Do you ever wish you could get a taste of what a band is like live? Just to see if you really like them. If that sentiment sounds familiar, then Instant Empire's EP Release Show tomorrow night (January 18) is for you. The local alt-rockers—they've been described as playing "nerdy rock," though I would call it a dynamic mix of energetic punk and indie wordsmithing—just released Keep Up!, their third EP in as many years. The EP's three songs total 9:55, which is just long enough to get a sample of the sounds of Scotty Saunders, Sean Connaughty, Lou Kucera, Aaron Stone, Doug Chase, and Matt Grizzell.

Go, rock out, and let us know what you think.

Details: Instant Empire will be joined by Hindershot and Gun Street Ghost. Doors open at 9 p.m. (the show starts at 10 p.m.) at the Hi-Dive. Tickets are $6.

Follow assistant editor Daliah Singer on Twitter at @daliahsinger.