The classic two-piece rock band: a time-tested model that, when properly executed, deserves special recognition and admiration; not only for the boldness of performing as a duo with only one other person to rely on, but also for the unique quality that such an undiluted intimacy between musicians can produce. And to better celebrate these dynamic duos, these symbols of symbiosis, First Unitarian Church is hosting the 9th annual Two Piece Fest this Saturday. Enter +HIRS+, a beloved Philly two-piece thrash band, who combines dizzying tempos, pummeling blast beats, and throat rending vocals with a Napalm Death sensibility for song length – that is, extremely short. For good reason too, because if any of these songs ran over a minute, fingers would start flying off their joints, and throats would combust. Dialing it back a notch is Blacksalt, whose emotive melodies and weaving vocals are faintly reminiscent of a gazed-out Seam. Let’s also not forget local math-rock bad boys, The Joint Chiefs Of Math, who create head-spinningly unpredictable soundscapes full of abrupt dynamic shifts and tirelessly innovative drum parts. Out-of-towners Empty Vessels will also be in attendance to claim their share of two-piece praise with their heavy brand of sludgy hardcore. A handful of parallels can be made between them and sludge-duo legends Jucifer, but Empty Vessels has a seemingly stronger inclination toward post-hardcore dissonant melody over low-end doom-style riffage. Baltimore’s Romantic States take a different approach to duo song crafting, choosing instead to celebrate the charming minimalism inherent in a two-piece. Their pop songs are uncomplicated and jangly, but don’t lose any expressive detail for lack of members. You can check out the full lineup and set times for Two Piece Fest HERE. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 2pm, $12, All Ages. – Bryce Woodcock
More places to hang this weekend…
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) SAT Philly Loves Dilla: DJ Mike Nyce, Mr. Sonny James
The Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) SAT ROZES, Lockets, Bondage & Discipline
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI The Good Mess, Mr. Grimstone/Boys Club, SAT GASH/The Danger O’s, Readership, Welter, The One2s, The Escape/BlendMode, Get Up
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St.) SAT S.T.A.R.W.O.O.D., Bunny Savage
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI The Underwater Sounds (Farewell Show), The Snails, Rosemary Fiki Band, SAT Ben Arnold (Record Release), The Fractals
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI Pig Iron Theatre’s Annual Benefit Cabaret: La Vie Bo-Ham
The Fillmore Philadelphia (1100 Canal St.) FRI The Disco Biscuits, Darla, SAT The Disco Biscuits, Swift Technique
TLA (334 South St.) SAT OCD: Moosh & Twist
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Downstairs) Hezekiah Jones, SAT (Upstairs) 4th Annual Winter Doldrums Benefit Concert: Matt Duke, Mutlu, Andrea Nardello, AlyCat, John Faye, The Wallace Brothers Band, Christopher Davis-Shannon, Tin Bird Choir, Chris Grunwald & Raph Cutrufello, Sonja Sofya & Ross Bellenoit, Paige Allbritton & Elspeth Tremblay, Chipocrite, Lovers League, Vilebred, Sunshine Superman, Ben Kessler, Song Dogs, The Rent-A-Cops: The Police Tribute Band, Hurricane Hoss, Allison Polans, Angela Burns, Alex & the Beggars
Vilomah project preview with Michele Lynn & Nardo Lilly, Doc Terry’s tribute to Dante Bucci
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Jesus’ Older Brother, Lakota, SAT Howlish, SUN Freshsz, Kace, Crime Children, Miles Chancellor, Ant Beale
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Whiting, SAT Screaming Rattler, BlackHand
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Sheer Mag, The Whips
Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI DJ Dav, Reed Streets, SAT (4pm) Blonde Melon/(9:30pm) DJ Deejay
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SAT The Deadeyes/Hired Guns Blues Band
Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) FRI Franky’s Foxes with DJ Chris Urban
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) FRI Will Paynter and Jay Popky
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI Stereoma, Momma Hankton, Jean Claude’s Damn Van, Skip Monday, SAT Pagan Babies, Shitty Friends, The Dolts
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) FRI Outer Heaven, Disgorgement
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Something Like Sound, Room For Mojo, SAT StarSkream, Pravda, Trouble in Tokyo
Bourbon and Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) FRI The Mad Splatter, Disaster Committee, Proof & Proving, SAT (3:30pm) Fishtown Beats/(9pm) Arc Divers, Heart Harbor, SUN Tiani Victoria, Jay Marie, Mew 3 Crew, R’Que, Malc Dat
Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) FRI Reef the Lost Cauze, Mic Stew
The Pharmacy (1300/02 S. 18th St.) FRI Moto Surf, Brackish, The Morelings, Thief, Steal Me A Peach
Bond Villian (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Kississippi, Hanging Hills (EP release), Howlish
Beach House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Uncle/Father Oscar
LAVA Space (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Jim Strong Bathassaults, Kyle Press
Cosmos (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT (Acoustic Show) Rachel Browne, Jake Ewald, Jeremy Berkin
Nico Nico Mansion (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT The Guests, Vanillalord, Old Maybe, Nyxy Nyx
The Farm (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Jenkem, Incisor