Tonight, Magic Pictures is conjuring a ritual assembly for us aspiring and practicing occultists at the First Unitarian Church for a celebration of music, spooky shit, and the untold magic of that lurks in the seams of reality. The show, which will supernaturally cram nine bands in the space of four hours, will be a glimpse into Magic Pictures’ conceptual crystal ball, detailing their notions of visual, musical and performance art. All bands were curated with the intent to emphasize their principles of “theatrics, spectacle, and awe,” and create an ideal context for such performances. Among the chosen group of musical conjurers is Philadelphia’s own Evil Sword, whose raggedy, minimalist, cauldron-stirring incantations are an unholy brew of experimental post-punk, literal bells and whistles, deathrock, and paranormal revelation. Kate Ferencz’s vocals move at a harsh recitative pace, punctuated with odd, rhythmic emphasis where inflection replaces melody. Also channeling his magic into the ritual will be Gavin Riley Smoke Machine, whose se set incorporates audio-visual, choose-your-own-adventure-style storytelling to the tune of 80’s quasi-futurist synth tones and inventive narratives. Palberta, another cornerstone, noisy, experimental post-punk band, will add their clamor to the celebration with tunes that effectively immolate the entire western pop music canon in an attempt to access something willfully outside, providing an essential experience for comprehending a post-comprehension world. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8pm, $15, All Ages – Bryce Woodcock
