This evening, the collaborative hip-hop assemblage known as Ghost Ghang, a.k.a. Hungry Ghosts, is part of a four-pronged billing at Kung Fu Necktie. The beauty in this situation is the group’s ability to hit on multiple fronts, lyrically weaving in and out of tight situations, while jumping on an array of beats that bridge the gaps from old school simplicity to a new age. There’s an underlying inherent intensity as (in this Olympic Summer) the baton of rhyme is passed from one to the another. Balancing chill, smooth-talking vibes with grimey, in-your-face tracks, they collectively reel you in to watch the practiced precision. A pair of local emcees in the steady-streaming, eclectic, experimention of YIKES the ZERO and the bull-mask-adorned combination of unbashed, poignant commentary with a humorous absurdist, Torito, will be there as well. There will also be a live taping of Fuck, That’s Delicious with Queens emcee and show co-host Meyhem Lauren wrapping up this night of wordsmiths. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front., 8pm, $15, 21+ – Michael Colavita

The overwhelming avalanche of grief resulting from a high frequency and proximity to death shaped Curtis Cooper over the last year. The video for “2016” illustrates Cooper in a somber state as whispering vocals gradually give way to a squaring up of the mental demons these tragic events have aroused. The song, which is dedicated to John Kohlbecker, Richard Drueding, Harrison Ziskind, Mike Giambrone, Bruce Kock, Kayla Peter, Jack Warner Crawford, Joan Bradley and Erik Petersen, haunts with its resounding echo.

Krust Toons: "Title What?" by Teddy Hazard – please feel free to drop him a line at teddandthehazards@gmail.com if you dig or have any funny ideas. You can also check out more of his illustrations and animation shorts HERE.

The Democratic National Convention has come and gone, along with its business casual dress code for Philly. Ceramic Animal had the DNC on their minds when making their latest music video for "Daydreams Via Memories". The gang transports us to a happier time in American politics with found footage of folks gettin’ their Macarena on at the 1996 convention in Chicago, along with Slick Willy doing some blowing at the 1993 Arkansas Inaugural Ball. Ceramic Animal will be bringing these good vibes to MilkBoy this Saturday, Aug. 13, as part of the venue’s 5th anniversary celebration.

Hypnotically experimental electro beats that futuristically space-out while catching you in their cavernously danceable grooves, Carolina Leis-Usher & James Weissinger (Making Time, Broadzilla) combine as Girls Chat Room. With a new self-titled album, the tandem traverses a broad spectrum, linked with steadfast percussion and injections of vocals that maintain an air of mystery. Delve into this cyber-active sound, which is available under the 100 Years of Solid Dudes umbrella.

As guitar riffs stick with a residual sense of grit, tumbling into the pace-setting thud of bass that leads into the punctuation of percussion, the sound of Fraktur has already begun to take residence in your head. The grunge-punk trio composed of Jen Twigg (The Ambulars, Attendant), Barrett Lindgren (Ghost Light), and Derek Ludwig rattle the senses, asserting force as the gates open. Sitting in a deep, smashing groove that’s welcoming whilst aggressive, the band stews in its ability to maintain movement with a catchy give-take of exuberant yet snarly vocals, staying calm in melody as the wick grows shorter and the potential instrumental explosion sits in inevitable wait. Speaking of explosive, the hardcore quartet of Socialite serves as a fire starter, roaring with a blistering intensity. Blue Smiley establishes waves of sonic tranquility that send one coasting downstream only to be met by the exhilarating onslaught of gushing rapids. With their new LP, Electric Soul Unity, due out on August 19 via Topshelf Records, Oakland’s Happy Diving dig in supercharged, sludgy, rifftastic rock. LAVA Space, 4134 Lancaster Ave., 8pm, $6, All Ages – Michael Colavita

Before he began Trippin’ Balls, you could find Brother JT filling the nighttime air with his oddball, psych-rock sermons. Laying down licks of a seemingly supernatural nature, the Brother is always ready to take us to rock ‘n’ roll church. He’ll be doing so tonight in NoLibs watering hole Ortlieb’s, and joining him will be music brethren St. James & The Apostles, who have plans to release a new full-length album, White Devil, in October. The Midnight Sun Presents… Satellite of Fuzz showcase will also include Sun Voyager, Gods, Linear North, Canyon, and Colora. That’s a whole lotta bands; hence the early start. Ortlieb’s, 847 N. 3^rd St., 5pm, $12, 21+ – Alexis V. 

Whether it’s soulfully simple, folk sounds or a boozier southern-inflected rock, Paul Hocynec-led The Captain The Pilot The Driver invites one to hitch a ride. Tonight, the band steers into Milkboy, where they’ll showcase songwriting that contextualizes the ongoing sojourn, rolling through bumps with eyes focused on the final destination, while you’re temporarily passengers consuming those earnest-exposed stories. This evening will also feature the layered experimental electro-R&B of Paris Monster and Blame Candy to solidify this billing. Milkboy, 1100 Chestnut St., 8:30pm, $12, 21+ – Michael Colavita

Beach Slang have a new album coming out September 23 on Polyvinyl, entitled A Loud Bash Of Teenage Feelings. They recently shared their first single from the record, "Punks In A Disco Bar," and it is now accompanied by a Jason Lester music video. Those "teenage feelings" spill out onto the screen as we follow a gang of rowdy kids out looking for a good time, which is abruptly ended by a mysterious cowboy. You can catch Beach Slang at the E Factory on Saturday, October 8 as part of a stacked lineup for the Project Pabst Citywide Festival that will also include Hop Along, Guided by Voices, Animal Collective, Mac Demarco, Diarrhea Planet, Downtown Boys, and Rebirth Brass Band.

Carol Cleveland Sings swung by for a performance at Kettle Pot Tracks, who just posted a couple of videos from their On the Hill Sessions. You’ll find the duo expanded to a trio as they play through casio-pop ditties like the unreleased "The Painting’s Moved Again" and the title-track to their latest EP Wishing Well. Both are also available now for streaming and purchase, along with the live recording their new single "Run to Your Bedroom," at KPT’s Bandcamp. (Photo by Kettle Pot Tracks)