Lately, it’s been nothing but heat and heavy air, not a breeze in sight. No one wants to leave the comfort of a blasting AC. But somehow, Lockets and their new 7” Surrender (Beautiful Strange) implores the listener to step beyond the Freon curtain. Their synth-laden style is right up the alley of any dream-pop fan, but it’s vocalist Dani Mari’s enchanting nonchalance that attracts an a-typical crowd. A sharp and biting drum beat keeps things from flowing too perfectly, but the technicality of it all means those breaks are just as the man behind the music, Todd Mendelsohn, intended. Cutting away from peg-in-hole trip-pop is headliner, Worshyper. Multi-layered vocals with catchy, cool harmonies that blink from slowed down croons to a synthesized whisper. For first-time listeners, it’s hard to know how the next verse will sound, but with subtle anticipation and small builds, their songs wane and wax toward their conclusion. Both acts represent a divergence from the same old dreamy sounds and synthesizers, showcasing the diverse and multifaceted blends coming out of Philly. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Shaylin O’Connell
