by Kelly Johnson
Cherry is a new project from Philadelphia native Russell Edling. Edling cut his teeth as singer and guitarist in the now-defunct Kite Party. Now, Lame-O Records is getting set to release the debut 7-inch from Cherry, Gloom this Friday, February 19. We have the distinct pleasure of premiering the 4 tracks here at Post-Trash.
If you’ve been following underground indie rock in Philadelphia lately, you’ll get a good sense of the psych-bedroom pop dished out on Cherry’s Gloom. The plaintive vocal delivery evokes fellow City of Brotherly Love brethren Gunk and Sun Organ (also ex-Kite Party). The melodies are simple but affecting; the song arrangements wouldn’t sound out of place on a Mikal Cronin record.
“Golden Love” sets this tone right away. A straightforward acoustic guitar pattern underlays the strongest melody in the batch of songs. “I want your love,” Edling yearns, “To be like a golden flame.” It’s an impactful opener that gives way to the more unambiguous musings on “Special Baby.” “Alligators” waxes creepily over an insistently upbeat chord progression and distant whistles. Lyrics like “I will destroy the life you live/Until you’re hollowed out like me” whiz right by as you are swept up in the sweetness of the sounds.
Seemingly out of left field on paper, Edling closes out the group of songs with a Fugazi cover. However, he gives “I’m So Tired” (the MacKaye-penned piano number from Instrument) the Cherry treatment and it fits right in with the meditative vibe of the rest of the tracks. It’s a great way to tie up this auspicious short collection and an indication that Cherry is on a confident trajectory.
Cherry will celebrate the release on April 3rd in Philly at Kung Fu Necktie upstairs w/ Sun Organ, Lowercase Roses and Cave People.