Jake (who also took all of our beautiful pictures FYI) saw Fanfarlo (above), the five-piece band from the UK, who seem to have been produced by a trihybrid cross of lumberjacks, turn-of-the-century organ grinders, and pure flannel. At last night’s CMJ show at the Bowery Ballroom, the band produced folksy indie-rock on an epic scale, in the tradition of Beirut or Arcade Fire. Their rough-around-the-edges antique aesthetic doesn’t seem forced or affected, even as they indulge what seems to be an obscure instrument fetish; their songs featured mandolins, a clarinet, and even the melodica, the shunned bastard child of a bagpipe and a keytar. Fanfarlo pulls off an excellent trick: they manage both a symphonic hugeness and, more importantly, an authentic warmth. Maybe it’s just all that flannel.

Keyana went to see Field Theory at Bruar Falls, one of those obnoxiously named, obviously kitschy (there was wallpaper on the ceiling, for god’s sake) Williamsburg hipster hangout bars. Their songs ran the gamut from poppy indie melodies, to straight-up rock, to Radiohead-inspired soundscapes. Ordinarily I’d say that’s a disjointed mix, but it seemed to work well for them, and I was too busy bobbing my head/dancing to really care. Most of the band members were visibly nervous during the first few songs of their set, and the guitar was kind of out of tune — but their songwriting was solid, their timing was impeccable, and they brought horn players. Any time a rock band can incorporate a couple of good horn lines into their songs, I’m happy. Makes me wish there were more than just 40 people paying attention.

Natan had high expectations for The Postelles, seeing as their show at the Bowery Ballroom at 10pm was sold out. Although they didn’t excite me that much at first, I was impressed with their humble attitudes. They got on stage and started playing right awya, throwing all their emotions into their instruments instead of their egos. They’re also native New Yorkers. They converted me to their sound when they played a brand new song that they “hope to be picked up soon.” Their short, yet very sweet set proved why they sold out the Bowery. I’m excited to watch them put together their first album.

Fools Gold played after Golden Silvers. Samantha stayed at the behest of an LA hipster who proclaimed their godliness over other bands. She left after one song. A Vampire Weekend ripoff that steals the name of a perfectly great Stone Roses song? No thank you. Next.

Free Energy played an early show at Santos Party House. Samantha had heard they were awesome and went to go check them out. She was not disappointed. This Philly four-piece played feel good Rock n’ Roll in the vein of Bruce Springsteen. Usually this would seem old and played out, but they made it seem fresh and new. The crowd (which was a good size for 7pm) had huge smiles on their faces throughout the whole set. Definitely keep an eye out for this band, I think you are going to be hearing a lot more from them.

ZAZA played downstairs at Cakeshop, and despite technical difficulties, they sounded pretty awesome. Their recipe: a little bit of shoegaze, a little bit of rock, and beautiful, sexy vocals. All you could really ask for in a band. Samantha ran into one of her friends there who said that the girl in the band had a “Cinemax after hours look about her”. So, they aren’t too hard on the eyes either.