Like Vampire Weekend before them, New York, self-described “warm neo-folk” quartet Morningsiders has made simultaneously regal and moving music following its birth at Columbia University. Their 2014 piano-dallied track “Empress” recently became number one on Spotify’s “United States Viral 50” chart but the early-twenties guys’ February-released debut EP ‘unfocus’ is the real striker. In the past, bands like Dirty Projectors have previously used centuries-old instruments such as the violin to majestically evoke the ageless feelings of longing and uncertainty. But, as heard on EP opener “Dots” (streaming below), Morningsiders’ ability to mix masterful musicianship (Reid Jenkins’ chimerical violin playing is especially good) and sensitively honest lyrics (“I’m telling lies to get out of socializing,” rasps frontman Magnus Ferguson) into a folk/pop/jazz/even hip-hop stew is majestic. Morningsiders play at the David Rubenstein Atrium, Lincoln Center on 8.27 and at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 on 8.28.– Zach Weg
