Weekend Warrior, January 22 – 24

Upon first listening to Philly’s self-described punk rock band Cayetana, it may be difficult to isolate a traditionally punk influence beneath the layers of pop mindfulness, stirring melodies, and undisguised, often poignant sincerity. The songs have a driving pace that is somehow unhurried and tunes that are downright whistle-able, accompanied by lead singer Augusta Koch’s Emily Haines-esque voice that never quite breaches the boundaries of “inside voice.” The minimalist guitar progressions and dynamic energy of the songs are unmistakably traceable to punk rock, but the connection becomes clearer when you examine the ethos behind the music. Lyrics from different songs seem to unite around the concept of carrying on as usual, despite knowing you’re part of an arbitrary system – sort of reminiscent of the early punks’ understandings of the sinister “institutions,” eh? After all these years, what still makes punk punk are these internalized feelings of alienation and dispossession, which, with punk bands like Cayetana, are being combated through emotional transcendence rather than generalized aggression… Which is also a movement that self-fulfillingly defines itself as punk simply by subverting its predecessor. This three-piece punk outfit will be having their Tired Eyes EP release show at PhilaMOCA this Saturday accompanied by Mannequin Pussy, a Philly essential who comes from the more aggressive, irreverent side of the punk spectrum, Katie Ellen, a.k.a. Anika Pyle of Chumped, who will bring a passionate lo-fi melancholy to the stage, and Jeff Riddle & the Bella Vista Social Club. PhilaMOCA, 531 N 12^th St., 7:30, $10, All Ages – Bryce Woodcock

Update: Due to inclement weather this show has been postponed to 1/30/16.