Building on their ever-expanding catalog of worldly, introspective, literate indie pop, Philly’s Another Michael upped their game this past year with the release of two full-length albums. Wishes To Fulfill, which came out on Run For Cover in autumn of 2023, explored their love of pop songcraft; Pick Me Up, Turn Me Upside Down, which arrives on May 31st, veers more experimental, peppered with electronic production and dissonant atmospheres. The band showcased both albums this week in a performance at WXPN for The Key Studio Sessions.
Comprised of Michael Doherty on guitar and vocals, and Nick Sebastiano on bass and vocals, Another Michael’s roots stretch back to their college days in Albany, New York. Arriving in Philadelphia after graduating, the duo linked up with local players, and in this set are rounded out by drummer Al Resh and guitarist Tyler Bussey. The opening “Angel” gives a taste of the pure pop of Wishes, while the immersive “Mudslide” rumbles and radiates but shows that as left-field as Pick Me Up‘s intentions are, it’s also incredibly approachable. The closing “Seafood” splits the difference, with a gorgeous melody justaposed with an earnest celebration of fishing.
Watch Another Michael’s Key Studio Sessions performance below, check out their discography at Bandcamp, and celebrate their two companion albums in one release party at Johnny Brenda’s this Friday, May 24th. Tickets and information can be found at the WXPN Concert Calendar.