The self-described ‘cuddle punk’ of Philly’s AMANDA X immediately brings to mind the ‘cuddlecore’ of Canadian indie pop legends CUB, and there seems to be a little shared DNA with the two bands’ takes on punky spartan pop, but AMANDA X surely stand by themselves. Following 2012’s Ruin the Moment EP, which explored shades of grungey slacker pop tied together with the assertive back-and-forth vox of bassist Kat Bean and guitarist Cat Park (the latter from Philly’s Band Name), is late 2013’s single “Parnsip.” The new jam presents a slightly more dissonant guitar sound, which nestles the group’s vibe somewhere between Swirlies, Black Tambourine, and the Breeders. The lyrics drip with a romantic earnestness and existential longing expressed in a strikingly simple and effective fashion: “I am human now. I am mortal in the most uncomfortable way. I feel so weird sitting and wishing you were here.” Currently AMANDA X is readying for a tour in May and releasing their debut LP on Siltbreeze Records shortly thereafter. The band will be playing Boston Hassle’s monthly TREAT YO SELF night on 5/19 @ Obrien’s w/ Sneeze, Dyland Ewen & the Sulk Scouts, and one more TBA. May TYS artists will include Tatia Cynae and others TBA.