With a brand new EP coming out and a European tour coming up, it looks as if Ben Daniels and the rest of the new members of A Sunny Day in Glasgow are starting to gain some serious momentum. It’s easy to see why, their sound being somewhat of a refreshing reminder of the shoegaze/dreampop era, creating highly feminine, swirling soundscapes in the vein of Cocteau Twins or Slowdive. A Sunny Day in Glasgow bring more of an electronic update to this vibe, weaving samples and guitar into mesmerizing patterns and drones to make a certain type of pop, one that’s delicate and intense at the same time. Just listen to the nearly symphonic opening swells of "Nitetime Rainbows" (from their forthcoming EP of the same name) and you’ll probably understand the flurries of praise heaped on them by everyone from Pitchfork to the BBC. They’re returning to their hometown tonight with Arc in Round and The Homophones, so don’t miss it because you might not see them back any time soon. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 North Front St., 8 pm, $10, 21+ myspace.com/sunnydayinglasgow – Joe Poteracki

Ever since they released their EP, Dr. Ponie Medicine Ponie, Dangerous Ponies have been bringing their traveling party of love to the masses. As one of the newer members of Punk Rock Payroll (The Extraordinaires, Lux Perpetua, Kill You In The Face), they’ve already hit the road for tours, played SXSW, and put together a dance fueled music video. And one night before they hit Virginia for the Macrock Music Festival, Philadelphia’s finest 7 piece queer and allied band is ready to play a set at The Ox tonight. Once they break out their electric sing-alongs inside the latest darling of Philly’s DIY venues, it’s sure to turn into a joyous celebration. Also on the lineup is Fishtown’s lo-fi garage rockers The Spooks who have been gaining some deserved attention of their own for their EP Sea Monster. The Ox, 2nd and Oxford, 8pm, $5, All Ages myspace.com/dangerousponies – Bill McThrill

With his unruly red beard and banjo in tow, you may mistake breakout Philadelphia-native Joshua Marcus for his doppelganger, indie-folk wonder Sam Beam. Although both musicians incorporate honest lyrics and southern influences into their sound, the similarity stops there. Marcus’ simple melodies are arranged around the raw power of his voice. He is able to express his passion and tell whole stories through different intonations. This ability gives his songs a certain intimacy like a warm Appalachian summer sitting on your back porch sipping a Bud while watching a buddy sing his life into the night. With his recent release, Reverse the Charges, Marcus traveled across the country, stopping in different states to record his experiences with ultimately over four-dozen fellow musicians. The effect is a sound of overlapping lives that ultimately become one American voice.  Experience a different world for an hour or two and stop by Johnny Brenda’s tonight. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ myspace.com/joshuamarcus (Photo by Chris Poppe) – Katie Bennett