Paper Cat‘s provocative instrumental jams reside somewhere between current post-rock and the more "classic" prog gods of yore like Mogwai and King Crimson. Brother and sister Julie Slick and Eric Slick (formerly of the Adrian Belew Trio; Eric now drums for Dr. Dog) teamed up to specialize in pulsing, ominous bass combined with angular, face-melting riffs (from guitarist Robbie “Seahag” Mangano), and crisp drums. Headlining the bill, Vernon Reid (of Living Colour) is a beast on guitar, which means you don’t want miss his free-flowing jazz/funk outfit Free Form Funky Freqs. He’s also joined by legendary human drum machine G. Calvin Weston. You’ll probably hear few other bands that can shred so diligently on their instruments, while still maintaining a crucial subtlety. Just listen to that bass on "The Binds That Tie". Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave, 8pm, $15, 21+ – Joe Poteracki
