The National Rifle released their latest full-length album in January of this year, titled Almost Endless. Nine tracks of dance-infused progression, sure to take the MilkBoy crowd back to the scenes of certain1980’s hot spots. Although the band’s uplifting guitar rhythms and toe-tapping drums keep the tone light, it’s songwriter Hugh Morretta’s somber tone that betrays the music’s underlying maturity. His lyrics express lessons learned, especially the inevitable nature of growing up – what we can lose and gain in the process. Multi-layered not only instrumentally but lyrically makes The National Rifle, a band who’s been together for some time and grown together as a group, still hold that same joy for the music as greener bands. Speaking of green – actually, maybe a nice tomato red – is new outfit Bad Things featuring champion snowboarder Shaun White on guitar. Just starting off their summer tour, the band has released a teaser of their forthcoming album Caught Inside. Building vocals backed by cascading guitar riffs and reverberating drums make for triumphant rock and roll. Milkboy Philly, 1100 Chestnut St., 8pm, $12 – $15, 21+ – Shaylin O’Connell
