Julia Willinger of XL Recordings is a New York-based music writer.
Last week, I took the Bolt bus to catch King Krule at Philadelphia’s brand new Union Transfer. In March last year, The Bowery presents team took over the space, previously a spaghetti factory, and transformed it into a state of the art venue. It has a Western saloon-meets-church vibe, with multiple bars and a retractable stage. Archy Marshall AKA King Krule took the stage in this grand setting with ease––unexpected from a 17-year-old from London.
This scrawny redhead wore a shirt that came down to his knees and a baseball cap glued to his head. His large, white guitar was almost half the size of his body. He made playing the guitar look easy as he strummed away vigilantly and swayed back and forth to the jamming tunes of his band. As soon as he opened his mouth, everyone was taken back by his unbelievably mature voice. With a distinct UK accent, he pronounces each word with intense diction and an incredible amount of emotion. The song "The Noose of Jah City" from his EP, released on True Panther last year, was the standout track. Archy sings about loss, pain, and a suffering that he seems way too young to know.
Was it worth the ride to Philly? I think yes.
King Krule- The Noose of Jah City by truepanther
![]()
Last week, I took the Bolt bus to catch King Krule at Philadelphia’s brand new Union Transfer. In March last year, The Bowery presents team took over the space, previously a spaghetti factory, and transformed it into a state of the art venue. It has a Western saloon-meets-church vibe, with multiple bars and a retractable stage. Archy Marshall AKA King Krule took the stage in this grand setting with ease––unexpected from a 17-year-old from London.
This scrawny redhead wore a shirt that came down to his knees and a baseball cap glued to his head. His large, white guitar was almost half the size of his body. He made playing the guitar look easy as he strummed away vigilantly and swayed back and forth to the jamming tunes of his band. As soon as he opened his mouth, everyone was taken back by his unbelievably mature voice. With a distinct UK accent, he pronounces each word with intense diction and an incredible amount of emotion. The song "The Noose of Jah City" from his EP, released on True Panther last year, was the standout track. Archy sings about loss, pain, and a suffering that he seems way too young to know.
Was it worth the ride to Philly? I think yes.
King Krule- The Noose of Jah City by truepanther
