Check out the top picks for this week.

Saturday, January 26: Nightlands CD Release at Kung Fu Necktie

Philadelphia’s Nightlands is the solo project of Dave Hartley, most known for his work as bassist for rollicking local rockers The War on Drugs. As Nightlands, he’s traded his bass for a slew of other instruments (think: keys, guitar, trumpet, percussion), which he meticulously records, then layers together to dense, dreamy effect. The show doubles as a release for his sophomore record, Oak Island,  a gauzy journey through echo-y vocal harmonies and gently stirring melodies. Check out killer single “I Fell in Love With a Feeling” now—then get psyched to watch this record launch Hartley to the forefront of indie pop.

7:30 at Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., $10. Tickets available here.

Saturday, January 26: Christopher Owens at Union Transfer

Christopher Owens first made a splash in 2009 with his then-project Girls, a fuzzy, vintage-sounding pop act which seemed to perfectly encapsulate the desires and whims of 20-somethings across America (including, but not limited to, “a pizza and a bottle of wine.”)   In late 2012, he disbanded Girls, and in January 2013, he released Lysandre, his first solo record and a musical narrative that details his first Girls’ tour in exquisite, heartbreaking detail. Live, the shaggy-haired maestro has proven alternately engaging and enigmatic—we’re curious to see which he tends toward on Saturday.

9:00 at Union Transfer, 1024 Spring Garden St., $15. Tickets available here.

Sunday, January 27: The xx at the Electric Factory

British trio The xx craft moody, minimalist pop, which they match with a larger-than-life stage show: think choreographed light sequences, projections, dry ice, and more. These dramatics serve to accentuate songs’ seething passion—particularly on jams like the heart-breaking “Angels.”  The band’s 2012 record Coexist was practically made for chilly nights, and we have no doubt this performance will warm from the inside, courtesy of Romy Madley Croft’s smoky vocals and Jamie xx’s commanding beats. This is a make-up show for a cancelled date back in October, and all previously-held tickets will be honored.

8:00 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St. Tickets are sold out, so Craigslist it. 

Tuesday, January 29: Purity Ring at Union Transfer

Vancouver-based, electronic duo Purity Ring surprised many by earning a spot on several “Best Live Acts” lists last year—a title not typically bestowed upon bands reliant on synths and samplers. But Purity Ring have always been masters at creating their own little world—whether on record (see: the stunning Shrines)—  or live, and fans should expect a dazzling stage show complete with color-changing LEDs, carefully chosen costumes (singer Megan James doubles as fashion consultant) and James’ impassioned crooning. It’s as if a dream world came to life—except for you’re still awake, and dancing hard.

8:30 at Union Transfer,  1024 Spring Garden St., $15. Tickets available here.