Hermit Thrushes bring experimental Philadelphia sound to Justice Records

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Heads banged to a unique sound Thursday night as the Hermit Thrushes and a slew of other local bands packed Justice Records for a promotional show.

The Philadelphia-native Hermit Thrushes played for a crowd of about 50 people in the record store at 617 N. Mission St. There was no cover charge, just a donation bucket passed around to help with expenses.

“We normally book hardcore rock and punk bands, these guys are a little different,” said Justice Records co-owner Rorik Brooks.

That difference caught the liking of several musical enthusiasts in attendance.

“They were intense and intimidating in a good way,” said Brighton freshman Mike Benskey. “The lead singer was awesome and the whole band played their hearts out.”

Benskey had never heard the band before but said he was definitely going to check them out after the show.

The Thrushes kicked off their “Wooden Blankets” EP promotional tour on Oct. 20 in Cleveland. The 20-stop tour is scheduled to culminate in their final show in Allston, Mass. at the Powerhouse on Nov. 12.

“Cleveland was rowdy last night,” said lead vocalist Yianni Kourmadas. “The audience started going insane and we had to get out of there. But I’m glad to be here, it’s nice that we can still do shows in the record stores, it’s a change of pace.”

Drummer Sam Tremble said the group’s new recordings had an interesting history.

“We actually recorded our last EP in an abandoned church in South Philly,” Tremble said. “One of our friends owned the property and asked us if we would like to play there. I really liked it though, it was a little more homey than the recording studio.”

The band classifies itself as an alternative experimental band. Other than the typical guitar, bass, and drum setup, the Hermit Thrushes implement a variety of instruments into their songs. A glockenspiel, alto sax, and a saz, a stringed instrument, all help the band lay out their music.

“I would describe our sound as a very angry attempt at experimental insanity,”  Kourmadas said.

The Hermit Thrushes have two albums prior to their new EP, Benaki and Slight Fountain.

Kourmadas kept his feet on the ground despite his group’s success with a somewhat sarcastic attitude.

“Most people don’t know it but being in a band is the easiest way to become rich,” he said. “We eat steak every night and sleep on satin sheets.”