Image from Osei

With summer well and truly underway, here are a few of the acts performing in the City to offer us respite from the heat this June.

La Roux – June 7 @ Terminal 5, New York, NY

English electropop duo La Roux are rounding off their current US tour with a final show in Webster Hall on June 7 in advance of their European festivals over the summer. One of the more down to earth outfits on the synth and electropop circuit, their songs are less about being so trashed that you don’t know why your shirt is on inside out, and deal with more substantive things such as self – doubt and burning bridges. At the same time, they are upbeat with great, catchy dance songs. A good live show is promised here. Word of warning though, tickets may well be difficult to come by.

Here We Go Magic – June 8 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

Brooklyn natives, Here We Go Magic, are celebrating the release of their new album Pigeons on June 8 at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. This show will also mark the opener of their US tour. HWGM offer a psychadelic indie pop sound, varying between extended smooth guitar playing and sharper rock edges with long music sessions to get lost in the music guarenteed. Think an ethereal version of Phoenix. Catch them before their summer tour kicks in.

Plants & Animals – June 9 @ Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY
Quebecois indie rock group Plants and Animals describe their sound as post classic rock. Their sound is a fantastic mix of folk bases overlaid with majestic choruses, and classic rock guitars. Their huge choruses are intersperced with quieter ballads to draw the audience in before leading to anothr explosive chorus. Plants and Animals offer an amazing live event where you get to experience their huge sound in person.
If you only go to one how this month – make it this one.

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals – June 12 @ Webster Hall, New York, NY

If you haven’t already been to a GPN show, please take this opportunity to correct that.
GPN offer their audience a little rock, some folk and a hint of gospel music. Their song ‘Apologies’ has been featured on poignant moments on half of the prime time line – up. Don’t let that discourage you. Instead be encouraged by the fact that they have supported Gov’t Mule, the Black Crows and the Dave Matthews Band. From Grace’s amazing vocals to the excellent guitarists, GPN is without a doubt of the most talented American acts around these days.

Blitzen Trapper – June 16 @ Webster Hall, New York, NY

Alternative folk band Blitzen trapper hail from Portland Oregon and are currently touring to promote their fifth album ‘Destroyer of the Void’ which was released on June 8. Blitzen Trapper’s sound varies beween the lines of folksy music and hard rock. Either way, their music is catchy and after a show you will find yourself hummimg their songs. Use of the steel guitar and harmonica make this band’s sound really stand out. Expect a good show here.

Other Mentions:

BuzzUniverse – June 5 @ Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn, NY
BuzzUniverse will bring their blend of jazz, latin and rock sounds to Brooklyn Bowl on June 5.
BuzzUniverse and bowling – sounds like a perfect Saturday night.

Lily Sparks – June 11 @ The Bitter End, New York, NY
The Ladies of rock will be appearing at the Bitter End on June 11 in advance of their upcoming tour of the UK and Ireland.

The National – June 16 @ Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY
Just mentioned because they are so good but this particular show has been sold out for about the past half century. Word to the wise – if you are truly dedicated, The National will be playing the Wellmont Theatre in NJ on September 24. Tickets go on sale on June 4. Prepare accordingly.