Soundadvice

Get Out!

The son of former Split Enz and Crowded House singer Neil Finn, Liam Finn doesn't necessarily eschew his dad's pop sensibilities, but rather wraps them up in a blanket of experimentation that's still every bit as melodic. Utilizing loops to build his sonic palette (and often aided and abetted by EJ Barnes, daughter of Australian rocker Jimmy Barnes), the guitarist/drummer creates a monumental amount of sound for what is essentially a solo performance.

—Kevin Pearson

Fri., Sept. 5, 9 p.m., $15, with The Veils, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com.

The recent demise of No Depression magazine might've hammered another nail into the alt-country coffin, but Tennessee's The Everybodyfields are proof that the genre still has a pulse. While they are heavy on the country (harmony-driven male/female vocals, pedal steel, songs about leaving, losing and home) they do defer to the alt on occasion, especially during their pretty kick-ass cover of Smashing Pumpkins' "Today." My dad calls it whisky-drinking music, but you don't need an ounce of liquor to appreciate The Everybodyfields' sweetly sad country songs.

—Kevin Pearson

Fri. Sept. 5, 8 p.m., $22-$24, with Railroad Earth, TLA, 334 South St., 215-922-1011, livenation.com.

Keeping a low profile has allowed West Philly MC Baby Blak to work on some interesting upcoming projects, including a collaboration with DJ Sat One and a follow-up to the 2003 hit solo album Once You Go Blak (Rapster). Blak has also been dipping into the R&B field with the signing of songstress Tanzania Lateef to his indie label, Cinema 7. Check for him and B. Young (aka Fletcher from HBO's The Wire) at Hip-Hop Lives tomorrow.

—Deesha Dyer

Fri., Sept. 5, 10 p.m., $7, with Baby Blak, B. Young, Electric City, Dr. Ketchup, M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 215-739-5577, themanhattanroom.com.

Like Spaceman 3 gone country, Arbouretum lets their songs unfold slowly, seductively. Guitars chime intermittently and percussion is played sparingly. Nothing seems extraneous, nothing is missing. Atop the cinematic musical backdrop sits the croon of main man David Heumann, a former band mate of Will Oldham and Papa M. And while their slow-core county influence can clearly be heard, repeated listens render the comparisons moot.

—Kevin Pearson

Sat., Sept. 6, 9.30 p.m., $10, with The Psychic Paramount and Pontiak, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 Frankford Ave., 866-468-7619, johnnybrendas.com.

Although he was born, raised and still resides across the bridge, hard-working MC Viro the Virus has still been embraced by the Philly hip-hop scene. The lyricist recently released The Sharpest Blade, his sixth record in seven years. Along with his DJ and producer, Caliph-Now, Viro has won over the ears of many fans with his complex, witty, laid-back rhyme style.

—Deesha Dyer

Sat., Sept. 6, 10 p.m., $10, with Viro the Virus, Nico the Beast, Curly Castro, Soulkwest and others, Liquid Charm, 1207 Race St., 215-557-0208.