Thursday night at The Cake Shop, while listening to Ava Luna‘s song "Won’t You Be Mine", we experienced an inner time travel that took us back to a 1950s soda shop – were a jukebox was playing… that song. This was probably triggered by the band’s three female vocalists, who reeled the audience in with their velvety doo wop style vocals, feet stomping and hand clapping. That trip was shattered about a minute into the song when frontman Carlos Hernandez’s Prince-esque falsettos combined with some heavy synth and bass impacteded our confused eardrums. This unlikely melding of synth rock/pop and doo wop is a little like those chocolate and bacon bars you see around these days: sweet and funky, but pretty damn yummy. The band has a series of shows scheduled in the NYC area in June and July, make sure to check them out. – Abigail Devora

The EP from Brooklyn’s own ARMS is another FTW from the "nu-gaze" wave. It is an album as sophisticated as Sufjan Stevenes and as spirited as Sonic Youth. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Todd Goldstein began writing music under the name ARMS in 2004. After releasing a solo album "Kids Aflame" in 2008, Todd recruited Tlacael Esparza to play drums and Matty Fasano to play bass and sing along under the same name. The trio’s new EP is made up of five refreshing, romantic tracks filled with droning rifts, introspective lyrics and echoy vocals that will be a part of their upcoming full-length album tentatively called "Summer Skills." The lovely lo-fi songs are non-confrontational but holistically downbeat. The kind of complex and inspiring tunes you’d want to play in your room on a rainy day when you’re tired of listening to the Donnie Darko soundtrack. Download their EP for free, here (http://www.armsarms.com/songs/arms_ep.zip) and turn the volume up on Heat & Hot Water. – CBM

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).

Maybe it’s the southern twang of Heather Christian’s soprano that absolutely sucks you in. Or maybe it’s the beautifully arranged balance of edgy guitars and strategic piano. Either way, Cavalier Rose is a masterpiece to add to your collection. Be impressed with the rowdy, “Lie to Me” or fall in love with “Lamplight,” a stunning almost romantic track that transports you to a secluded cabin in the country. Intimate and seductive, Christian’s killer voice tugs at your heart strings. Cavalier Rose’s own charming signature sound adds to its bone-chilling live performance that mirrors a Janis Joplin, “rock with me” intensity. Absolutely addicting. – Melissa Wong

The Pains have been very productive as of late – didn’t they release a new video like a month ago? Anyway, this one comes with some fresh news: the band will be making their next live NYC appearance at the 10th Annual Siren Festival in Coney Island precisely on the hottest day of the year (which always conicides with the Siren Fest, did you notice?). They’ll be sharing the stage with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Matt & Kim and recent tour buddies, Surfer Blood. Immediately after their performance the Pains travel to the UK and Europe to complete a mini tour.

Oh You Devil is Yuri Velez (drums/vocals), Marc Berger (guitar), Ari Brand (keyboard), and Reinhardt Schuhmann (bass). A relatively new band, the group seems poised for a bright future. After just a few short months of gigging, they’ve already gained a reputation for their live shows and have played to packed crowds at Pianos, Bar Matchless, Fontanas, and Sycamore. Reminiscent of Radiohead and Blonde Redhead, their music is expansive, moody, and deeply expressive. Rich, textured harmonies and gripping arrangements fused with lead singer Velez’s emotive vocals create a truly mesmerizing sound. Check out a recording of Receive Me with guest vocalist Leah Hayes from Scary Mansion/La Laque on their Myspace page. They are playing a Rooftop Films show on Friday, June 18th on the roof of New Design High School (350 Grand Street @ Essex). – Danielle Kourtesis

We just received this message from The Pierces: "The new tv show "Pretty Little Liars" is using The Pierces song, "Secret" as their theme song, so Allie and I made a video for it! We directed it ourselves and it turned out purty good for a last minute, shoestring budget kinda thing. Also, we just finished a new record and signed a record deal with Polydor Records in London! So hopefully our next video will be a big budget extravaganza, directed by Michael Bay with airplanes and desert scenes and explosions and shit…but until then…we leave you with this…"

It’s always a cause for celebration when two bands noted for their creativity and energy grace the stage on the same night. Such is the case this Sunday when Brooklyn’s own Dinowalrus and the young upstarts Telenovelas (their guitar in the picture) appear at Cameo Gallery ( 93 N6th Street between Berry and Wythe, in the back of the Lovin’ Cup Cafe). Word has it that Dinowalrus will be doing an extra special show as long-time multiple instrumentalist Kyle departs afterwards to pursue other musical projects. The Dino’s wish him well, however, as they continue on with a series of east coast shows. Telenovelas, meanwhile, have been making a name for themselves after playing a number of shows over the last few months. With a sound that combines psychedelia, jangly pop and fuzzed out noisy reverberated chaos, their appeal is obvious. In addition to this show at Cameo, Telenovelas will be also appearing the following night at Bruar Falls ( 245 Grand Street between Driggs Av and Roebling St , Williamsburg , Brooklyn ) with not one, but two Beach Fossils side projects -Red Romans and Heavenly Beat. Two great opportunities to catch this band and see what all the buzz is about. – Dave Cromwell

“It’s interesting – being a new artist is a blessing, because you have the element of surprise,” says Darwin Deez (née Smith), the lanky, mustachioed guitarist in Brooklyn’s Creaky Boards. “No one’s expecting anything, so you just get to make your statement. People get it or they don’t. The next statement that you make has to be well received by the people who liked your first statement as well as other people, because you never get anywhere if you just make one statement to one group of people.”
Fresh off a whirlwind United Kingdom tour curated by NME, Deez appears to already be plagued with thoughts of a follow-up to his debut self-titled solo album. London-based indie label Lucky Number just released his record this past spring, and it’s already getting rave reviews across the pond. – Read Nancy Chow’s feature on Darwin Deez here.

Harper Blynn is a combination of childhood friends, college buds and bonds through music that make them who they are today. Previously playing as a duo under the name Pete and J, the Pete Harper and J.Blynn realized they needed a band and called upon J’s friend since middle school Sarab Singh. The three then met Whynot (that is in fact his name) and became the now four-piece Harper Blynn, whose album “Loneliest Generation” was released in December. Their music is emotional and melodic, with throwbacks to The Beatles and Neil Young, but stepping in and out of newer sounds and genres. With lots of “man-singing” as they say and plucky piano or guitar parts, Harper Blynn seems to be aiming to pull at the heartstrings of their listener. – Read Lauren Piper’s interview with the band 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).

What do The Paper Raincoat and Wes Anderson films have in common? They are witty, eccentric and absolutely brilliant. The Paper Raincoat’s self-titled album is a splendid soundtrack full of fun folk-pop arrangements accompanied by the charming vocals of Alex Wong and Amber Rubarth. Lots of piano, catchy hooks and details like tambourine only add to the personality of each song. “Rough Cut” and “Rewind” are tracks that clearly demonstrate The Paper Raincoat is on the right track to becoming the next indie darlings. – Melissa Wong

Premiered on Pitchfork, from Suckers‘ debut full-length album Wild Smile, out on French Kiss Records.

Alt Dance masters !!! are back with a new album entitled "Strange Weather Isn’t It?" due August 24 on Warp. The CD was recorded in Berlin, New York and Sacramento, California and co-produced by the band with Eric Broucek. Stream the first single "AM/FM" here.