There’s a natural ease to The Mellowells, a gentle steady climb of sound piecing together a denser/stronger overall product along the way. So, when a song reaches the top looking down, you don’t realize how far you’ve traveled. That fluid, rolling energetic groove and vocals that have a stream of consciousness, spoken-diary/observation feel with just enough aches to squeeze into your house and a raw outpouring of instrumentation once the band reaches the pinnacle. Tonight, The Mellowells are a part of the birthday celebration at Lavender Town. Speaking of which, Mumblr has that manner of developing catchy pop-punk tunes that form around Nick Morrison’s versatile vocals and then explode with instrumental fervor. The show also features the emotive-lined rock of Clique and intentionally rough around the edges, single candle illuminated catharsis of Abi Reimold with its jagged cutting guitars and smooth but penetrating vocals. Lavender Town, (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info),7pm, $3-$5, All Ages – Michael Colavita

It’s gonna be all swag and blunts at Union Transfer tonight. Temple University’s own Ground Up, who have been making beats since Freshman Orientation in 2008, produce the kind of pop-y hip hop (think Taylor Gang) that hardcore rappers are sometimes quick to dismiss. However, it’s not easy to write off the guys who have opened for the likes of Rick Ross, Meek Mill and Chiddy Bang, released an impressive nine mixtapes in just three years, collaborated with the likes of Action Bronson, and have their hands in their own clothing company, MDCCXI Cloth. The collective has some talented openers from across the country, like the ultra-cool Harrisburg-based rapper Mazon (who they’ve collaborated with for tracks like “I Remember” and “Filthy”) and MAVi & Christian Express, coming all the way in from Cali. Local battle rapper Rone is also slated on the bill. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., 8pm, $15, All Ages – Emily DiCicco

It should come as no surprise that the band whose debut EP Drone Pop, opening with an indicative, spacey track, ”She Will Get You (High),” also nailed a Pink Floyd cover. On a tripped-out “Julia Dream,” a B-side of the legendary group’s single "It Would Be So Nice," The Orange Drop is at their best, perfectly capturing the song’s quixotic nature and flaunting their true understanding of 60’s psych-pop. For the mellotron and organ, they brought in their friend Mike Kiker from soul-influenced, acid-rock outfit St. James & The Apostle to do an impressive rendition of Rick Wright’s keys. Check out the track below! Warning: It might leave you feeling like you’re wandering around an enchanted forest…on shrooms.

Madalean Gauze occupies the middle slot this evening at The Troc bridging the gap between the aptly named singer-songwriter Dylan Folkes and the soulfully melodic melting pot of music in Ju-Taun. With a fresh EP in the works following last spring’s robust American War, Madalean Gauze’s sound takes it’s initial step in a traditional folk/Americana field, but doesn’t anchor down in that place, using it as a home-base or jumping off point. To a certain extent, she welcomes listeners in with these familiar comforts – sweet yet steering along the well-worn trails. However, locked in, the true power of the instrumentation is let loose allowing a new trail to be etched. The Trocadero (Balcony), 1003 Arch St., 8:30pm, $7, 21+ – Michael Colavita

Uber-heavy psych rockers Ecstatic Vision are currently working in the studio on their debut album for iconic Philly label Relapse Records. Here’s a taste of the onslaught to come entitled "Journey To…" It’s off the recently released Relapse Sampler 2014, which you can stream and and purchase ("name your price") in its entirety HERE.

It’s been over two years since Motorcycle Maus has released a new album. And with his latest record Brainsick, the experimental one-man band combines post-punk and metal to create his best recordings to date. You can check out and purchase the EP in its entirety below. 

Ill Clinton first grabbed our attention with his release The Illvolution, a ominous, hard-hitting LP that featured a collection of underground emcees. On his latest instrumental album Ambap (Us Natives Records), the producer looks to define his sound with the EP’s title standing for "Ambient Boom Bap." You can stream and purchase the eight-song release below, and there are limited-edition cassettes available.