This Weekend’s Concert Picks: Why? at First Unitarian Church, Hank And Cupcakes at Milkboy Philly

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
“Why?” is the ultimate universal question—the quest for some kind of understanding in an answerless world. (Well, that’s what the band claims, at least.) With a statement like that, a listener might expect to hear bleak emo music from the California-based group. However, the songs have quite the opposite effect. With bouncy bells, group sing-alongs and hip-hop influenced beats, WHY? provides up-tempo tunes that are deceiving considering the peculiar lyrical content. Songs that involve drugs, race, and sex are infused with metaphors and ambiguity. So why see WHY?? Maybe the members of the band will impart you with some great universal truths (though that is very doubtful). More likely, they’ll put on an exciting show that will not leave any attendees with lingering questions. WHY? performs with Serengeti at 8 p.m. at First Unitarian Church; tickets to the all-ages show are $15. —Caitlyn Grabenstein

Also playing: DRGN King + Railbird, Norwegian Arms at Kung Fu Necktie (7:30 p.m., 21+, $5); Ghostland Observatory + Ed Blammo at The Trocadero (9:30 p.m., 18+, $22)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th
When it comes to indie-rock bands that are composed of romantically involved couples (Mates Of State, The Rosebuds, Handsome Furs), Hank And Cupcakes offers something slightly off-kilter. For one thing, the married pair hails from Israel; for another, along with their silly adopted monikers, the two sport a cheerfully irreverent sensibility. The video for “Hit” features Hank And Cupcakes cavorting in nothing but body paint. With growing popularity and a new album in the works, Hank And Cupcakes is poised to spread its dance party aesthetic beyond the band’s Brooklyn base. Hank And Cupcakes performs with Gang and Pink Skull at 9 p.m. at Milkboy Philly; tickets to the 21+ show are $10. —Kiley Bense

Also Playing: Blayer PointDuJour + The National Rifle, Adam And Dave’s Bloodline at The Philadelphia Mausoleum of Contemporary Art (8 p.m., $10); Purples + White Birds, Mike Quinn at Johnny Brenda’s (9:15 p.m., 21+, $10); Mutlu + George Stanford at World Cafe Live (8 p.m., $21–$31)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th
Dropkick Murphys + Street Dogs, Chuck Ragan, The Mahones, Parkington Sisters, at Electric Factory (5 p.m., $39.70); Liam Finn + Thom McCarthy at World Cafe Live (8 p.m., $19–$35)