Since their last appearance in WXPN studios six years ago, Philly indie rock outfit Eight has doubled its size and expanded its sonic scope. What was once a raw and punky power trio is now an intricate six-piece delivering sun-kissed psychedelic grunge in the spirit of Smashing Pumpkins and that dog., with frontperson Mimi Gallagher and bassist Cat Park remaining the constant forces connecting the eras.
The band used its Key Studio Session this week to showcase Delight In Eight, a vivid and imaginative record released independently in summer of 2022. It’s hazy and beautiful, but has a gripping edge to it as well, andin this performance we hear moments of tender sweetness (“Bird,” a duet between Gallagher and guitarist Russell Edling; the two also play together in Golden Apples) and trippy humor (“On The Beach,” punctuated by an impromptu Neil Young sample by keys player Matt Schimelfenig). We also hear out-and-out ragers like propulsive opener “Die In The Desert” and set highlight “Puzzled,” which explodes with heady shredding by guitarist Pat Conaboy and powerful drumming by Zak Robbins.
Watch Eight’s full Key Studio Sessions set below, and see the band live at Johnny Brenda’s on Wednesday, April 26th, opening for Flying Nun Records veterans Bailter Space, who are tour the U.S. from New Zealand. Tickets and more information can be found at WXPN’s Concerts and Events page; for more, dive into Eight’s discography at Bandcamp.