In the past three decades, Kid Congo Powers has been active in some of the most iconic, genre-defining bands in garage rock. Previously involved with The Cramps, The Gun Club, and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, it’s safe to say he’s got his garage rock chops. These days, the project that serves as his main creative outlet is dubbed The Pink Monkey Birds, and they stay faithful to the Kid’s celebrated noise-laden, macabre, dirty garage roots. This Friday, the group is coming to Kung Fu Necktie with openers Scantron, a band appropriately committed to gritty garage rompers and who have pledged fealty to the tradition pioneered by Kid Congo’s efforts. The guitar buzz and the energy feel distinctly punk influenced, but Scantron reintroduces a 50's style twist and swing motif to their back-looking method. The result gives the band more of a party energy, with soulful hooks and a persistent pace that are designed to get your feet moving. Also, catch The Whips for more slap-back 50's style hooks and bad boy greaser vibes. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 7pm, $12, 21+ - Bryce Woodcock

Suicide Bong Tapes celebrates the release of The Whips's Roots Rock Element tonight at Boot & Saddle. The Whips exude a loose (not lax) surf-garage tone - one set off by authentic, harmony-peppered, slick, subtly swerving-guitar runs and the omnipresent current of backend rhythm rumbling. It could be considered a trip back to golden-era simplicity, echoing the early rebellious edge that morphed into punk.  With semi-refined, raw materials, the sound is finished to a pronounced sheen, without masking the natural grain. Louie Louie welds the soulful, vocal-anchored pop that has a penchant toward taking a psych-rockin' avenue. The infectious jangle of Wild Jim Banfill & His Rolling Rocks (Mark Banfill of The Tough Shits) sets sail on its inaugural journey, opening things up. Get there early as attendees will receive a free tape with admission, while supplies last. Boot & Saddle, 1131 S. Broad St., 8pm, $10, 21+ - Michael Colavita

Fitting nicely on the Burger Records roster, garage rockers The Whips recently dropped their new full-length album Roots Rock Element, whose title holds true as a descriptor. The band features Far-Out Fangtooth's Joe Kusy and The Tough Shits's James Horn. The group already has plans to release another album this January via Philly indie label Suicide Bong Tapes. They'll be rockin' 'n' a rollin' this evening at Ortlieb's alongside like-minded brethren Brooklyn's The Mystery Lights and locals Los Calzones. It's a Tuesday night bill for the kids who too cool to show up school and work tomorrow. Ortlieb's, 847 N. 3rd St., 8pm, $10, 21+ - Alexis V.