Amuse-Oreille, Vol. 2, the latest EP from American Trappist, is out today. Joe Michelini and company produce an earnest, incisive viewpoint. Welding a rough-around-the-edges mentality with the ability to iron things out into breezy, easy-flowing storylines, the songs shift from a sun-setting, sand-between-your-toes, intimate sway to a more aggressive, “get the fuck out of my way” stomp. This Saturday at Johnny Brenda’s, American Trappist will be celebrating the album’s release, joined by musical brethren The Vernes, whose latest release Yr of the Rat was produced by Michelini. The album gently cruises in a pleasant progressing though slightly somber contemplative state. The assertive yet poppy, garage-psych trio, Grace Vonderkuhn, lays down the groundwork for a most excellent evening. – Michael Colavita
Other places kickin’ the jams this weekend…
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) SAT The Vernes, American Trappist, Grace Vonderkuhn
Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) SAT Lower Wolves, SUN Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise, ialive
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Big Nothing/Riot Nerd, SAT Adalie, Seek To Thrill, Skyline The City, Hartline/DJ Hvnlee, Peenness, 1-800 Happy Hour
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St.) SAT Dominy, Ali Awan, Barney Cortez
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) SAT Hellings, Mach22, DJ EBG III
The Foundry (1000 Frankford Ave.) FRI DJ Kaz, SAT Rebel Foster
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) Luke O’Brien, The Bul Bey, DJ Royale, SUN (Upstairs) Mirah
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Steal Your Face
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Mark Lanky, A.M. Mills, SAT Julia Rainer, SUN Kiss of the Whip
The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) SAT Children’s Books (Final Show), Head Spell, Jurks, First World Kids With First World Problems, Dear Forbidden
Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) FRI Presages, RNGLEADER, Sharks With Frickin Laser Beams, SAT Fawziyya Heart (EP Release), The Wallflower Observer, SUN Matt McAndrew, Siobhan McShea
Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) SAT DJ Deejay
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI Live Band Karaoke, SAT Jac with No K, SUN Rusty Cadillac
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) SAT Super Bonanza
The Tusk (430 South St.) FRI Fad Nauseam, SAT Descendency
Century (1350 S. 29th St.) FRI Hotflakes (Tape Release), Shy Boyz, SAT Mob Mentality, SUN Necrosexual, Fucktomb, Tartarus Horde, Signs of Madness
Morgan’s Pier (221 N. Columbus Blvd.) FRI DJ Beatstreet, SAT DJ Ricky Lee, SUN Menace Cartel
Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) FRI DJ Chris Urban, SAT DJ Shawn Ryan
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) SAT Naps Past Noon, New Alone, Adam Travis
Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) FRI Chris Kasper, SUN A Tribute Darryl Ray: Dynagroove, Tommy Conwell
Beautiful World Syndicate (1619 E. Passyunk Ave.) SAT Fast Car Slow Car (EP Release), Body Meat, EM-E
Creep Records (1050 N. Hancock St.) FRI Ashes to Vanity
The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18th St.) FRI Insignificant Others, SAT Jesse Gimbel, Knightlife, Riverby
Warehouse on Watts (923 N. Watts St.) SAT DJ Lean Wit It
Tralfamadore (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT The Skating Party, Bern and the Bastards, Elissa Janelle Velveteen, Miracle Swill, Barry Dwier
Hubris House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Bug Martin, Sami Rahman, Heck
Anthorna Gallery (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Scyphodemo, Beige Monk
The Waiting Room (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Moonroof, Elaine Rasnake, Rasan In The Heyday (solo)
Free Candy (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Countdown from Ten, Echo Lad
Cousin Danny’s (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Precolumbian
Clark Park Fest (4300-4398 Baltimore Ave.) SAT Selina Carrera, Levee Drivers, Northern Liberties, Beach Bod, goodnight/goodluck, Dr Ketchup, Revolution, I Love You, Instant Bingo, The Mary Veils, Mizloonar and the Truth