Hello reader,
How are you today?
Today, we’re excited to discuss someone else who is making great music, Philly based Golden Apples. This is the project led by singer-songwriter Russell Edling (Kite Party, Lowercase Roses, and Cave People) and also features guitarist/vocalist Mimi Gallagher (Nona, Eight, Cave People) and in the past has made some excellent music with an Philly centric all-star lineup of Philly musicians such as drummer Pat Conaboy (Kite Party, Sun Organ, Spirit of the Beehive), bassist Tim Jordan (Kite Party, Sun Organ, Lowercase Roses), and guitarist Matt Scheuermann (Lowercase Roses).
Golden Apples has released three full length albums, their debut Shadowland (2021), their self-titled second album Golden Apples (2022), Bananasugarfire (2023). All to varying degrees of praise and acclaim from those in music media. And the bands’ fourth album, Shooting Star is out Friday, September 19th via Philly Indie label Lame-O Records.
In my opinion after listening to this song and a few other singles from the album a few times, one of the best songs on Shooting Star is “Freeeee” It stuck out to me instantly as a great tune, full of earworms and a catchy melody. The song bobs and weaves at times, showcasing vocals one moment, harmonies the next and musicianship the following moments. It’s a well crafted song that I know SWT readers would love as well. Hopefully as instantaneously as I did, but if not after a few listens on your own. So that’s the single that we’re going to spotlight today. All that being said, I think the song is a great introduction to Golden Apples.
Via the song’s press release, Edling says, “’Freeeee’ to me is a loose exploration of what it feels like to get lost and found within songwriting. Sometimes it feels like swimming through space, just trying to maneuver through confusion and obstacles in order to break free and take off. Sometimes the process can feel oppressive and suffocating, only to turn on a dime and seem weightless and easy. The lyrics also reference a moment when I was taking a walk and listening to Deerhoof’s album Milk Man again after many years. At the time I was sort of frustrated and lost in my own creative tangles and that album got me back on the path again.” Intrigued? Same. Ready to dive into it? Let’s check out the song!
The awesome overexposed film lens video for the fantastic song, “Freeeee” from the label, Lame-O Records’ YouTube channel:
(All credits and rights to Golden Apples and Lame-O Records)
The cover art for Shooting Star:
The Shooting Star Track list:
- Another Grand Offering for the Swine
- Noonday Demon
- Mind
- Ditto
- Freeeee
- Divine Blight
- Happy
- Feliz
- Breeze
- Fantasia
- Song for the Record Exchange
- How Long Must I Stay In This Place
You can follow and listen to Golden Apples at the following links:
- Their Linktree: linktr.ee/goldenapples
- Instagram: instagram.com/goldenapplesusa
- Bandcamp: goldenapples.bandcamp.com/album/shooting-star-2
Like what you’ve heard? See Golden Apples on tour in September and October:
Friday Sept. 19th – Austin, TX @ Antone’s *
Saturday Sept. 20th – Dallas, TX @ Ferris Wheelers *
Monday Sept. 22nd – Mesa, AZ @ The Rosetta Room *
Tuesday Sept. 23rd – Los Angeles, CA @ Masonic Lodge *
Wednesday Sept. 24th – San Francisco, CA @ Swedish American Hall *
Friday Sept. 26th – Seattle, WA @ Fremont Abbey *
Saturday Sept. 27th – Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall *
Sunday Sept. 28th – Boise, ID @ Shrine Social Club
Thursday Oct. 2nd – Pittsburgh, PA @ Bottlerocket
Friday Oct. 3rd – Philadelphia, PA @ Launderette
Saturday Oct. 4th – Washington, DC @ Quarry House
Sunday Oct. 12th – Brooklyn, NY @ TV Eye
Friday Oct. 17th – Philadelphia, PA @ Philly Music Fest – SOLD OUT
*= w/ Wicca Phase Springs Eternal
Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site: scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions!
Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com
