The Mantles Kick it at the Kung Fu Necktie

by Donte Kirby

San Francisco’s The Mantles, Juan Wauters and Philly’s own Timbers showed their skills at Kung Fu Necktie, musically chopping a board in two.

(Timbers, photo credit Donte Kirby)

Timbers, a bass and drum two piece, kicked the show off with their self-described sound of “fuzzy, space metal.” Songs like “Exploding Head Syndrome” sent the place into a dark groove that had the crowd bobbing their heads and tapping their feet.

Devon DeBlasio from Fishtown and Stefan Schreffler from South Philly have started to “find their groove” since they formed Timbers in December after their previous band, Pine Barrens, with Matthew Manhire split up. And it showed as Schreffler head banged as he found his groove on stage.

(Juan Wauters, photo credit Donte Kirby)

Next up was Juan Wauters accompanied by his girlfriend Carmelle and fellow Beets member Matt Volz. Putting on a show that was as much a feast for the eyes as a treat for the ears.

The stage was set-up like living room with an American flag, Queens’s borough flag, and a flag that said “Meanwhile in Queens” adorned the back walls. Light bulbs were set up on the microphones with a lamp sculpture of two wolf heads cuddling as the centerpiece between Carmelle and Juan. As they played, the lights synchronized with instruments and singers, trapping you in the experience that is Juan Wauters.

The trio played through their set with no pauses, allowing no escape musical world crafted by Juan Wauters. The songs “Sanity,” “Nena,” (sung in Spanish) and “Powder” were some of the songs off Juan Wauters’ soon to be released album.

(The Mantles, photo credit Donte Kirby)

The Mantles hit the stage and had the crowd dancing along to their garage-pop tune with songs from their album Long Enough to Leave.  Hearing them play “Bad Design” and “Hello”, listening to their cheesesteak drowsiness and the trip from their last show in Baltimore not slowing them down one bit.

A few songs into the set, there was a problem with an amp that lead singer Michael Olivares responded to with “until we see smoke we’ll keep playing.”

And play they did, giving the crowd tons of energy throughout the set as they closed out an excellent show at the Kung Fu Necktie.