To close out September, Alvvays played two sold out shows at Union Transfer. Their indie pop was as infectious as ever. Snail Mail and Hatchie both wowed in the opening slots.

Belly recently played a double set of indie rock at Union Transfer in support of their first album in 23 years, “Dove.” It was a glorious night of indie rock led by Tanya Donelly, Gail Greenwood, Chris Gorman and Thomas Gorman.

Dream Wife kicked off their first North American headlining tour in Philadelphia on September 24. It was a phenomenal show from start, with openers War Violet and Russo, to the finish with the awesome rock of Dream Wife.

Emma Ruth Rundle put on a powerful performance at PhilaMOCA a few weeks ago behind her new album “On Dark Horses.” Jaye Jayle were a great opening act.

Superorganism played to a packed Union Transfer on Thursday, September 13. With their unique, catchy lyrics mixed with the a fascinating aural and visual palette, they were fabulously entertaining from the first note to last. Yuno opened with an engaging set.

Ex Hex rocked Philadelphia on Monday, September 10, with a mix of old and brand new songs. The trio of Mary Timony, Betsy Wright and Laura Harris sounded superb at the Boot & Saddle. EZTV played a solid opening set.

First Aid Kit delivered a stupendous performance at The Fillmore Philadelphia on Saturday, September 8. Playing behind the 2018 album Ruins and the brand new EP Tender Offerings, sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg  were as exceptional as ever. Julia Jacklin opened with a solid set.

Body/Head, Kim Gordon and Bill Nace’s rock duo, melted faces and obliterated ears at their recent PhilaMOCA show.

Gunn-Truscinski Duo opened and dazzled as well.

On July 26, Nicki Bluhm played The Foundry in Philadelphia. Photos of her and her band’s soundcheck as well as some portraits were captured.

On July 21, country folk singer Lori McKenna played behind her new LP The Tree at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia. The sublime performance was opened by Whitney Fenimore.

On July 19, Arcade Fire took Philadelphia on a rock journey of the soul. Playing behind their unfairly underrated Everything Now, they showed why they are one of the premier music acts.

They wasted no time in energizing the crowd with an awesome opening with “Wake Up.” Playing rarities like “Cars and Telophones” and “Headlights Look Like Diamonds” right next to the familiar of “The Suburbs” and “Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)” showed that they are willing to break the setlist mold and trust the audience to be engaged.

The crowd was pulled in from note one and never let go. And the band brought their usual high-octane energy, especially Will Butler, ravaging drums and jumping near the crowd. Win Butler and Regine Chassigne were their usual radiant selves as well, using the energy of the night and the power of the songs to connect until the final notes of “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains).”

Hamilton Leithauser opened with a strong set of rock that channeled Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

Snail Mail played a sublime show at Union Transfer on Saturday, July 14. Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee joined Lindsey Jordan for a stunning cover of Sheryl Crow’s “Strong Enough.” Bonny Doon opened with Jordan on bass.

Opening the Wednesday night show with the entirety of the forthcoming album “Nightstand,” Tancred wowed the devoted Boot & Saddle following with the sounds of new, followed by a raucous set of old. Jess Abbott  and her tight band followed up a strong opening set of new songs from Augusta Koch of Cayetana.

Last Sunday, Philadelphia’s Boot & Saddle hosted the intense and awesome display of musical awesome that is War on Women. Fronted by the powerful Shawna Potter they topped an impressive bill that also featured The Up! Up! Ups! and Sick Shit.

Playing an in-store at Main Street Music last Thursday, Caroline Rose and her band delivered a stupendous stripped down acoustic set to a packed store. Philadelphia-based indie-rockers Hurry followed with a brilliant set of their own.