They’re called live shows because the band is alive and so are we. There’s an element of voyeurism and an element of music appreciation, but no matter what kind of music it is a good live show makes the audience feel awake and alert, and hopefully happy. Unless they’re already too busy busting moves or throwing back mixed drinks in little plastic cups.

It’s this desire to be amazed that makes Philadelphia’s Pony Pants such a joy to watch and to listen to. No matter how high the expectations, they don’t disappoint. The best bands are ones whose shows become described like campfire tales to friends. “They had a drum machine, two brothers playing brain-boiling twin metal guitar lines, and a hot riot grrl dance party lead singer!” Comparing this band to others doesn’t do them justice. Their sound surpasses their influences. They combine the arty fun of the synth-riot band with the tricky showmanship of the dueling metal gods camp. Their songs and shows feel like that awesome house party at the exact moment when things get unspeakably crazy, when the beers get thrown in the air and the sweaty people who don’t know each other start dancing together.

It’s almost impossible to define genres anymore now that everyone’s blending together. But everybody likes a buffet, and Pony Pants plays to their strengths by not pandering to one sound or another. They are unapologetic about their eclecticism. On their home turf, they mix in with a scene of incredibly disparate DIY rockers. But the Pants’ stand out as much as tghey blend in. Something about the rowdiness of Emily J.K.’s vocals catches listeners, but it’s the sneakily smart way with the lyrics that keep people listening. And while the Ellis brothers are obviously steeped in noodly prog speed metal, they clearly have also listened to Outkast. They write irony-tinged counter-melodies that are as indebted to Phil Spector as much as Iron Maiden. Which just makes music fans go nuts, it’s like watching evolution happen. This band may be for locals and in-the-know music lovers for now, but it’s clear they won’t stay there for long. Pony Pants just may be starting their own little revolution. OMG.