5 Must Hear Artists from CMJ Music Fest: Day 3

by Anne T. Donahue

October 21, 2010

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Apache Beat

When it comes to New York artists playing hometown shows, it’s almost guaranteed that regardless of where, when, or what time, you’re destined to see a memorable set.  Luckily for you, the Brooklyn-based five piece known as Apache Beat have mastered an engaging and dynamic vibe that not only translates well through their albums (their first full length record, Last Chants, was released on October 5) but in the presence of audiences, cementing the experimental art-rockers as their own MCs of a party you’ve got to crash.  They play tonight at 8 at the Rock Shop and tomorrow at 8 at the Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2.

Frankie & the Heartstrings

No secret to anyone well-acquainted with UK pop, the Sunderland five-piece have channeled the energy of the 60s and applied it to 2010, charming listeners, critics and fellow musicians in the process.  Fresh off a UK tour and championed fully by the English press, the band’s full-length debut is set to be released in February of next year, but despite only singles and an EP to their name, have still managed to win over festival attendees and anyone with an affinity for updated vintage.  Catch them at 11:45 tonight at The Delancey.

OFF!

The spirit of punk rock reigns supreme when it comes to the Los Angeles five-piece who’ve managed to do justice to a genre that seems to be consistently imitated.  Perhaps due to the group’s existing credibility (the band was founded by former Circle Jerks and Black Flag singer Keith Morris, as well as members of Burning Brides, Redd Kross and Rocket From the Crypt), fast tempos and thumping guitars remind everyone why punk remains the most elusive yet inspired subculture of all.  With their full-length debut out in November and CMJ marking their New York appearance, you’ll definitely want to head to Europa tonight at 11 and tomorrow at 7 at Generation Records to take in an unforgettable show.

First Aid Kit

When it comes to refreshing approaches to new music, Sweden seems to be head and shoulders above the rest, and staying true to the nation’s affinity for producing head-turning artists that add uniqueness to tradition, First Aid Kit does the country proud.  Made up of sisters and commanding vocalists Johanna and Klara Söderberg, new life is breathed into woodsy folk music, leaving nearly everyone won over by the duo’s earnestness.  Having spent much of the year touring in support of their full-length debut, The Big Black & The Blue, their shows tonight at 10:15 at The Delancey and Friday at 11 at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 will add further testimony to their persuasive presence.

Suuns

Hot off their North American tour alongside Land of Talk, Montreal’s Suuns (formerly Zeroes) have added further credibility to Montreal’s relevance as a Mecca of artistry, as the experimental indie-rockers have not only dazzled with their live performance, but with the release of their debut album, Zeroes QC.  With long-winded saxophone solos, dance-friendly beats, guitar riffs and a-typical vocals that add to their intrigue, the band’s status as “one to watch” is well-deserved and relatively overdue.  Head to the Music Hall of Williamsburg tonight at 8:45 and to Pianos at 11:45 to watch them do their thing.

Head here for more on CMJ 2010

Tags: Music, News, Apache Beat, CMJ, First Aid Kit, off!

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