On the same stage that he played his first gig with Dr. Dog in 2010, Philly native Eric Slick celebrated the release of his new solo album, New Age Rage at Johnny Brenda’s this weekend. Listening to the album it feels like the perfect blend of relatable lyrics about life brilliantly paired with fun, upbeat party music. Saturday night was a hometown release show party with old friends and new ones at Johnny Brenda’s, complete with both Slick parents in attendance.
Toby Leaman | photo by Ellen C Miller for WXPN
Also on the bill were Toby Leaman (co-singer-songwriter of Dr. Dog) and local band, Mavis the Dog. Apparently, having “dog” somewhere in your band name was a prerequisite for being part of this lineup. Mavis the Dog also released a new album earlier in 2024, White Plastic Chairs, which was recorded in a South Philly basement where they all lived for many years (according to their Bandcamp page).
Before Slick took over the drumset for Toby Leaman’s last song, to perform the Dr. Dog favorite, “Lonesome,” Leaman filled the middle set with songs off his 2023 solo album Military Applications.
Mavis The Dog | photo by Ellen C Miller for WXPN
When the artist themself recommends drinking a pre-show coffee in their social media promo post, it is a sure sign that it will be a late night but this show was well-worth staying up past bedtime for! Supported by his band – Todd Bolden on bass, Andy Molhot on keys, and Fiona Palensky on drums – Slick filled his 10-song set with songs mostly from the new record. He did sub two new songs for “When it Comes Down to it” and “Over It” which are off his 2020 album Wiseacre. The music was paired with lights and visuals projected behind the stage taking the whole experience up a notch. During “Philadelphia Lights,” the Phillie Phanatic was obviously incorporated into those visuals (because what’s more “Philly” than the Phanatic). Slick also incorporated lyrics for some of the songs into the visuals projected behind him too for additional audio-visual flare.