Brown Recluse Sings www.myspace.com/brownreclusesings If the members of Belle and Sebastian dropped acid with the guys from Elephant 6 somewhere before the turn of the century, the result would be the music of Brown Recluse Sings. While the sound is catchy and accessible enough that even your parents and Britney-loving friends could enjoy it at your backyard BBQ, it steers clear of the quirky-cute trap into which so many similar bands fall headfirst. It has a reverb-y, atmospheric quality (in a hazy/poppy, not electronic/ambient way) that makes them one of the most intriguing bands in the indie pop arena. If you’re a fan of The Shins, take a listen to “Rotten Tangerines” and if you’re more into Comet Gain, you can’t afford to miss “Rainy Saturday.” Check out Brown Recluse Sings at The Khyber on Nov. 14. — Charlotte Borgen
NORMAL LOVE www.myspace.com/normallove Upon first listen, the prog rockers of Normal Love sound a little bit like your younger brother’s garage band before they had the heart to kick out the violin-wielding orchestra geek. The sound (created by two electric guitars, an electric bass, a drum set and an amplified violin) is messy, as though they might, at any minute, lose control. And the surprise comes in the fact that they never do. Their seamless and complex melding of death metal, jazz and classical music scores results in a sound that leaves you asking yourself, “Is this even possible?” To experience the controlled chaos that is Normal Love, try “Severe Confection” off of their most recent, self-titled album. — Charlotte Borgen
Wolfpac www.myspace.com/wolfpacmyspace This hip-hop group has been active since the late '90s, evident in their sound which recalls the playfulness of Cypress Hill and Naughty by Nature, but with a more rock-n-roll vibe a la the Beastie Boys. Led by former Blood Hound Gang member Daddy Long Legs, their 2001 album "Evil Is" takes you back to the glory days with songs like the "Humpty Dance" and "Lullaby for the Insane." And if you're searching for some sweet beats with your porn, order "The Girls of Wolpac" — they warn you to "enjoy at your own risk!" Uh, okay? — Lily Avnet
MAKE A RISING www.myspace.com/makearising These avant-garde prog rockers can be found in West Philadelphia… donning costumes and creating aliases for themselves over a joint and a saxaflute while they wait for a children’s choir to come help them finish up their newest track. Combining mainstream, Brian Wilson-esque melodies with unique riffs, back-beat drum patterns and an occasional monotonic vocalist, Make a Rising is both transcendentally experiential and experimental. In their newest album, Infinite Ellipse and Head With Open Fontanel, Make a Rising proves that they excel at both short, poppy songs that stick in your head and longer ones that stray from easy-listening. If I had you at Brian Wilson, be sure to check out the first song off of their newest album, “Sneffels Yokul.” And if you’re looking for something harder, go for “Look, I’m Almost Dead.” — Charlotte Borgen
