Congrats go out to The Armchairs for being the newest band to be a part of the Punk Rock Payroll family and finally releasing their debut album! (We know that they ran into plenty of obstacles along the way.) And if you had the chance to catch them on commentator duty when The Extraordinaires unveiled their homage to Philly sports at the Blockley Pourhouse a few weeks back, then you know that they already fit right in. Friday the 13th isn’t going to be that unlucky for The Armchairs thanks to their CD release party for the band’s long-awaited album Science & Advice, which you can listen to in full on their website. They’ll be once again joined by new family members The Extraordinaires, who will likely find a way to inaugurate them into the fold. The group has soared to new heights since releasing their latest album Electric and Benevolent, which is a ten track abstract biography of a mad genius, and comes with his hand written journal to match. And with a most excellent new lineup backing Jay Purdy and Matt Gibson, they are ready to conquer the world or at least freak some people out. Both acts are set to hit the road on extensive tours very soon. Rounding out the lineup are Nintendo-powered freestyle jazz masters Agent Moosehead and the breathy, upbeat folk of Frances Quinlan’s Hop Along. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ (Photo by Tiffany Yoon) – Bill McThrill

Big things have been happening to robot rocker Mose Giganticus of late. The artist recently unveiled his debut release Gift Horse on Philly’s own Relapse Records. The epic album reveals a whole new edgier more metallic sound that fans of his previous cyber punk technology laden tunes will be able to get behind, especially since the trademark keytar is still in tow. Upon releasing the album, Matt Garfield was quick to jump into his veggie-powered van and go on a supporting tour so he hasn’t found time to celebrate the albums release at home. But all of that is set to change when he invades The Fire tonight, where he’ll play futuristic oldies like "My Machine" and his homage to Nikola Tesla (one of my favorite inventors – Thomas Edison was a thief and a scumbag), "Commander". Or with supercharged new tunes like "White Horse" and "The Left Path", you’re sure to be left breathless thanks to all the energy you’ll be expending during their set. Mose Giganticus will also be joined by local heavy hitting rockers, Monolith, who just recently released a new split EP on Science of Silence Records. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 10pm, $8, 21+ (Photo by Jana Miller) – Bill McThrill

So I blame my trip to Europe for not bringing this to you earlier. TJ Kong & the Atomic Bomb’s Idiots most likely got buried under our backed-up mail when we came back. That’s why it was nice to find it personally delivered to our mailbox again wrapped in a brown paper bag with multiple pictures of a very attractive naked brunette. We still have the bag. :o) Thank you TJ Kong (a.k.a. Dan Bruskewicz)! Back to Idiots – it’s a fuckin’ foot-stompin’ rockin’ good time! Kong’s cigarette and whiskey stained vocal chords ring out lyrics creating perfect cinematic moments that play out like a Bukowski adventure that ends with a mystical drunken prophet bellowing wisdom or madness at you during last call. Dan Martino’s drumming and Joshua Willis’ standup bass work are tight and explosive. And while Kong’s music might sound like it is cut from the tapestry of some familiar American music history, you do find him experimenting on his recordings with noise and samples (probably to try and recreate the sounds from his last mescaline adventure). Idiots is a fitting soundtrack to an evening where the alcohol flows like water. While I enjoy the darker, rockin’ tracks like “Can’t Come Back” and “Photograph Waltz” best, the more radio-friendly tunes like “Everyone We Know”, which was created to induce spontaneous sing-alongs, and “Not Enough Time in the Day”, which should probably be an XPN favorite, standout as well. I might have also found my new mantra. “My mind is like an ocean, and I got seaweed on the brain.” You should definitely grab a copy of Idiots if this sounds like something you’re into. – Q.D. Tran

The ever evolving Grimace Federation are headlining Kung Fu Necktie tonight. Generally, they’re known for experimental post rock the likes of Tortoise, but with Wes Schwartz’s and Chris Woods’ growing interest in metal shows, expect a darker, harder-edged sound as they get set to release a new album this fall/winter. I would definitely consider this band one of the many highlights of the Philly music scene that tends to push the boundaries of the “Philly sound” and create something exciting and new. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 8pm, 21+ – Adam G.

Featured on G4TV, Ground Up just released their newest mixtape, Higher Ground (DOWNLOAD). Ground Up is a hip-hop trio based out of North Philadelphia. The group is made up of Azar and Malakai, two MC’s and a producer, Bij Lincolns (Alex Azar, Malcolm McDowell and Bijan Houshiarnejad). Azar and Malcolm met in the summer of 2008. They shared a love of rapping and the spoken word as well as a strong desire to change the sad state of the music industry; particularly hip-hop. With the help of Bij Lincolns’ musical prowess, Ground Up was formed. With a host of mixtapes and an exponentially growing fan base, the group took their show on the road; scheduling shows at Pittsburgh, West Virginia University, Rutgers University, and West Chester to name a few. Integrating gritty beats, witty wordplay, and a raucous environment, Ground Up has packed nearly every venue and has turned the heads of even non-hip-hop listeners. (From The Deli’s Open Blog – post your band’s entries, videos, and MP3s here.)