Muscle Tough is Philadelphia’s premier Bizarro-Party-Funk trio. Formed in 2014 at TIME, the band has developed a sound that is a heavily improvised blend of modal jazz, funk, and psychedelia. Drawing from a widely diverse set of influences and a common love of sonic texture, their unique use of sound design and group-minded improvisation allows them to create eclectic original compositions, as well as stretch classic pop hits to new depths. In 2016 they released their first EP, Greasin’ Up The Mediocrity Wheel, and are close to finishing their first full length effort, “Magical Achievements”.
The trio has just released their new single “Trump Dump”, described as “a politically inspired jam journey that we released just before the election” by drummer Joe Baldacci. “and now (unfortunately),” Baldacci continues, “its message still rings true.”
The band has had a big year, sharing stages with Jon Fishman (Phish), Eli Winderman (Dopapod), Ian McGuire and Clay Parnell of CIA at the Philly Bernie Sanders Fundraiser at North Bowl, and with the Snarky Puppy horns and John Medeski at Lunalight.
Check out the band performing an unlikely cover of The Weeknd‘s “The Hills” live in studio:
Don’t miss your chance to see Muscle Tough live in the coming months. They will be at the Ardmore Music Hall with Maceo Parker on Feb. 19th, and will ring in the new year with a show at Philly’s Underground Arts with Johnny Showcase & The Mystic Ticket, West Philly Orchestra, Minka on New Years Eve! Tickets are available via the band’s website.