Philadelphia Weekly

MUSIC

Critic’s Pick: Wussy Skillfully Blends Alt-Country, Indie-Pop

By Reyan Ali

Add Comment | Comments: 2 | Posted Aug. 8, 2012

Don’t be tricked by Wussy marking themselves as “Midwestern drone” on their Facebook page. The Cincinnati band are far more fleet-footed than that, as the four-piece combine alt-country with indie-pop to create music that’s alternately autumnal and propulsive. It’s the sort of down-home sound that would make a good complement to a Hold Steady set. Chuck Cleaver and Lisa Walker—the band’s one-two vocal punch—founded Wussy in 2001, and though the group are still fighting to get their name out there, things have been on the upswing for ‘em over time. Legendary rock critic Robert Christgau placed Wussy’s Funeral Dress II and Strawberry within the top 10 of his “best of 2011” list, and this fall, the group will back the Afghan Whigs on that band’s reunion run. By 2013, Wussy will hopefully be experiencing the greater acclaim and exposure they deserve.

Fri., Aug. 10, 9 pm. $12. With Low Cut Connie + Dan Ex Machina. North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St. 215.787.0488. northstarbar.com