I will be the first to admit that my tastes can be strange when it comes to music. Some people would describe them as “hipster” or “contrarian.” I just prefer to believe that I like what I like. For instance: I absolutely love Band of Horses and My Morning Jacket. Love. Them. I can’t stand Dawes or Mumford and Sons. All talented musicians, but it doesn’t click for me. Anyone can be a contender for my affections, and who knows what will stick. Enter another player in the game, Philadelphia’s own Oldermost.

Before their release show for I Live Here Now on Saturday night at Johnny Brenda’s, I had a chance to listen to some of their work, and I dig it. Their sound resonates with me. A little bit off-kilter, with an acceptable amount of mainstream know-how thrown in to keep it melodic. Great vocals and a good chemistry on record.

The show itself was pretty straight-forward. Not a bad thing at all, mind you. I love local record release shows. It’s mostly family, friends and well-wishers. Things tend to be louder from the audience-chatter side of things (why people go to see a musical act and try to talk above the act that is playing is still beyond me), but they were fun and it’s a blast to see someone who could make it big someday take their early steps.

Oldermost are entertainers, most importantly. Lead vocalist Bradford Bucknum eschews passion in every note, no matter how minor (not a pun, I promise). Bandmates Dan Wolgemuth, David Richards, Stephen Robbins, and Geoff Bucknum all work equally hard to bring down the house, as much as their laid back sounds allow. A throwback to ’70s sensibilities, as well as the guitar/drums/keyboard aesthetic, they know how to jam without being boring, yell when it’s time, and lull you back down to earth when it’s over.

There is still some polishing to do, and I really hope this isn’t just a post-college project for these guys. I’d love to see them follow through, and where their sound will take them as they cultivate it. Like Leonardo in Django Unchained—they have my curiosity. I’ll hang around and see if they grab my attention