[PUNK] + THU., JUNE 5
Two years ago, Scranton punks The Menzingers were playing a packed and sweaty Mr. Roboto Project. Now, the band has released its fourth full-length, Rented World, which debuted at No. 49 on the Billboard 200 chart. Rented World continues to fine-tune The Menzingers' sound: punk yet accessible. This isn't Black Flag; think more in the vein of Hot Water Music and Alkaline Trio — a punk-rock style that isn't polarizing to those outside the scene. The band plays Altar Bar tonight with Lemuria, PUP and Cayetana. Zach Brendza 7 p.m. 1620 Penn Ave., Strip District. $14-16. All ages. 412-206-9719 or www.thealtarbar.com
[ROCK] + FRI., JUNE 6
The Frick Art & Historical Center's First Fridays at the Frick series has been going on for 20 years, but this year's first installment, which takes place tonight, is something of a twist. It's a rare instance in which a local rock band headlines the series, which features world music and jazz as often as it does pop fare. Meeting of Important People is at the fore this evening; later in the season, you'll find the likes of the Jerry Grcevich Tamburitza Orchestra and the Sean Jones Quartet — both nationally known practitioners who call Pittsburgh home. Andy Mulkerin 7 p.m. 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze. $5 suggested donation. All ages. 412-371-0600 or www.thefrickpittsburgh.org
[INDIE ROCK] + SUN., JUNE 8
The Empress, a vessel of the Gateway Clipper Fleet, will be the site of a show today — a rock cruise on the Three Rivers, to be exact. The second annual indie-rock cruise, officially titled "A Three Hour Tour," was organized by local band Round Black Ghosts and will feature all Pittsburgh-based bands: Wreck Loose, Andre Costello and the Cool Minors, Round Black Ghosts, The Big Bend and Shelf Life String Band. ZB 1:30 p.m. 350 W. Station Square Drive, Station Square. $25. 412-355-7980 www.pittsburghthreehourtour.com
[SYNTH POP] + WED., JUNE 11
The intro of the insanely catchy, synth-heavy hit "The Mother We Share" calls up an image of a group walking from the horizon into view. When the intro turns into verse, the band's identity is revealed: This is Chvrches. Pronounced "churches," the Glasgow, Scotland, electro-pop band sounds like M83 or a brighter Phantogram. Chvrches released its first LP, The Bones of What You Believe, last September, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard 200. The band plays Stage AE tonight with The Range. ZB 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Drive, North Side. $22-$25. All ages. 412-229-5483 or www.promowestlive.com
