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 [2]'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 [3] and Gun Street Ghost [4]. Doors open at 9 p.m. (the show starts at 10 p.m.) at the Hi-Dive [5]. Tickets are $6.

Follow assistant editor Daliah Singer on Twitter at @daliahsinger. [6]