Sean Hoots has established a commanding presence with his roots-molded, crooning-folk warmth in Hoots & Hellmouth. However, on this evening, Hoots reaches in a somewhat different direction, fusing the bodily personal connection of soulful R&B, while venturing into uncharted sonic territory, developing mind-searching experimental tones that test one’s limits or unlock doors, depending on perspective and openness. Soulful-LA folk duo Freddy & Francine is sandwiched between a pair of locals. With a canvassing brightness, Ross Bellenoit touches on the traditional singer-songwriter feel, while offering his own touching spin to opening the proceedings. Bourbon & Branch, 705 N. 2nd St., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita

We have a ticket giveaway for tonight’s Mutual Benefit show at Boot & Saddle with Florist and The Goodbye Party, and we are happy to also be giving away a signed copy of his new LP Skip a Sinking Stone. To enter for a chance to win a pair of tix, just send an email to thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com with the subject line "Not For Nothing". Please also include your cell number in the body of the message (in case of an emergency). Good luck!

Joining forces with the hilarious exploits of the Funny or Die crew, Cheerleader has a new video for “A Million Ways”. With a myriad of awkwardly humorous intimate encounters, the video embraces the oddities of loving relationships. Currently in the midst of a national tour, the video reignites the positivity of their pop-rock sound.

Krust Toons: "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" 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.

Final Showcase might be "The Greatest Band You’ve Never Heard Of," well, according to the title of their new EP. And with the growing popularity of pop-punk and emo on the music landscape, especially in Philadelphia, we wouldn’t be suprised if the flegling outfit gets picked up by a label sooner than later. The band is made up of Joe Adams (rhythm guitar/vocals), Sean Flanagan (bass/vocals), and Ben Harkins (lead guitar), and it looks like they could use a permanent drummer so if you like what hear, get in touch.

In Grubby Little Hands‘ new music video for "Michael," off their latest album Garden Party, you find its protagonist stripping away the confines of his suit and changing into his charismatic wresting alter-ego before roaming the streets of Philadelphia. He’s embraced and gawked at by the unsuspecting passerbys before the lines of reality and imagination are blurred. The video was directed by filmmaker Brian Melton, a longstanding collaborative partner with the band, and stars Tom Tschop as the wannabe Ultimate Warrior. Grubby Little Hands will be performing next in Philly on Friday, July 29 at Boot & Saddle, opening for The Besnard Lakes.

Folkies, you want to catch The Low Anthem and River Whyless at Underground Arts next Sunday, June 26, and we’d love to send you there. To enter for a chance to win a pair of tix, just send an email to thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com with the subject line "How Low Can You Go". Please also include your cell number in the body of the message (in case of an emergency). Good luck! 

Come help celebrate the fifth full-length album from Birdie Busch, Thunder Bridge, this evening at Boot & Saddle. Covering you in a warm blanket of cathartic storytelling, the innate, well-placed, rootsy vibe of the album allows the lyrics to lead the way in a traditional folk manner, while the instrumentation helps to accent the sonic setting in a twilight-twinkling, gently-rocking, peacefully-melodic kind of way. An evolving live score will be provided by the electro-traditional hybrid of The Ruins of Friendship Orchestra, which features Laura Baird, Jesse Sparhawk, Ben Warfield, Gretchen Lohse (Carol Cleveland Sings), John Petit (Callowhill), and Michael Dur. It’s a night of local music vets, showcasing Philly’s rich tradition of talent. Boot & Saddle, 1131 S. Broad St., 8:30pm, $12, 21+ – Michael Colavita

Tonight at MilkBoy is the record release show for Ben Runyan’s brainchild, City Rain. The ethereal, anthemic suites that make up Take Me To The Void do not shy away from being maximalist, but embrace the glistening bombast within the elctro-pop tunes Runyan has crafted. The EP, which is apparently focused on a breakup, does not spend any time mourning, but rather exploring. There are elements of M83, Coldplay and The Killers, a confluence of epic stadium-status influences. Runyan does commercial work, teaches amateur DJs and licenses work, so the tunes are squeaky clean and pitch perfect. Also on the bill for the evening Minka, a dancy, Talking Heads-lovin’ (presumably) Philly rock quartet. MilkBoy Philly, 1100 Chestnut St., 8:30pm, $10, 21+ – Adam G.

With a jarring, explosive nature, Fucklove: Prophet of Death, the debut full-length record from grindcore outfit Congenital Death, takes little time to announce its presence. Available via Ranch Records and Hydrogen Man Records, the trio’s blistering instrumentation is a much-needed jolt to the system. Press play, and let the ensuing attitude adjustment occur. (Photo by Gabe Coffey)

JANK just released a new single, and all proceeds will go to the PULSE Tragedy Community Fund on GoFundMe. "Alligator" and "Ralph" will also appear on the band’s upcoming EP. The tracks were recorded, mixed and mastered by Jake Checkoway at UArts Studio. (Photo by Julie Gomez)