September 26, 2016
Chris Sikich/for PhillyVoice
Pylon Reenactment Society plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
There’s another universe where the house playlist always features some Pylon. Out of Athens, Georgia, and predating R.E.M., Pylon came up with a rock/dance combination that still feels ahead of its time. When the Pylon Reenactment Society descended upon Johnny Brenda’s on Sunday night, Philadelphia entered this other universe.
This isn’t your typical tribute band; original Pylon frontwoman Vanessa Briscoe Hay also fronts this fiery reconstruction.
Things started off with a bang; namely “Cool” — the defining song of Pylon’s oeuvre. Immediately, the reenactors show off their skills: Kay Stanton on bass, Jason Ne Smith on guitar and Joe Rowe on drums. The crowd fed off their livewire energy during a set that spanned Pylon’s career. The show ended with “M-Train” and Hay swiveling the mic into the crowd.
Dressy Bessy, always a blast, played a smart counterpart to Pylon with their bopping beats. Led by Bleeding Rainbow alums Rob Garcia and Sarah Everton, Philly’s own Telepathic opened with an alt-rock feel and propulsive hooks.
Pylon Reenactment Society plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Pylon Reenactment Society plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Pylon Reenactment Society plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Pylon Reenactment Society plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Pylon Reenactment Society plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Pylon Reenactment Society plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Pylon Reenactment Society plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Pylon Reenactment Society plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Pylon Reenactment Society plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Pylon Reenactment Society plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Dressy Bessy plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Dressy Bessy plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Dressy Bessy plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Dressy Bessy plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Dressy Bessy plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Telepathic plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Telepathic plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
Telepathic plays Johnny Brenda's on Sept. 25.
