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 sotre personnel and DJs). Many of the bands in this list will play The Deli’s Best of NYC Fest in Williamsburg in May (6 shows in 3 different venues between the 13 and the 15).
With their eerie vocals (in French), ginormus buzzy synths and gritty electronic beats, Xeno and Oaklander somehow manage to make music that mixes teutonic industrial atmospheres, alternative electro-goth from the 80s, and the refined aura of the Nouvelle Vague (the film movement, not the band). French/Norwegian Liz Wendelbo sings accented melodies adding a dream-pop feel to their sound as Sean McBride’s low vocals dramatically waver. The duo uses bright chords and catchy dance beats and glitzy synthesizer sounds to create a fantastic, rainbow-colored discotheque in listeners’ minds. While upbeat and dancey, there is also a spooky, wispy quality to their curious tunes. Don’t mis their show at the Knit, within the Eye and Ear Fest, on May 23. – Lauren Piper