Truck North recently released his debut EP Our American Cousin. Well, he’s already back with a new track called "Riot Act," which was produced by Neon Brown and features fellow emcee Homeboy Sandman. You can take a listen to it below.

Frances Quinlan steers pop-rock trio Hop Along into Union Transfer this evening. Their album Get Disowned stood out as one of the finest local releases of 2012. Hop Along unleashes Quinlan’s versatile emotive vocal style, coupling it with a musical sensitivity befitting the moment. Digging in and pulling up there sleeves when necessary, or laying back and playing it simple, these three definitely have a knack for discovering the beauty amid a disaster. There’s a transparent grittiness in both the lyrics and the music it wears that can transform these songs into anthems or better yet battle cries. Hop Along will be opening alongside the pop-rock fortress of A Great Big Pile of Leaves for recently reunited South Jersey emo outfit Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start, who are celebrating the 10th anniversary of and nothing is  #1. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., 8:30pm, $15, All Ages (Photo by Andee Wells) – Michael Colavita

So, remember when Union Transfer actually used to be the Spaghetti Warehouse? The stage didn’t exist, and the balcony was used for seating couples only interested in getting their spaghetti and meatball fix. Well, you are in for a nostalgic treat. The Walkmen are serving up a free spaghetti meal before their performance tonight at UT as a way to make up for their cancelled show at the Electric Factory this past summer. At 5pm, people will be able to come in for food and drinks, and maybe even some brews from this evening’s dinner sponsor Victory Brewing Company. At 6:30pm, you’ll be asked to then leave until the doors open for tonight’s performance so go grab a drink at Prohibition, The Institute or The Trestle Inn. Come back and join Hamilton, Paul, Walter, Peter, and Matt for some tasty tunes! Opening the music portion of the night will be Clap Your Hands Say Yeah frontman Alec Ounsworth. The spaghetti dinner is totally free, but The Walkmen are asking that you please RSVP at spaghetti@thewalkmen.com. Come a get your spicy meatballs (in the worst Italian accent ever)! Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., 8pm, $22, All Ages – Rachel Barrish

This Friday night at Kung Fu Necktie’s Popular Science party, there are going to be beats, beats and more beats. In fact, beats by way of five musical acts, one of them being Philly’s own YIKES the ZERO. Just think of one of his albums as a single painting by Henri Matisse. The similarities? Abstract approach, flow and contrast. Differences? Well, Matisse paints; YIKES the ZERO rhymes. This isn’t the stereotypical mainstream approach to rap – complaining about the usual bitches, hoes ‘n’ bros – it’s all about addressing hip-hop roots, keeping it light-hearted, informative, and providing that contrast through ominous vox over creative beats. YIKES the ZERO isn’t the only one making this a beat-tastic night. Joining him will be Popular Science masterminds Grimace Federation and Sonkin, Binary Bits, and Houston’s Wheez-ie keeping things bass-y. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 North Front St., 10pm, $8, 21+ – Brandi Lukas

After gaining a strong indie following with deviant pop ensemble Lenola and the synth hook-laden Like A Fox, Jay Laughlin didn’t miss a beat when he started his solo project JJL. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that he’s backed by his former Like A Fox rhythm section (Pete Girgenti on drums and Brian Wilkinson on bass). And since a year may move this psych-swinging project closer to releasing a proper full-length, tonight’s show at Johnny Brenda’s will be a good opportunity to familiarize yourself with their new material like “Keep Silent”and “Without a Trace,” especially since they’ll be joined by the mesmerizing shadowy rock of The Cobbs and experimental noise maestro Mark Feehan. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford St., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Bill McThrill