Younger bands have buckled under lesser endeavors than Ruin, tonight’s reunited heroes of iconoclastic punk. From covering Leonard Cohen to maintaining their mid-nineties web presence to a pungent mixture of Buddhism, anarchism and old-time rock and roll, the Ruin train has made stops in many unpredictable stations over the years. Their original run (1981-1987) came to an end for the best of reasons – they wanted to quit at the top of their game – and perhaps that purity of ethos is why their mark on the Philly punk scene has lasted all these years. They take the stage tonight at Union Transfer like the returning champions they are, joined by a cohort of ascendant bands who can more than hold their weight in weirdness. Mischief Brew, Pagan Babies and Northern Liberties are kindred spirits to Ruin’s freak-flag waving reputation, and this will be a night to remember for Philly’s punk scene. Union Transfer, 1024 Spring Garden St., 8pm, $20, 21+ – Alyssa Greenberg
