It’s not unusual to write about a band with a song or two that brings out the head-bobbing, booty-shaking, dance-machine that exists within all of us. However, Instamatic’s songs aren’t just for grooving along to; they engrain movement into your bones. Unlike the heavy-handed EDM that’s become so popular in recent years, Instamatic plays more subtle and layered synth-pop, with an alt-rock edge. The band prides itself on not just hitting a button during their live shows, but bringing every tool in their arsenal on stage to recreate the music, replicating what went down in the studio. This five-man outfit is comprised of veterans to the Philly music scene, including former members of Crimp Yr Hair (TJ Adams and Rick Mitchell) as well as a member of the Amanda Blank team (Steven Haslam). They’ll be opening for Canada’s Young Galaxy and Chicago’s Mister Lies. Vast and contemplative, both acts’ music reminisces on the past with hopeful optimism toward the future over a heartbeat of dreamy, electro-pop. All the performers have created soundscapes with the intention to not just draw out the mind but the body as well. MilkBoy Philly, 1100 Chestnut St., 8:30pm, $10, 21+ – Shaylin O’Connell
Other things to do this weekend…
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI (Downstairs) Vikesh Kapoor, Ton Taun, SAT (Downstairs) Rasputin’s Secret Police, Snoozer, (Upstairs) Fight Amp, Ladder Devils,
Empty Flowers (ex-Cable), Braille, SUN Brother JT, Drone Ranger
Empty Flowers (ex-Cable), Braille, SUN Brother JT, Drone Ranger
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St. Philadelphia) SAT DIY PHL Presents: FIRST TIME’S THE CHARM!
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) SAT The Beating (Feat. members of Grimace Federation + Brothers Past), Up Until Now
The Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI The Interest Group, SAT Southwork
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI The Hellstroms, SUN Leaky Soups
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Brian Fitzy, Bella, Gonz, SAT Adam Travis & The Soul, The Swims, Local Smokes, SUN Modern Baseball, Polar Ice Cap, Eleby, Girl Brains
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI Heaven’s Edge, Viv and The Revival, SUN Boy Wonder
The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St.) SAT The Time Merchant
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI (Early) Cassavetes, Split Red, (Late) Joey Sweeney
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI MAGAZINES
M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Hezekiah, SAT Yeah Son! Record Release w/Cheesy and the Crackers
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) SAT The One2s, Toy Cannons, The Mahlors
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) FRI Matt McAndrew
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI Chris Valkyria, SAT Dave Steel Blues Band
JR’s Bar (2327 S. Croskey St.) SAT Breechloader, Spent Flesh
First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) FRI Heathen Reign
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) FRI Knuckle Puck Time, Milhaus, Primatives, SAT In Your Perspective, SUN Thee Citadel, True Becoming, Black Sun Rising, Stardog Champion
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Underwater Country Club, Local Smokes, The Rivals, SAT Vibratek, Chen City, Too Hot for Sleeves
Eris Temple (602 S. 52nd St.) FRI The Pretty Greens, Demonstrative Girls
Mt. Thrashmore (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Goddamnit, Seeing Snakes, SAT Unspeakable Acts, Bardus
Golden Tea House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Swearin’, The Ambulars, Bad Energy
Cha-Cha’Razzi (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI cranes are flying EP Release w/Ma Jolie
Great Indoors (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Swearin’, The Ambulars, Bad Energy
LAVA Space (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Dying, To Tremble, Callow, Limits
Don’t Tread on Me House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Scuzbot, Abilities, Last Full Measure, Trackjackets, Eyeshock Swelter