Savages: Bowery Ballroom, March 18 and Music Hall of Williamsburg, March 19, $15
Last CMJ when Savages played their first U.S. shows, the consensus clear: these Brits absolutely killed. Now, as the bleary haze of SXSW settles, the reputation of these all-female post-punkers has only been further solidified, with lead-singer Jehny Beth's voice truly something to behold. Catch them before they explode.
Monday, March 18, 8 p.m. Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey Street (between Bowery and Chrystie Street); 212-533-2111.
Tuesday, March 19, 8 p.m. Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North 6th Street (between Kent and Wythe avenues); Brooklyn; 718-486-5400.
Disclosure, ARNOLD (M|O|D): Music Hall of Williamsburg, March 20 and Bowery Ballroom, March 21, $18
Disclosure's version of bass-pop is danceable and catchy, with occasional bursts of startling emotion. And, with two consecutive shows this week, the U.K. brothers may be the most desired show to catch in the city. Make the effort to grab tickets –– you won't be disappointed.
Wednesday, March 20, 8 p.m. Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North 6th Street (between Kent and Wythe avenues); Brooklyn; 718-486-5400.
Thursday, March 21, 8 p.m. Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey Street (between Bowery and Chrystie Street); 212-533-2111.
Alt-J, Hundred Waters: Webster Hall, March 22 and Terminal 5, March 24, $20 to $25
Alt-J is absolutely huge in England, but with two sold-out shows this week (including Terminal 5), it's probably better just to describe the band as just plain huge. Over the past year or so, the British rockers –– who won the 2012 mercury prize –– have moved from indie club darling status to stadium mainstays capable of attacking venues of any size.
Friday, March 22, 7 p.m., Webster Hall, 125 East 11th Street (between 3rd and 4th avenues); 212-353-1600.
Sunday, March 24, 7 p.m., Terminal 5, 610 West 56th Street (between 11th and 12th avenues.); 212-582-6600.
Photos: Via Sky Ferreira, Savages, Talib Kweli