There’s a certain frisson that happens when a talented collage artist juxtaposes a number of disparate elements and makes you see all the individual parts anew as a result, which serves as a kind of an expressway to the center of your skull aka the unconscious mind. 

On their fifth full-length unveiled today by Wharf Cat Records titled Palberta5000, Palberta has installed a system upgrade to the art-damaged post-punk haikus heard on previous releases. Self-reportedly digging into a buffet of Gen X alt rock and Millennial Disney pop ranging from Liz Phair to Avril Lavigne for inspiration, this instrument-rotating three-piece has written a bunch of punchdrunk new numbers that occasionally break their usual one-to-two-minute time limit and that place a new emphasis on their exquisitely shaggy girl group harmonies. 

The result is an album full of misshapen pearls of avant-rock-pop that fills the void of there being no existing No Wave Meghan Trainor or Justin Beefheart or Taylor Shaggs (please stop me before someone gets hurt) in the world up until now. Take a listen and consider your void filled.

In this blogger's modest appraisal other standout tracks include album-opener “No Way,” “Summer Sun,” and the Arthur Russell/Loose Joints quoting “All Over My Face” which is nearly five minutes (!) long. (Jason Lee)

Spanning 22 tracks, Palberta’s Roach Goin’ Down, released on June 15, is a practice in invention and freedom. Ideas are crumpled up, unfolded, cut apart, and pasted somewhere else. With the anyone-can-do-it attitude of K Records and the inverted instrumentals of early post-punk Palberta makes songs that feel simultaneously whimsical, challenging, and distraught. There’s a lo-fi a cappella intro to “Momentous Space-Up,” chaotic dissonance on “I Have Found The Ego,” and almost ordinary twee-punk on “Sound of the Beat.” Palberta will play Mercury Lounge on June 22 for an album release show. – Cameron Carr

Tonight, Magic Pictures is conjuring a ritual assembly for us aspiring and practicing occultists at the First Unitarian Church for a celebration of music, spooky shit, and the untold magic of that lurks in the seams of reality. The show, which will supernaturally cram nine bands in the space of four hours, will be a glimpse into Magic Pictures’ conceptual crystal ball, detailing their notions of visual, musical and performance art. All bands were curated with the intent to emphasize their principles of “theatrics, spectacle, and awe,” and create an ideal context for such performances. Among the chosen group of musical conjurers is Philadelphia’s own Evil Sword, whose raggedy, minimalist, cauldron-stirring incantations are an unholy brew of experimental post-punk, literal bells and whistles, deathrock, and paranormal revelation. Kate Ferencz’s vocals move at a harsh recitative pace, punctuated with odd, rhythmic emphasis where inflection replaces melody. Also channeling his magic into the ritual will be Gavin Riley Smoke Machine, whose se set incorporates audio-visual, choose-your-own-adventure-style storytelling to the tune of 80's quasi-futurist synth tones and inventive narratives. Palberta, another cornerstone, noisy, experimental post-punk band, will add their clamor to the celebration with tunes that effectively immolate the entire western pop music canon in an attempt to access something willfully outside, providing an essential experience for comprehending a post-comprehension world. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8pm, $15, All Ages - Bryce Woodcock

We believe the health of a musical scene can be measured by the amount of bands that are completely out of their mind, and also by the amount of music fans interested in attending their shows. In this regard, there's a quality gig at Palisades in about a month (Saturday June 4th) that shines a bright, although rather psychotic, light on NYC, involving two local bands that sound nothing short of irrational (Palberta - pictured - and Guerilla Toss) and one coming across as "seriously disturbed" (PC Worship). Taking inspiration from subversive movements like No Wave and early Post Punk, without sounding simply amateurish (that's the hard part!), these groups represent NYC's current sound of "uncompromise" - and the sparkle that keeps the Rock'n'Roll flame alive in this problematic and increasingly art-hostile city.

3-piece NY outfit Palberta treat music like a playground—they run up slides, stand on swings, and climb to the top of the jungle gym carrying flags in thier teeth. A little riot grrl and a little noise, part clever and part temper tantrum, they pluck and sting and stomp around. They put on wild shows, radiating confidence, chemistry, and camaraderie with their audience. Palberta plays Silent Barn with local favorites Ava Luna (who graced the cover of The Deli a few years ago), LVL UP, and Palehound on April 18th; bring those dancing boots. - Leora Mandel