Australia’s The Grates (who have been living in NYC for a while now) are only a three-person team, but the amount of spunk and spark in their upbeat indie-pop makes them sound like they’ve got a full party in tow. Singer Patience Hodgson, guitarist John Patterson and drummer Alana Skyring play tunes that are infused with scatterbrained quirks and infectious melodies, resulting in what one might consider music that’s pure erratic bubblegum goodness. The band’s most recent album, 2008’s Teeth Lost, Hearts Won, is bursting with these tasty treats, such as the sing-a-long, clap-worthy "Burn Bridges" and the synthy anthem "Aw Yeah." Watch for Hodgson, as she’s known to leap off stages and playfully dance her way into crowds, her microphone cord bouncing around not too far behind. Her confidence as an entertainer and her "anything goes" attitude call to mind captivating frontwomen Karen O and ’90s Gwen Stefani. The Grates take over Mercury Lounge on Friday July 9th. – Michelle Gelsani

The Vandelles are rock n’roll noir at its finest. Their songs are the perfect soundtrack to rain-slicked city streets at night, and the lust, betrayal and violence that filters through them. The band thrives on layers of fuzz and a wall of reverb-laden guitar noise, and they also harbor a penchant for 60s garage pop melody and surf rock riffs. Those expecting the Vandelles to sound like their Brooklyn contemporaries Vivian Girls or Crystal Stilts would be wrong—they channel a dirtier, scuzzier aesthetic more on par with the Cramps, Suicide, X, or even Link Wray. On the new release, Del Black Aloha, songs like “Lovely Weather” and “Dash N’ Dive” find the band’s ragged riffs, crooned vocals and crushing, dread-inducing pedal manipulations forming a perfectly sinister sound that both terrifies and transfixes the listener. Definitely not recommended for those who suffer from anxiety, late-night panic attacks, or criminal thoughts. – Bill Dvorak

Terrible Records’ "signee" Twin Shadow is a NYC artists that music fans of the world should check out. Terrible Records is a tiny new label that puts out music that’s actually not terrible at all, being run by Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor – who also seems to produce all the artists under his label’s wing (that’s what you call a "vanity label, for the record). The Grizzly man seems to find production comfort in a genre that’s rather melodic and moderately electronic (see also Class Actress), but not as experimental and daring as the one of his own band. Twin Shadow, as far as we can tell from listening to the only track available for stream, entitled "I can’t wait", plays very elegant pop songs blessed by melancholy and by a smooth, sympathetic tenor. Check him out live at Cake Shop on July 22.

METERMAIDS get in your face like marshmallow dentures; they have great taste and you can’t help but smile. MCs Swell and Sentence are so adept at crafting intricate and clever verses that you usually don’t even notice how deep they get; you’re too busy lunging around the room in an unrestrained blissful frenzy. In preparation for their upcoming album ROOFTOP SHAKE (produced by beat maestro 9th Wonder), they have released yet another in a slew of free EPs featuring indie-rock remixes and live performances with their band. The HELLO SP is available for free download on metermaidsnyc.com and features remixes of Grizzly Bear, Animal Collective, Dead Weather, and more. In the struggle to create smart, awesome, and startlingly emotive music, it seems METERMAIDS have written their own ticket. – BrokeMC

Luke Wesley and Debbie Miller (pictured) are two of the 12 NYC artists who will perform at the inaugural night of the 4th Annual LC Fest, organized by independent music community Local Correspondents at Bar4 in Park Slope. Wesley’s piano-based melodic pop-rock can be heard on his brand-new CD, Because We Never Talk About It (Engine Room Records), while Miller’s self-released Fake Love CD features quirky songs that blend humor with heartbreak. Performances begin at 8 p.m. You can find the complete schedule of all five nights (from July 7th to the 11th) here. For 42 free MP3s from festivals artists, split into four volumes for easy downloading, go here.

We continue our "Best of NYC Countdown", covering every day one of the artists that made our Year End Best of NYC list (a chart compiled by a jury comprised of local bloggers, music writers, promoters, record store personnel and DJs)

From a harder attitude of “Coffee” to emphasizing softer strings of “Harlem,” Motel Motel skillfully designs variety in composition of each of its single-word titled songs. Whether changing tempo or delivering inspired slant rhyme lyrics, Motel Motel keeps listeners interested and attracted to its eccentric, unpredictable flow and commendable attention to detail. While its character may appeal to fans of Cold War Kids, Motel Motel introduces a unique style of indie rock with country influences. – Gina Alioto – Read a Q&A with the band here.

I don’t know if it’s the summer of what, but since July a bunch of Alt Rock bands have jumped on top of our NYC charts (see orange top 20 on the left), including our beloved Semi Precious Weapons, but also Status Green, boy band Stereo Skyline and The Gaslight Anthem – where are we, in friggin’ LA? I guess summer is the ideal season to promote optimistic music like The Gaslight Anthem’s one, who have just released this video for their single "American Sland", reminiscent of some of the best anthemic songs written by the Boss. Brooklyn indie bands will surely have their revenge as soon as the depressing NYC winter approaches…

We recently covered this extremely mellow psych-ambient rock band called Baby Alpaca. They just released this new video, which seems perfectly suited for these muggy NYC summer days. The video was filmed on vocalist Chris Kittrell’s family farm in Ohio, his own sanctuary since childhood. Baby Alpaca is currently recording their first album, slated for an end of summer release. Check them out at Glasslands on July 14.

Local Correspondents, an independent music community, is hosting the 4th Annual LC Fest from July 7 – 11 at Bar4 (picture by Andrew Karcie) in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The free five-night festival, which runs from approximately 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. each night, includes short sets from 65 local New York City acts, mostly singer songwriters. Each night of the festival will end with a DJ dance party that lasts until closing. Four free downloadable compilations featuring studio recordings of many of the performing artists will be available online, beginning with Volume One, available June 7 at localcorrespondents.bandcamp.com. Full schedule here.

Charles Burst, formerly drummer and singer of now defunct psych rock NYC band The Occasion, announced a new LP and 7" to be released on July 27th on Ernest Jenning, and a mini East coast tour in July, including a show at Union Hall on 07.16

Linda Draper will make her debut performance at Webster Hall on WED. JULY 7th, at 8 PM as part of "Lach Presents 5 Bands for 5 bucks." (Doors open at 7 pm) Linda Draper will be joined by Scott Fragala on bass and Eric Puente on drums for this show. Just how amazing is Scott Fragala?
Does Eric Puente have any relation to Tito? Will Linda Draper pull a Lady Gaga and strip just to capture all you technologically addicted A.D.D. inclined folks who are glued to their iphones 24/7? All of these questions, and more, may or may not be answered at Linda Draper’s EXTRA SPECIAL SUPER SWEET (but not too sweet) show at Webster Hall on Wed. Luly 7th at 8 PM. Full Lineup: 7:30-Julian Lopez, 8-Linda Draper, 9-Jessie Murphy In The Woods, 10- Boom Chick, 11-Ruby Collins More info can be found at Webster Halll’s Events Calendar, here. – (as posted in The Deli’s Open Blog – post your band’s entries, videos, and Mp3s here).

We continue our "Best of NYC Countdown", covering every day one of the artists that made our Year End Best of NYC list (a chart compiled by a jury comprised of local bloggers, music writers, promoters, record store personnel and DJs)

Hello, Sexy. Get out those fierce, bluesy guitars and your funkiest getup. The London Souls do nothing less than command your attention. Close your eyes and flashback to classic rock with a touch of ‘70s soul. With cooler than cooler tracks like, “I Think I Like it,” and “Stand Up,” you’ll want to let your down and get your groove on. Hints of James Brown, Lenny Kravitz, and The Black Keys swirl together like that tie-dyed bandana around your head and rock like that nonchalant peace sign tattoo on your ankle. Punchy, loud and satisfying. – Melissa Wong