The collective advance of Dear Friend rains down like an avalanche. The persistent, energy-gathering, instrumental interplay as smatterings of time-setting, exclamatory thuds of backend circling the soaring sear of guitar provides a well-rounded compliment. Meanwhile, Kenny Luu’s vocals slyly slip into the center with a reserved, cool demeanor. However, the songs carry infectious tenderness, integrating the intense ethereal qualities of shoegazing with the rampant immediacy of pop-punk. Tonight, they will be celebrating the release of their self-titled album at Ortlieb’s. With calm yet eruptive vocals, the melodic one-two rumble of duo Honeytiger and the ominous grit of quartet Tiny Vices will be laying down the groundwork for their Philly cohorts. Brooklyn trio Atomic Girl will also deliver a tightly spun contagious rock set that ramps up and appears ready to tear at the seams. Ortlieb’s, 847 N. 3rd St., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita
