The Vintage Kicks’ name conjures up cheerful, gritty, throwback jams, but ever since the release of their debut King Geek, it’s a name that only describes part of their repertoire. They’ve honed their talent for making “all over the place” work for them: At their core, the Kicks play garage-inflected pop punk that sounds like it’s being played on a storm-cloudy day. Razor-sharp guitars do battle with icy synths, and Alex Marlys’ ragged holler takes their trappings even further into more agitated territory. They’re equally handy at all ends of the pop/surf/post-punk spectrum, and have an unwavering commitment to geek-rock homage, as on April’s release Math + Science. They recently share with us a new track, “Bad News Broski,” a perfect storm of snotty-earnest lyrics and rollicking, dark surf-punk riffs, not to mention an errant Reservoir Dogs quote thrown in for good measure. They’re joined at Underground Arts tonight by Temple King, Boston garage rock darlings The Fagettes, and charmingly-named Atlanta oddballs The Clap. Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill, 8pm, $6, 21+ (Photo by Chris Hartline) – Alyssa Greenberg 

Spazz Presents is hosting a special show at Goldilocks Gallery tonight. Deli faves Univox are on the bill so you should know that their badass, rockin’ instrumentation and gorgeous vocal harmonies are already a good reason to make your way to Center City. However, the icing on the cake will come from this evening’s “surprise headliner.” You may already be catching their set at the much bigger, waterfront venue earlier today. But isn’t cooler to experience them in a more intimate setting surrounded by a small group of awesome folks? I think so. If you still have no clue who the “surprise headliner” will be, then check out the flier above for another hint. (And if that doesn’t help, then you are obviously a terrible Draw Something and Pictionary partner.)  Also on the bill will be Post Sun Times. Goldilocks Gallery, 723 Chestnut St., 8:30pm, $6 – $10, All Ages – Q.D. Tran

Chill Moody is rising through the ranks of the local underground hip hop scene just the way that I like to see it done – with a concentration on the art, the community and DIY ethos. The West Philly emcee follows in the tradition of hometown luminairies The Roots by adding live instrumentation to his performances. If you caught his set this year in the tent at The Roots Picnic, then you should know why I consider him as part of the next generation of up-and-coming Philly hip hop acts. There was a special vibe during that performance, which reminded me of a similar experience that I had a few years back when Meek Mill threw down in the very same spot. (And I hope that you are aware of what Meek is up to these days musically – not just the Chris Brown incident.) Catch Chill Moody at The Blockley tonight when he opens for Joe Budden (which is the official after-party for the Let It Bump Music Festival), and you’ll always have your story about how you caught him way back when! The Blockley, 3801 Chestnut St., 9pm, $20 adv/$25 door, 21+ – Dan Brightcliffe 

Damn, it poured this morning! But hopefully that means the skies are all dried out, and The Making Time Summertime Hyper-Rager can go on unfettered tonight. Dave P and crew will be taking the party with Sleigh Bells, Phantogram and Twin Shadow to Festival Pier this evening, and their will also be an after-party at Morgan’s Pier where you can refuel with the PYT/Making Time Pop-Up Restaurant menu (that is, if your stomach can handle it with all the substances that you’ve consumed throughout the night) and dance until the crappy PA laws say you can’t. Yup, it’s a rager by the water! (But try not to be that guy or gal that we need to fish out of the Delaware River.) Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing, 121 N. Columbus Blvd., 5pm – 11pm, $25 (+Fees), All Ages – H.M. Kauffman

Q: How much bass is too much bass?

A: There is never too much bass.

Until recently, Philly post-punkers Acid Kicks were a lopsided rhythm section, three bass players and no drummer, which meant no shows for the loud-as-fuck shoegazers. However, with the addition of skins-beater Spencer Carrow, the dream-punks are back. With a sound that’s uncompromising and driving, the group is the-cool-kind-of-notorious for their squall – and how it translates live. Tonight at Pageant Soloveev, they return with the all-encompassing blasts of fuzz that fans know and love plus new material off an in-the-works debut LP. They’ll be splitting the bill with fellow local noisemakers Hot Guts and Heavy Medical. Pageant Soloveev Gallery, 607 Bainbridge St., 9pm, $5 – $10, All Ages (Photo by Sam Levine) – Adam Downer

Philly’s own Ladies Auxiliary was fairly unknown to me until a few months ago when they played a show at the First Unitarian Church with the Future Islands boys and Ed Schrader’s Music Beat – a show at which I ended up spending most of the night hawking merch at the Future Islands table, right next to the Ladies Auxiliary folks. They were munching on pizza, cracking jokes, and came across as goofy, energetic, and real sweet. When they got on stage and began to coo, pound, and strum the sounds of their strange, fiery soul music, I was sold. I anticipate that they’ll pair quite nicely tonight at Johnny Brenda’s with lo-fi, acoustic throwbacks Market East, whose sun-kissed harmonies introduce another distinct incarnation of Philadelphia’s strange soul. They’ll be helping Broad Beauty Tapes celebrate its launch this evening along with Atlanta’s Nomen Novum. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Sarah Mae Allard

If you didn’t hear already, the debut episode of Choice/Cuts, our live performance in-studio collaboration with HotBox Studios, featuring mucho talented South Philly emcee and producer Lushlife, was chosen to be spotlighted by YouTube Music yesterday, which we are so honored and appreciative of their support. Ha…you can still see us atop their main page right next to the guy playing music with his bike handlebar. Please check out our video and share it with your friend s if you dig. Also look out for the second half of our episode with Lushlife coming out next week where you’ll see him perform for the first time with a theremin. Good stuff!

Yes, you should already know how we love hooking up our readers with free music and shows! So who wants to go to the Hot Chip/Chromatics show this Saturday at the Electric Factory!?! For a chance to win a pair of tickets, just email us at thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com with “I DO!” in the subject line and include a note about why your dance moves are so hot as well as your cell number in case of emergency. Good Luck!

We were instantly impressed when our friends at HotBox Studios shared with us a session that they did with The Districts. But then our minds were blown to learn that the band is made up of a bunch of high schoolers. We’re happy to see that they took advantage of their nomination in our Featured Artist(s) Poll, and we’re even happier to be able to give a fledgling band with obvious talent some deserved exposure. Check out the interview that we did with The Districts HERE during their lunch break – just kidding.