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2 weeks ago | 
xpn.org | Emma Zoe Polyak
In a time when , it’s easy to feel disconnected from the music we love – scrolling through your phone to find an album just doesn’t have the same panache as flipping through a vinyl record or grabbing a CD to play it all the way through. And this is coming from someone who was born around the time that iPods were making their rise.
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2 months ago | 
xpn.org | Emma Zoe Polyak
To say that Wunderhorse had a phenomenal 2024 would be no exaggeration. From a slew of back-to-back tour dates to the release of their second album Midas, there’s no question why the British rock band were named XPN’s January Artist to Watch. Made up of singer and guitarist Jacob Slater, guitarist Harry Fowler, bassist Peter Woodin, and drummer Jamie Staples, Wunderhorse took shape as a band while touring their debut album, Cub.
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Jan 21, 2025 | 
xpn.org | Emma Zoe Polyak
There was a hush over the crowd as Tamino and his bandmates took the stage in preparation for Friday’s Free at Noon concert. Without even uttering a word, Tamino had captivated the crowd, thanks in part to his striking height, but, more importantly, thanks to his quiet charm and down-to-earth nature. Tamino’s songs were equally commanding as his vocals flowed seamlessly from soaring high notes to deep whispers, with elaborate vocal runs sprinkled throughout.
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Dec 11, 2024 | 
xpn.org | Emma Zoe Polyak
885 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century“Thinkin Bout You” remains a defining track in Ocean’s discography, emblematic of his ability to blend vulnerability with innovation. Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You” isn’t just a song: it’s a moment, a glimpse into the complexity of love, longing, and identity.
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Dec 10, 2024 | 
xpn.org | Emma Zoe Polyak
Japanese Breakfast‘s “Be Sweet” is a sparkling indie-pop anthem that blends ’80s synth-pop nostalgia with modern elements, creating a sound both retro and refreshingly new. Released as the lead single of their 2021 album Jubilee, the track stands out for its infectious energy and frontwoman Michelle Zauner’s charismatic vocal delivery. When “Be Sweet” first came out, it marked a shift for Japanese Breakfast.
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Dec 6, 2024 | 
xpn.org | Emma Zoe Polyak
Throughout the 885 Greatest Songs Of The 2st Century countdown, we’ll take you on deeper dives into select songs that pop up each day. Released just last year, Big Thief’s “Vampire Empire” quickly established itself as a standout in their discography. From the first note, the track feels like a reckoning, both deeply personal and wildly cathartic. It builds with tension before exploding into its full intensity, taking listeners on a ride that’s equal parts chaos and clarity.
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Nov 18, 2024 | 
xpn.org | Emma Zoe Polyak
For many, Slowdive is synonymous with the shoegaze genre. Ethereal soundscapes, lush reverb, and atmospheric melodies are defining features of their songs, as are layers of distorted guitars and ambient synth. Themes of nostalgia and melancholy run through their catalog, providing a haunting yet captivating sound. The band returned to Philadelphia last Friday night, playing to a packed crowd at Franklin Music Hall.
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Nov 11, 2024 | 
xpn.org | Emma Zoe Polyak
Orion Sun’s set at Union Transfer was the perfect respite needed last week. Her presence was magnetic yet unassuming, drawing the audience in with quiet confidence and radiance. Her songs blended genres seamlessly, weaving lo-fi beats, jazz-inspired melodies, and R&B grooves into a sound that felt both timeless and fresh. Toward the end of her set, Orion Sun did something unexpected: she walked off the stage and into the crowd.
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Nov 4, 2024 | 
xpn.org | Emma Zoe Polyak
Singer-songwriter Clairo, the moniker of songwriter / producer and singer Claire Cottrill, created a warm and intimate environment at Franklin Music Hall this weekend, playing two sold-out shows for Philly fans. She captivated the crowd with a natural charm, displaying her love for the crowd in soft-spoken moments of appreciation. Clairo is an artist who brings honesty and relatability to her music; it often feels like a diary entry – heartfelt, intimate, and a little nostalgic.
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Oct 29, 2024 | 
xpn.org | Emma Zoe Polyak
Hinds | photo by Emma Zoe Polyak for WXPNConcert ReviewsHailing from Madrid, the duo brought with them an infectious energy and rocking tunes. If there’s one thing that Hinds have mastered, it’s the art of turning any moment into a party, which is exactly what they did at their show last Friday. The crowd was abuzz the entire night, spurred on by Hinds’ enthralling energy and punk-infused tunes. Held in the basement of Philly’s First Unitarian Church, their set was both energetic and intimate.
