JOSH WINK
Philadelphia's Josh Wink has taken his fall from superstardom to prominent underground status in stride. After racking up hits in the mid-'90s with euphoric acid-house anthems, Wink downshifted into the comfortable grind of frequent DJ gigs and running the Ovum label. He celebrates the company's decade anniversary with The Fall Collection, which spotlights Wink's preference for tribal, trippy house, techno, and dub. His two Profound Sound mix discs reveal keen knowledge of techno's hypnotic, minimal power, which I hope he unleashes tonight. Element, 332 Fifth Ave N, 441-4873, 9 pm-3 am, 21+, $15.
SIENTIFIC AMERICAN
Andy Rohrmann and Mr. Piccollo's Sientific American project has moved in a more hiphop-oriented direction while retaining the psychedelic elements present on 2000's Saints of Infinity. Recent shows and SA's tracks on the fcssa split CD with FCS North point toward a ruggedly disorienting attack akin to that of DJ Krush's Message at the Depth. Sientific American should spice up The Stranger's Genius Awards with their own brand of intelligent, challenging funk and fascinating textures. Western Bridge, 1421 Fourth Ave S, 9 pm-2 am, 21+, free.
MONDAY OCTOBER 18
EYEDEA & ABILITIES
He may look like the guy who changes your oil, but polysyllabic motormouth Eyedea spits witty put-downs and pithy braggadocio with the sharpest mic-grabbers pacing stages today. DJ Abilities scratches so fiercely, you fear the vinyl's going to burst into flames. As the duo's stellar E&A disc for Rhymesayers proves, Abilities translates his scholarly zeal for funk and jazz wax into cleverly constructed backdrops over which Eyedea emotes with piercing poignancy. E&A got skills like Eminem's got bank. With Illogic and Los Nativos. Neumo's, 925 E Pike St, 709-9442, 8 pm-12 am, all ages, $13 adv.
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 20
KJ SAWKA
Kevin Sawka's rep for insanely fast and technical drumming prowess is spreading like Internet spam for Viagra. His band KJ Sawka kick out the drum 'n' bass jams live in real time, and it's an exhilarating experience, like eating an all-organic meal while in a sauna. The group also dabble in downtempo atmospherics and torch-song dramatics, to give you a breather from all that high-velocity, storm-bringer d&b. With DJ Zacharia, Zapan, and DJN. Chop Suey, 1325 E Madision St, 324-8000, 9 pm-2 am, 21+, $6.
