Soundadvice

Get Out!

Combining their debut release with new First Friday art event, Girard Nights, local soul band MOKA is hoping to attract more than just the average music listener. Time Is Now (4Your Records) represents a new generation of original Philly soul sound, but borrows heavy influences from hip-hop and jazz. In addition to the food, art and MOKA music, guest performers like Stephanie Renee and the Dubsmith will join in the celebratory night.

—Deesha Dyer

Fri., Oct. 5, 6 p.m., free, with Mental Advisory, Dolio the Sleuth, art by Women Holler, Media Bureau, 725 North Fourth St., 215-592-1059, www.mediabureau.com.

At the helm of Chicago's erstwhile The Jesus Lizard, "singer" David Yow was a force of nature — a spitting, trow-dropping, audience-baiting whirlwind of garbled lyrics atop pummeling shards of sludge rock (if that sounds appealing, you must check the new The Jesus Lizard Live DVD). Now Yow brings his grime-mongering ways to power duo Qui as their official third member. The songs on Love's Miracle (Ipecac) are a little bit more metal and a little less punishing than you've come to expect from Yow. But the show should still be ten kinds of nasty.

—Brian Howard

Wed., Oct. 10, 9 p.m., $10, with Clockcleaner and Satanized, at Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

A powerhouse when she wails and a mystery when she whispers, Johnette Napolitano always sings from her gut. On Scarred (Hybrid), Concrete Blonde's frontwoman wrestles with independence and tries to break free of the dead weight of past addictions and relationships. Don't know about her heart, but her voice is as strong as ever.

—M.J. Fine

Fri., Oct. 5, 10:30 p.m., $15, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

Jonathan Bree and Heather Mansfield, the dark-haired couple that anchors The Brunettes, pace themselves like they know their time together will never run out. Their orch-pop Structure & Cosmetics (Sub Pop) is drenched in affection, domesticity and sha la la la la la la la las. Sweet stuff, but not too cloying.

—M.J. Fine

Thu., Oct. 4, 9 p.m., $10-$12, with Ferraby Lionheart and The Cobbs, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 Frankford Ave., 866-468-7619, www.johnnybrendas.com.

ThorTakeOver's Mic Check Thorsday event is once again invading Liquid Charm with a roster of DJ, MC and producer talent. Complete with ciphers, performances and networking opportunities, this event is a good first stop for those new to the local scene. Featured this month is veteran Side Effect, Kontra's DJ Akshun, Beat Garden's A.S.K., Delaware crew P.O.R., and Thor artist Godhead the General. FYI — This is only half the line-up!

—Deesha Dyer

Thu., Oct.4, 10 p.m., free, 21+, with Ill Aphillyates, Synsay, Knomadz, hosted by Magnus Opus, Liquid Charm, 1207 Race St., 215-557-0208.

As it turns out, Erase Errata's queen of mathy dissonance has more than one trick up her sleeve. In her new solo project Paradise Island, front woman Jenny Hoyston pushes the boundaries of her own personal niche, and finds some new, more melodious sounds along the way. Sure, everyone knew she was multitalented — a singer, guitarist, trumpeter, DJ and literary zine maker extraordinaire — but who knew she could do that with a ukulele?

—Mary Wilson

Mon., Oct. 8, 9 p.m., $7, Tritone, 1508 South St., 215-545-0475, www.tritonebar.com.