I remember seeing Grimace Federation when I first moved to Philadelphia in 2007 and being automatically struck by their intensity and technical skill. They were lost in themselves, casting this mesmerizing silky soundscape of opulent, textured, intricate post-rock that raged hysterically like a disciplined cyclone around the stage. It was as if we, the audience, were just mere outsiders who happened to stumble upon a mad scientist’s deliberate working and could do nothing but gawk in amazement. Well, it should go without saying (but I’ll say it anyways). Grimace Federation is one act that’s a must-see live so trek your ass up to North Star Bar, where they’re playing tonight with locals, the psych-jazz group Caveman, and electro-jam outfit Somata. North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Annamarya Scaccia