Happy 4th of July, everyone, a long weekend is just what the doctor ordered. When all around is madness (I’m looking at the idiotic result of the EU referendum back home in the UK. Absolutely horrifyingly stupid), I’d suggest substituting banging your head against a wall for seeing a show or three.
5) Wild Nothing, Porches, Yumi Zouma, Public Access TV at South Street Seaport
Not a whole lot happens down in FIDI, usually (I should know, I work down there), but the first of two free shows at South Street Seaport this weekend is something to get excited about. The “Festival of Independence” is a two-day event (more on the second day later…) which includes music, food, and you should get a good view of the fireworks to book. On Sunday you can catch Wild Nothing, whose last album, Life of Pause, came out in February and seems a more diverse and ambitious album than previous efforts. Sunday 12pm
4) Dalek, The Austerity Program, Action Beat, Opening Bell at The Acheron
We should all know by now that The Acheron is sadly closing next week, so enjoy the space while you can! Friday night sees industrial hip-hop act Dalek headline a fairly experimental billing overall with New York punks, The Austerity Program, Action Beat from the UK, and avant garde act Opening Bell. Friday 8pm
3) Beverly, Las Rosas, Haybaby, Dumb Wolves at Rough Trade
Beverly have certainly been busy this year, releasing second album, The Blue Swell, touring Europe and now just finishing up a series of US dates, they may well be ready for some home comforts with a show at Rough Trade. Don’t miss Haybaby’s set, whose recent EP, Blood Harvest, is a delightful Pixies-esque collection of tunes. Friday 7pm
2) Woods, The Mystery Lights, The Lemon Twigs, Lee Fields & The Expressions, D.R.A.M., Phony PPL, Melo-X, Jonathan Toubin at South Street Seaport
For those who don’t abandon the city on July 4th, South Street Seaport seems to cater for all your needs. From the Americana/indie of Woods to the heartfelt soul of Lee Fields, while DJ Jonathan Toubin spinning some fine tunes as always. You’ll have a good spot to see the fireworks as well as food from Smorgasburg vendors on offer. Monday 12pm
1) Fear Of Men, Puro Instinct, Ski Lodge at Bowery Ballroom
Brighton’s Fear of Men graced New York back in March and have since celebrated the release of their second full-length, Fall Forever, which is a staggering album, meticulously crafted, but vulnerable. It’s not until after a couple of listens you realise just how few guitar chords there are on the whole thing. The trio (though a foursome as a live act) are all hypnotic to watch, so don’t miss the chance to see a band that seems to be pushing themselves as far as they possibly can. Support comes from summery dream pop duo, Puro Instinct, and Ski Lodge, who released a new EP in February called New Life. Saturday 8pm
