Here We Go Magic - Here We Go Magic (2009)

Here We Go Magic mines similar ground to Animal Collective, Panda Bear, and El Guincho, roughly fitting into that category of experimental, rhythmic indie pop. Unlike those other bands, most of HWGM's songs more closely follow a defined pop structure (if just slightly). The lyrics are clearly intelligible and the vocals on "Only Pieces" actually sound a lot like Paul Simon. The second half of the album loses it's focus and isn't as strong the first half, seeming a bit like filler. It may not be as exciting as Animal Collective, but "Fangela" and "Tunnelvision" sound pretty good to me.

Bear Hands - Golden EP (2007)

Another promising "bear" band rises out of Brooklyn's indie rock scene (Grizzly Bear, Panda Bear)... this time it's Bear Hands with their 4-track Golden EP. They've generated quite a bit of buzz in the NYC indie scene and their EP is a perfect teaser for what is hopefully to come once their full-length debut drops. I'm not sure how long that will take considering they don't even have an official website yet! I researched these guys when I learned they were opening for the upcoming Les Savy Fav show I have tickets for and was pleasantly surprised. I hardly roll up to a show these days just to hear an opening act, so it's a welcome change to find one worth getting to the venue early for-- especially since they don't suck.

Lead singer Dylan Rau sings with a rawness that is reminiscent of Craig Nicholls of The Vines (whatever happened to them? They were good...), particularly on my favorite track "Long Lean Queen." With a polished garage rock sound, their music flirts with post punk and indie rock, while managing a hybrid of alternative rock with a smidge of 90's emo. I attribute the latter to angular guitar riffs and the occasional dash of sadcore, especially on "Golden." But emo-haters can relax. There's still a bit of punchy guitar and vocals on "Sickly Brunette" for those who prefer something that wails. And "Bad Blood" is Modest Mouse-y at best, in its disjointed guitar and chaotic yet melodic vocals... but in a good way.

The Ruby Suns - Sea Lion (2008)

Like Vampire Weekend, the Ruby Suns incorporate African pop into their songs, although their music is structured more like Panda Bear's. That's cool though since it sounds good. Actually they pull from a variety popular and world music styles to make their indie pop. Overall, it's pretty fun.