Dangerous Ponies’ latest release, a four-song EP entitled Tenderheart, emphatically meets the expectations of their fans. Tenderheart is a systematic combination of fresh rocking, dance-inspiring, indie pop led by the supreme vocals of Chrissy Tashjian and the band’s innate ability to construct and balance complex musical compositions, stacking tight layers of sound, with the help of producer Joe Reinhart, while retaining a clean crispness.

The EP’s title track sets the standard. A guitar riff assisted by some light smacking percussion and a subtly twinkling keyboard anchors the stage before the song kicks into high gear. As the powerful fuzzed-out combination of drums, bass and volatile guitar pushes forward, Tashjian finds a natural place for her voice and lyrics - “You got a lot of ghost/You got to let them all out.” While the percussion and vocals are aligned in the center, the guitar work weaves from side to side, stretching out on a little run before briefly falling back to the original vocal/drum/keyboard combination, reemerging in a blistering fuzzed-out explosion that’s completed by warning micro chant “Watch Out!”

Seamlessly leading into “Sparks,” rumbling drums and claps form a base, but the song takes an unexpected route when a bright choir-esque vocal teams up with Tashjian’s lead, developing an airiness before yet another transition - one from keys into guitar. A chunky bass/guitar groove thrusts into a dual laser beam guitar riff.

“California” is a microcosm of the band’s ability to blend an array of styles into a dense rich package. What begins as a poppy vocal song using a twangy guitar and a snap/pop driving percussive backdrop quickly changes shape morphing into a fuzzed-out guitar lick; then turning into a pulsing bass/key scenario nod to The Clash. Finally, the two-worlds meet as a twangy/fuzz guitars rip through, and the song comes full circle closing out with a polished choral/lead vocal marriage.

Tenderheart rounds itself out with anthemic “Dogfite.” Similar to its predecessors, the closing track shape-shifts as it moves. Beginning at a precise jogging pace that puts emphasis on the groove, but after coasting down the road, it speeds up merging into a raunchy fuzz-guitar explosion, and then steps back with as a slick lick and drum beat creating a path for Tashjian to lament, “Everything in you, is in me too/the nature of us we are so free.” And as the full instrumental artillery reemerges, the rest of the band’s wails of “Are we strong enough?” go head to head with the lead vocals, providing the song and Tenderheart, as a whole, with a dynamic and powerful ending.

Dangerous Ponies have found a way to craft music that streamlines genres, proving that if the individual pieces know how to come together, the final product, even in just four songs, can truly stretch the boundaries. - Michael Colavita 

Local punk outfit Dong Johnson (huh, huh - you said “Dong” and “Johnson”) is set to let it all hang out when headlining Johnny Brenda’s tonight. Led by Opal Rock (5 Points Of Logic) with backing from drummer Chris Wilson (Ted Leo and The Pharmacists), bassist Tracy Stanton (Blood Feathers), and guitarist Joshua K. Cicetti (Gildon Works, The Midnight Sounds), the veteran four-piece will be opening up a serious can of whoopass on the audience this evening with their searing instrumentals and masculine wails. Dong Johnson will also be supported by Oklahoma’s Broncho (Fairfax Recordings) and Florida’s Beach Day (Kanine Records). Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ - Alexis V. 

It was quite a weekend in Philly with the weather on Saturday making a perfect backdrop for Kurt Vile's parade/video shoot (which was directed by The Best Show on WFMU's Tom Scharpling). Well, that positive energy has carried into the workweek with NPR's First Listen series streaming Vile's double LP Wakin On A Daze in its entirety HERE. The album's official release is next Tuesday, April 9 via Matador Records. Kurt Vile and the Violators will be performing next in Philly on Saturday, May 18 at Union Transfer.

Dangerous Ponies celebrated the release of their new EP Tenderheart this past Friday at MilkBoy Philly with a killer set and a packed house of adoring fans. Also along for the ride were Slutever, Desert Noises and Starlight Girls. You can check out our pics from the evening HERE.

I know that a lot of you out there have been eagerly waiting for this. Tonight at the First Unitarian Church, Philly hardcore heroes Paint It Black celebrate the release of their 7” Invisible, which will contain six new tracks (we’ve already shared three of them with you over the past couple of weeks HERE). It’s been about three and a half years since they dropped their last release the 7” single Surrender so I’m sure that there will be plenty of sweaty bodies ready to give some brotherly shoves when they hear the latest material off Invisible as well as older ones from the band’s catalogue. Helping to heat up the Church’s basement for this evening’s all-ages sold-out show will be local hardcore outfits Bad Side and Congenital Death and Left Coast acts Joyce Manor and Loma Prieta. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 6:30pm, $10 (Sold Out), All Ages - Alexis V.

Plow United is back from almost a fifteen year long hiatus with their new Jump Start Records release Marching Band. Breaking up sometime in 1997, the project was left during what some would label as the height of their popularity. Resurfacing at the maiden Riot Fest East held in 2011, the band has since officially reunited performing a number of festivals and shows. After three appearances earlier this week in NYC and Jersey, Plow United is bringing their veteran pop-punk sound to Philly this evening to celebrate the release of their new album. Also joining the bill are Philly-based punk acts The Holy Mess and Ma Jolie and West Chester’s very own NONA. There should be plenty of hours filled with raspy vocals, catchy hooks, and the expected societal dissidence. Philly shreds or updapunx or whatever you kids say nowadays, it’s happening at The Barbary tonight. The Barbary, 951 N. Frankford Ave., 5pm, $10, All Ages - Ed Newton

Eric Slick, the man who plays a part in a fistful of local indie projects (Dr. Dog, Norwegian Arms, Ape School, etc.), makes a rare solo appearance tonight at PhilaMOCA. Slick brings an experimental element to his playing as some may have experienced at his Tuesday Tune-Out performance, whether it’s on keys, guitar or his more customary drumming/percussion - given his jazz background. And with psychedelic capsules that he performs with, anything remains on the table. Similarly, Lux Perpetua, Justin Wolf’s creative endeavor, has a universally open appeal. With one foot in the door of spacey psych-pop and another in grimy grunge, he lifts you into an ever-darkening stormy cloud. However, there’s always light. Also headlining the evening is Chris Cohen (ex-Deerhoof). PhilaMOCA 531 N. 12th St., 8pm., $7 - $10 Donation, All Ages (Photo by George Miller III) - Michael Colavita