getting so much attention. In fact, do both at the same time, it would be absolutely worth the combined ten dollars. If you can’t spare the cash in these harsh times, turn on your radio and tune into 104.5 because, rightfully so, their album has been getting airtime on that and many other radio stations. This is one band I could not stop listening to and I am sure you will feel the same way once you listen in.

www.myspace.com/panicyears