Also this issue: The Sound and Di Furia Photon Band art scholar hears colors, sees sound. -Brian Howard Heller High Water A Philly expat talks about the end of Philadelphia as he knows it. -A.D. Amorosi Fads Will Tear Us Apart NYC's Interpol swims against the next wave. -John Vettese Ours -A.D. Amorosi Marianne Nowottny -Patrick Rapa Aimee Mann -Nicole Pensiero Kool Keith -Elisa Ludwig Har Mar Superstar -Brian Howard

December 5-11, 2002

musicpicks

Hail Social

The Big Apple is abuzz about its hip local rock bands. But all you industry and media types oughta direct your eager eyes 90 miles south where the Brotherly City will show you the goods. Leading Philly's pack of tightest and finest might just be the newly formed Hail Social. At the end of August, the group -- comprised of Philly area Whole Foods employees -- promoted their first show at La Tazza by handing out a two-song demo with a flier tucked inside. Faster than you can say American Idol 2, the band followed it up with a self-titled four-song EP and a release party in early November. And the excitement isn't just effective self-promotion. There is talent involved. The EP successfully combines jaunty, early '90s Manchester pop with the emotional spectrum of post-punk. At their upcoming live performance, keep your ears perked for "City Lights" and its grabbing, sing-alongable chorus. Also, "East Coast/West Coast" (available at www.hailsocial.com) appears to be a favorite among the band's rapidly expanding crew of admirers.

Sun., Dec. 8, 7 p.m., $8, all ages, with Denali, French Kicks and Spokane, First Unitarian Church, 22nd and Chestnut sts., 215-563-3980.

—Hillary Rea