It’s been pretty quiet in the Illinois camp since they made the heavy push behind their multimedia project The Adventures of Kid Catastrophe which also consisted of hopping from city to city for monthly regional residencies and a national tour. But I’m sure that it didn’t take much to get them out to support their old Bucks County pals Eastern Conference Champions who will be headlining tonight at Johnny Brenda’s. ECC is a great indie/alt rock band who transplanted themselves to LA-LA Land (which seems to be luring more of our fine local artists lately). After signing to Suretone Records and getting caught up in the mess that is the major label world, ECC found themselves in a big new city without a label, but unlike many similar artists’ stories, they managed to fight back as an unsigned band and landed their song “A Million Miles An Hour” in the highly-coveted third installment of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Well, ECC are back in town with a new album, SPEAK-AHH, but hopefully we’ll still get to hear oldies but goodies like “Navy Man” and “The Box.” They’ll also be joined by the hyped-up dance grooves of Philly’s own Prowler so this will surely be a Monday night worth nursing a hangover for most of the week. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Q.D. Tran  

 

Daytrotter just posted their session with The Devil’s Horns Kill the Matador today. You can take a listen to “Miss Gulch” from their performance below as well as stream and download the entire session for free HERE. Enjoy! – The Deli Staff

 

Fishtown fellows Eat Your Birthday Cake will open the stage at Kung Fu Necktie this evening. The band formed in 2008 and will be supporting their newly released album Enemies. This compilation of idiosyncratic indie rock is infused with playful drum beats and electro-dance breakdowns which elevate the moody melodies of singer Marc Neibauer. Take the quirky vocals of mewithoutYou, subtract the godliness, and insert the youthful subject matter of early Brand New (circa Your Favorite Weapon). This band extends the matter-of-factness of Adam Green but hints at that late 90s yucky punk lightheartedness. Angsty teens would have trouble brooding to this refreshing indie rock, hold the bullshit. Headlining tonight will be Drexel-formed duo Gypsy Death and You. Emily Cahill and Alex Wilson who met in a freshman music class play impressively mature and expertly composed shoegaze peppered with dreamy classic rock. The pair’s vocals, ranging from the timeless tone of Velvet Underground to the girly surf rock of Best Coast, form a perfect fusion with their edgy Mogwai-inspired instrumentals. The two bands will also be joined by Tampa’s Sleepy Vikings. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 8pm, $8, 21+ – Jules Friedland

 

Leather, a Philly-based hardcore act with a grimy and evocative sound that’s been whispered about for months now, will be taking the Barbary stage tonight. After releasing a cassette demo and a seven-inch that has since sold out, the four-piece are on their way to turning themselves into underground living legends within a short period of time. They recently release their 7” Sterile via Jade Tree (which you can purchase HERE). Leather will be opening the release party for Puerto Rico Flowers, the new project from infamous former Clockcleaner frontman John Sharkey III. Originally started as a solo effort while living in Australia, Sharkey just released his album 7 via Fan Death Records (which you can purchase HERE) leaving behind his past work in noise-rock and delving into gothic bass-heavy, 80s synth-pop. Also on the bill will be a rare appearance by Danish hardcore band Iceage. The Barbary, 951 Frankford Ave., 7pm, $10, All Ages (Puerto Rico Flowers Photo by Josh Sisk) – Emma Branson

 

With the 3rd Annual Block Party Summer Style going on today in South Philly, it should be easy for you to find your way to Cha-Cha’Razzi this evening for the ONE NITE ONLY performance of Amateur Party. Led by “The Mayor of Phildaelphia Punk” Mike McKee (Armalite, Kill the Man Who Questions), the socially conscious crew are back to share some angst with friends and fans at the unassuming DIY art/garage space. They’ll be joined by Kanine Records’ (and Reading Rainbow besties) Eternal Summers and Slumberland’s noise-pop trio Brilliant Colors as well as locals United Kingdom. It’s the perfect way to cap off an already fun day of boozing and BBQing. Cha-Cha’Razzi, (Please contact nowavelength@gmail.com for details.), 8pm, $7, All Ages (Video by seanwestwispy) – Alexis V.

 

Schoolly D is hosting the debut showcase of What Is Jazz? What Is Hip-Hop? at The Blockley tonight, which is presented by Ropeadope. The showcase aims to continue to blur the lines of musical genres while introducing like-minded up-and-coming artists to the masses. This evening’s performers will feature local emcees Noesis from Philadelphia Slick, MH The Verb, Apuat, Chess, Ty Ward and Poole from WyldLyfe, and others backed by the house band for the night Denton, Texas’ Snarky Puppy, who will also be performing their own set. Jedi Mind Tricks’ DJ Stoupe will be on the wheels of steel to keep things lively. The Blockley, 3801 Chestnut St., 8pm, $12 adv/$15 door, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman

 

Norwegian Arms , the Philly freak-folk outfit led by Keith Birthday, a.k.a. Brendan Mulvihill, and trusty partner in crime Dr. Awkward, a.k.a. Eric Slick of Dr. Dog, with occasional help from other talented buddies like Dominic Angelella and Andy Molholt, will be opening for Architecture in Helsinki and Hooray for Earth at World Café Live tonight. The project began when Mulvihill, one of the founders of the beloved DIY space the OX, moved to Tomsk, Russia after receiving a fellowship to teach English. An old mandolin was the only musical instrument that made the journey with Mulvihill, which became a catalyst in Norwegian Arms’ unique sound. Nowadays, many “folk” bands are turning electric, but Norwegian Arms stick to a minimalist combination of acoustic mandolin and rhythmically intricate percussion. Mulvihill and company are offering their latest EP, Trimmings Of Hides, for free download HERE so you have no excuse not to join in the folky sing-along this evening. They are also working on a new full-length planned for release in 2012 so you may get a taste of it too. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut Street, $15, 7pm, All Ages – Dan Brightcliffe

 

At most block parties you’re lucky to find tasty barbecue and some slammin’ potato salad, let alone any decent form of entertainment. But when South Lawrence Street hosts its annual block party today, the Shakes is fully prepared to ensure that it’s one for the ages before they get ready to say goodbye to the ol’ homestead and move on to a new street. And in doing so, the band has arranged a 13 band mega show that will feature plenty of art, beer, food and fun. While Far-Out Fangtooth and Tough Shits will be keeping it loose with their lo-fi garage vibes, Arrah & the Ferns will be delivering some cheery indie pop to keep the clouds away. The festivities will be a warm-up for Norwegian Arms before they open for Architecture in Helsinki this evening at World Café Live. Add in the post punk quirkiness of Bad Doctor, the chaotic thrash punk of the Trowels, the all-around craziness of Ugh God, and the dance party fabulousness of Club Lyfestile (plus so much more), and you have one helluva end to a bad-ass era. 3rd Annual Block Party Summer Style, 1600 S. Lawrence St., FREE, 2pm-9pm, All Ages (Photo by Omer Kreso)- Bill McThrill

 

There is plenty to do this weekend with Summer Solstice coming up. We’ll be trying to hit as many things as possible. But we definitely think that you should swing by Hong Kong Garden this Saturday night for Purling Hiss’ Record Release Party with Hot Guts and Lantern! Purling Hiss just released a 6-song 12” entitled Lounge Lizard via Mexican Summer earlier this week. It’s bound to get loud and gnarly in the DIY space so we suggest that you bring some earplugs or hopefully the ringing will stop eventually. Hong Kong Garden, (Please contact one of the acts for details.), 7pm, $5, All Ages (Video by PhiladelphiaPhilms)

 

Other things to enjoy this weekend…

 

Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI (Early) Allo Darlin and Pet Milk, (Late) Sgt. Sass, SAT The Minor Arcana and Johnny Miles & the Waywards, SUN Gypsy Death & You and Eat Your Birthday Cake

 

North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI Luther, SAT Broken Frequency and CowPals

 

The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Ground Up, SAT Dan Collins, Roadkill Messiahs, Urban Giants

 

Tritone (1508 South St.) SAT BUDDHAFEST 45: Leland & the Proteges, Silent Reunion, Chris & Tommy Good Time Folk Rock Show, Out the Basement, MK Omega, and More, SUN Folklore, Arrah & the Ferns, Hermit Thrushes, Breakfast in Furs

 

Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) FRI The Absolute Zeros and The Parsnip Revolt, SAT Gillian Grassie

 

The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) SAT Zombie Beach Party w/The Slotcars and The Sharkskins

 

The Blockley (3801 Chestnut St.) SAT Schoolly D

 

Danger Danger Gallery (5013 Baltimore Ave.) FRI Dangerous Ponies

 

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI Designer CD Release w/Black Horse Metal
SAT Norwegian Arms

 

The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) SAT Carfax Abbey, SUN Mean Streets and Thee Nosebleeds

 

Ellen Powell Tiberino Museum (3819 Hamilton St.) FRI Radio Eris Presents Discordinalia w/The Oubliette Ensemble

 

Bookspace (Please contact one of the acts for details.) SAT Conversation with Enemies Zombie Party & Speed Skating

 

Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI Winchester Treaty

 

The Barbary (951 N. Frankford St.) SUN Leather

 

The El Bar (1356 N. Front St.) SAT Suncrusher and Lamagier

 

The Station (1550 McKean St.) Cozy Galaxies, Row Homes, Hello Creatures

 

The Kimmel Center (260 S. Broad St.) SAT Summer Solstice Celebration w/Philly Folk Parade, Ethel Cee, Reef the Lost Cauze, Do You Need The Service?, and More

 

The Great Plaza (Penn’s Landing) SAT 618 Music and Arts Festival

 

Banana Stand (Please contact one of the acts for details.) FRI Short Bread, Very Happy, Pussy Dogs

 

DBAJ House (Please contact one of the acts for details.) SAT Leather, White Lung, Nu Sensae, Self Conscious

 

House Show (Please check R5’s Twitter for details.) FRI Serpent Throne and Trophy Wife

 

Cha-Cha’Razzi (Please contact nowavelength@gmail.com for details.) Amateur Party and United Kingdom

 

3rd Annual Block Party Summer Style (1600 Lawrence St.) SAT Far-Out Fangtooth, The Tough Shits, Norwegian Arms, Arrah and the Ferns, Ugh God, The Shakes, and Many More

 

Woah – according to Pitchfork, Popped! Music Festival just leaked part of this year’s lineup which will include The Shins, Girl Talk, Panda Bear, Rakim, Cults, Hold Steady, Pains of Being Pure at Heart, and Kreayshawn. The two-day festival will be taking place at FDR Park on September 23 – 24. It will have three stages as well as a DJ tent and comedy tent. Kudos to Alexis Rosenzweig and Larry Magid for pulling off an already sweet lineup for its fourth year! We look forward to seeing which local acts will get added to the bill as well as more heavy-hitters (which will be announced HERE). – The Deli Staff

 

Want to be a zombie in a music video!?! Well, Conversation with Enemies would love for you to join their Zombie Party at Bookspace tomorrow night which will include FREE booze and food. Deets from the band are below.

 

 

– The Deli Staff

 

Last year West Philly’s tripped out psychedelic space rock collective Radio Eris unveiled a brand new monthly night of music and art at the Ellen Powell Tiberino Museum. Tonight the event debuts with a new night and name in Discordinalia and sets to bridge the gap even further. Each night of Discordinalia (5 total evenings) strives to be a “collaborative sound and art celebration,” and its debut will do so by featuring live art, the spoken word talents of CA Conrad, face and body painting, film screenings, and more. Singer David E. Williams will be on hand to debut the music video for his opus Their Paper Cranes Ablaze. The evening will get medieval on your ass when The Oubliette Ensemble, a band of minstrels that can often be seen performing impromptu sets at Clark Park, takes the stage. Radio Eris will be the house band, and might be unveiling some songs from their upcoming album that they are currently working on. Toss in even more music from Stiofan Moriarty, even more films, DJs, and audience participation during the community cutup project, and you have the makings of one experimental celebrations of the arts. Ellen Powell Tiberino Museum, 3819 Hamilton St., 8pm, $7, All Ages – Bill McThrill