BAYSIDE - "Mary" (from Vacancy)

I've listened to Bayside on occasion but have never become very invested in them. But this song, "Mary", off of their new album Vacancy, which just came out on August 19, is absolutely incredible. I love the lyrics, the vocals, the music, everything. It reminds me of a sunny Gaslight Anthem song. Plus Mary is an important character in the Bruce Springsteen canon and while I'm not sure if Bayside used the name for this reason, it makes me happy nonetheless.

"So go on work all your angles out, get a plan together, get your demons out...'Cause Mary the world wants to bring you down, but don’t you let ‘em."

JAVELIN - Hi Beams

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, the duo of cousins Tom Van Buskirk and George Langford, otherwise known as Javelin, present their second full-length album. Hi Beams is the follow-up to 2010's No Más; both albums call David Byrne's Luaka Bop record label their home. As a newcomer to Javelin, I cannot compare it to their debut album. However, Hi Beams can be classified as a (mostly) delightful indie electronic-pop romp through a dense forest of sound. Although the album does feel a bit inconsistent at times, the catchiness of songs like "Judgement Nite" (my personal favorite track on the album, and one I fell in love with instantly the first time I heard it) and "City Pals" cannot be denied.

Javelin - Official Website
Buy Hi Beams on Amazon.com

RADIO SILENCE NYC - Renegade (Single)

Here's a group of four 16-year old boys who came together from different parts of New York City. According to their website bio, they first started playing together a year ago. Their first single is called "Renegade". The group has partnered with the not-for-profit organization DoSomething.org to use the song, which features lyrics like "Hatred is the enemy!", as an anti-bullying anthem. The song itself is slickly-produced pop rock that owes a big debt to the genre commonly known as pop-punk. Considering they're 16, the song is decent and it seems like they're acting their ages which is good. The guitar solo is the best part, the guitarist reminds me of the lead guitarist from the movie School of Rock.

Watch the "Renegade" video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qon7zy2Qotk

Radio Silence NYC: radiosilencenyc.com
DoSomething.org: www.DoSomething.org.

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM - 45:33

This came out in 2006. You've probably heard of it already. I'm reviewing it for personal reasons. This was put out to be a soundtrack for when you go for a run. I guess it was commissioned by Nike, at least that's what I've heard. It's basically just a bunch of LCD Soundsystem ideas that are knitted together into one very long track. "Someone Great" off of Sound of Silver is definitely reused in here, minus the vocals. There may be other LCD tracks that are recycled as well, but I'm not familiar with them as much as I would be with "Someone Great". I probably would not run to this. I don't really see the point. It doesn't really move me. I also find the vocoder voices annoying. If I want to listen to LCD Soundsystem, I'll listen to regular albums, not this thing.

www.myspace.com/lcdsoundsystem
www.lcdsoundsystem.com

HANK AND CUPCAKES - Hank and Cupcakes EP

From Brooklyn by way of Israel (not something I get to type everyday), Hank & Cupcakes are here to entertain you/rock you/move you. Cupcakes sings and plays drums while Hank lays down the bass. The EP kicks off with two songs sure to get you out on the dance floor, "Ain't No Love" and "Pleasure Town". Cupcakes is cool and confident as she delivers her lyrics. The third track, "Roses", shows her as more emotional and vulnerable and is more the type of song where people will wave their lighters (or cell phones these days) than shake their booty. The album closes with a cover of Joy Division's "She's Lost Control". I've heard a number of bands try this cover, often with disastrous results. H&C keep it together, though, and manage to deliver an interesting take on the song. The EP is just a brief introduction to the band but shows them in fine form.

From what I've heard, the duo are a great live act and they will be embarking on a Fall 2010 tour this November, with dates along the East Coast. Check their Myspace for more details and shows near you.

www.myspace.com/hankandcupcakes
www.hankandcupcakes.com

MATT & KIM - Sidewalks

Matt & Kim, the too-cute couple duo from Brooklyn, present their third full-length album. Their sound hasn't changed too much from their previous albums: upbeat indie pop/rock with nerdy male vocals. Fans of previous albums should be pleased. I'm personally not as crazy about this as I was for their first two albums, but I could see this growing on me if I give it more spins. I don't think it's as immediately catchy as their previous releases, but it seems to have more potential for staying in rotation. The songs seem to have more happening and won't wear thin after a few plays. So for that, it could very well end up being my favorite album by these two kids. For those that are curious, "Cameras" is the album's first single and "AM/FM Sound" is my favorite track after my first play of the album in its entirety.

www.myspace.com/mattandkim
www.mattandkimmusic.com

THE DRUMS - The Drums

The Brooklyn quartet finally releases their first full-length album, after tempting us constantly with singles and an EP. They sound like they came straight out of the 1980's post-punk/indie scene. I'm shocked they're not British. Their music is great and if they're not huge by the time I post this review then I am sure they will blow up soon. Recommended if you like The Smiths, Voxtrot, that sort of thing.

www.myspace.com/thedrumsforever
www.thedrums.com

RATATAT - LP4

The duo of Evan Mast and Mike Stroud returns with their aptly-titled fourth album, LP4. I learned that this album is best played loudly on a decent stereo system. Your computer speakers just will not do. I also learned that I still think Ratatat's first two albums are their best efforts. Sure, LP4 is good ("Drugs" is pretty great) but nothing on it holds a candle to previous songs like "Loud Pipes" or "Breaking Away". There are many people who say that this newer, more mature Ratatat is better but I simply cannot agree. Ratatat, we can still be friends, but my fondest memories of you lie in our past adventures together.

www.myspace.com/ratatatmusic
www.ratatatmusic.com

WE ARE SCIENTISTS - Barbara

Fourth album from these guys. They've got a new drummer - Andy Burrows, formerly of Razorlight - for this release. Barbara is definitely a return to form for We Are Scientists. It may be just as good, if not better, than their debut album With Love And Squalor. We all know how many times I've played that record, so this isn't a compliment to be taken lightly. The songs on here are catchy and are prime examples of what danceable rock and roll party music should sound like. I especially enjoy this line in "Break It Up": "If no one wants to be up all night, what's the point in even going out?" Amen, brother, amen. Now let's drink up and dance.

www.myspace.com/wearescientists
www.wearescientists.com

[[Their website is awesome. The "Advice" section is inspiring.]]

THE POSTELLES - White Night EP

This is the best music the Kooks have released since their debut album!

Except, uh, this isn't the Kooks. This is the Postelles. They are a quartet from New York City and two of the songs on this EP were produced by Albert Hammond, Jr. Garage pop meets British Rock. Fantastic stuff. In fact, this is the best new music I've heard in a while and you can thank it for me coming back from my self-imposed hiatus. The only drag is that the EP only consists of three songs. The whole album is set to land on July 27th, keep your eyes and ears peeled for that one!

www.myspace.com/thepostelles
www.thepostelles.com

MATT and KIM - Matt and Kim; MATT and KIM - Grand

Matt & Kim's self-titled debut was released in 2006, and Grand, the follow-up, was released in 2009. I'm reviewing them now because, while scouring the internet for shows coming to my area, I found that this Brooklyn-based duo is scheduled to play around here very soon. Not many bands playing original music play near where I live, so when there is one coming to town, I usually try to go. Unless the band is awful. I set out on a quest to see if Matt & Kim are awful or if I should plan to go check them out.

The overwhelming verdict after listening to their albums is that I am most definitely going to go to their show. Both of the albums are similar in sound, so no need to split up their reviews. Upbeat drumming, keyboards, a girl drummer (represent!), and a vocalist who sings like a way cooler version of John Darnielle, though still in a very nerd-esque manner? Count me in. The songs are fun and full of energy. I dig the lyrics, too. A better, more rocking version of Mates Of State. Matt & Kim are a band that I have overlooked the past few years and I am very happy to finally have introduced my ears to them.

I can only hope that the show is filled with lots of dancing, jumping around, singing out loud, and general hijinks. See you there, hipster friends.

www.myspace.com/mattandkim
www.mattandkimmusic.com

BISHOP ALLEN - Grrr...

The Brooklyn-via-Massachusetts band releases their third full-length album, and the second one to be on the Dead Oceans label. They had their song "Middle Management" off of their previous album, The Broken String, featured on the Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist soundtrack and also appeared in the film. This increased attention has not meant a decreased quality in their music. They still play delightful indie pop with great lyrics. RIYL A.C. Newman, This Is Ivy League, Nada Surf's newer material, and similar artists.

www.myspace.com/bishopallen
www.bishopallen.com

PLUSHGUN - Pins & Panzers

Debut album for the Brooklyn-based group that began as a solo project for Daniel Ignala, but has since evolved into the trio that it is today. They make cute indie pop/synth pop with very pleasant male vocals. Bleeps and bloops throughout. It's fun, sugary goodness, and very well done. RIYL The Postal Service.
www.myspace.com/plushgun
www.plushgun.com

Nous Non Plus - Menagerie

The second album for the band that formed following the dissolution of Les Sans Culottes. Though they were formed in New York City, the songs are primarily sung in French (the lead singer, Celine Dijon, did grow up in Paris). They play delightful pop music that should get your toes tappin'. They're awesome. They cover The Unicorns' "Tuff Ghost" in French (retitled as "Fantome Dur") and it is lots of fun, just like the rest of the album.

www.myspace.com/nousnonplus
www.nousnonplus.com

The So So Glos - Tourism/Terrorism

They're a quartet of young dudes from Brooklyn, and they play rock/punk/garage. The singer reminds me of The Hives' Howlin' Pelle Almqvist. They have a bit of a DIY/lo-fi feel to them. They are really cool but, unfortunately, the singer likes to say "fuck" so there's not too many radio-friendly songs. Of course if you aren't playing them on the radio it doesn't matter so play them to your heart's content!

www.myspace.com/sosoglos
www.thesosoglob.blogspot.com

The Virgins - The Virgins

Following the release of their excellent, albeit somewhat lo-fi, "Virgins EP" at the end of 2007, they return with their first full-length album. Hailing from NYC, they might as well be the new Strokes. Great tunes combine with good looks and the swagger that a band should have. They have realized that the secret to making danceable rock music lies in bass lines that could have been at home on a 1970s funk record or a 1980s new wave album; their bass player is truly their secret weapon. The songs are catchy and fun and could be the soundtrack to your next fashion party.

www.myspace.com/thevirginsnyc
www.thevirgins.net

The Hold Steady - Stay Positive

This is the fourth full-length from the Brooklyn-by-way-of-Minneapolis quintet. With their huge riffs, sing-along choruses, and a sound big enough to fill up an arena, they would make Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band or Thin Lizzy proud. The lyrics still focus on sex, drugs, or both; long-time fans will enjoy the references to characters and places from prior albums. Mr. Finn's voice seems a bit worn, likely due to the band being on what seemed like a never-ending tour for their last album, Boys and Girls in America, but as he talks his way through songs about partying, the weariness of his voice only adds authenticity. This is another great set of songs from these guys, and sure to win them even more fans. They also put on an amazing live show - if you get the chance, go check 'em out. Just make sure you bring extra money for beer.

www.myspace.com/theholdsteady
www.theholdsteady.com

The Specimen - Do U Damage EP

Led by Matt Gorny, born in Poland; New York City dweller since he was eleven. Apparently he won the John Lennon Songwriting Competition in 2007. He makes upbeat electro-infused rock that has a high level of danceability. Some of the songs are decent and could probably get played in a club somewhere. A few bored me. Recommended if you like electro-indie rock that feels kinda dirty and trashy.

www.myspace.com/thespecimen
www.thespecimen.org
(His official band site may not currently be functional.)

Mussels - Little Voices

From New York City, this is their debut record. It comes in awesome packaging that is hand numbered, very nice. The music is straight-up indie rock with male vocals. A bit sloppy at times, on purpose. I imagine that if the Walkmen, back when they actually rocked, covered Wolf Parade, when they actually put out a record and weren't too busy out working on side projects, it might sound like this. Recommended if you like The French Kicks, The Walkmen, The Natural History.

www.myspace.com/mussels
www.musselsmusic.com

The Big Sleep - Sleep Forever

(The closest I can find to the cover right now...)

From Brooklyn, here is the three-piece's second full-length. Rock with a definite post-rock influence and some noisy bits thrown in (see: Sonic Youth). Some instrumental tracks, some with male vocals, some with female vocals, and some with both. More intense than usual post-rock, they skip the boring build-up-to-crescendo part and jump right to the crescendo part. This is good - they skip the boring parts of post-rock! Overall this is quite good, if you're into this genre, of course.

www.myspace.com/sonofthetiger
www.thebigsleep.net