Like some unholy mix of the Shins, Pixies, and something far weirder, Aunt Dracula knows how to soothe you with delightfully warped pop melodies, only to transform it all into a chaotic thrash-fest and seamlessly back again, which is exactly what happens in the nine-minute epic “Timecoat”. It’s been over a year and half since we’ve heard from the psychedelic blood suckers, and it looks like they’ve added two new members since they’ve returned from their hiatus. Aunt Dracula are currently working on their new album with producer extraordinaire Jeff Zeigler, who will also be on the bill spinning some tunes for you Saturday night at JB’s. They’ll also be getting support from a couple of Lehigh Valley’s finest up-and-coming acts. Listening to those dreamy first strains, you’re not sure whether it’s supposed to feel relaxing, unsettling, or both (probably both). Soars, however, take that touch of disorientation and run with it, sculpting solemn shoegaze meditations full of industrial age doom and gloom which is a perfect soundtrack for these oncoming chilly winter evenings. And you really need to get to JB’s early to catch opener Headless Horseman. Hmmm…how to describe them? Their supremely spooky surface sound gives way to a surprising amount of natural hooks, and plenty of delicately enjoyable nuances. With glitchy electro beats accompanied by just about everything under the clouds wavering in and out while playfully stimulating your mind, it is easy to see why they were picked by Stereogum as a Band to Watch. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave, 8pm, $10, 21+
We know. You’ve had about enough. Well, here are more options to help you escape your family this weekend…
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Kurt Vile & the Violators and Purling Hiss, SAT Aunt Dracula, Soars, Headless Horseman
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) SAT Hong Kong Stingray and The Crooks, SUN Ruder Than You
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Infinien, Toy Soldiers Duo, Sweetbriar Rose, Chris Kaspar, SAT Woodland Avenue, SUN Juston Stens & The Get Real Gang and Adam & Daves Bloodline
M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) FRI The Successful Failures and Late Night Television
Tritone (1508 South St.) FRI Toys for Tots Benefit w/ Cubehead and No Service Project, SAT Sugartown & Go Girls Music Philabundance benefit w/Jeska, Prima Donna, Allison Tartalia, and Christie Lenee, SUN The Wallace Brothers Band and City Rain
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT KidROCKERS w/ Sun Airway, SUN G. Calvin Weston
The Blockley (3801 Chestnut St.) FRI Fundraiser for The Barrio Planta Project w/Philly Slick and Friends, SAT Rone
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI New Pony
Electric Factory (421 N. 7th St.) FRI The Hooters and Beru Revue
Theatre of Living Arts (334 South St.) FRI Circa Survive, SAT Free Energy and Nicos Gun