Ravens & Chimes emerged as the winner of last year’s Best of NYC Emerging Artists readers’ poll. There’s no mystery why the talented quintet is considered New York’s answer to 2011’s big Grammy winner, Arcade Fire. The spirited vocals and baroque instrumentation are comparable to the band’s Canadian counterpart, but Ravens & Chimes don’t need the coordinated outfits and an expansive troupe of musicians to grab people’s attention. Even the band’s most subtle songs are as enthralling as their more ornate tunes. – See Ravens & Chimes live at Pianos on August 17, opening for Sherlocks’ Daughter, read Nancy Chow’s interview with the band here.