CMJ Report: Friday [Ryan Schreiber]

All photos by Ryan Schreiber, except Mew by William Kirk

Lavender Diamond [205 Bar; 5 p.m.]

With more than a year's worth of under-the-radar critical adoration behind them (but still no album), Los Angeles four-piece Lavender Diamond have quietly signed with a high-profile U.S. indie label (plus, Rough Trade in the UK!), and deservedly so: "You Broke My Heart", the lead track off their 2005 self-released The Cavalry of Light EP, guaranteed that alone. Opening the Chicago-based Windish Agency's four-artist bill at Chrystie Street's 205 Bar, frontwoman Becky Stark projected just the right balance of charisma and flighty eccentricity, her sheepish banter hinting at a charming if possibly slightly cracked personality behind the rapturous voice. Even more than that song, that voice is what revellers are quick to mention; strong yet somehow serene, Stark's carefully trained alto is Lavender Diamond's most striking characteristic. But as compelling a character as Stark makes, their stage show could stand some development. I mean, we know the backing dudes are getting on in years and everything, but you know, just for the audience, it kind of rules if the band is standing up.

Loney, Dear [205 Bar; 6 p.m.]

Another group from Stockholm with fey, introspective lyrics, a self-depricating frontman, and nine members? Awesome. So we know what Sweden's arts council goes in for. It's a nice utopian concept and all, inviting all your friends to be in your band, but that's what you have a MySpace for. The question is, how many of those members do you really need? Recent Sub Pop signing Loney, Dear had the answer last night: One. Just the dude who writes the admittedly pretty catchy songs that I suppose sounded sort of really fantastic amped up to bursting in that cozy, tinfoiled little room. Granted, I might be playing up the nine members thing a bit too much, just because the Windish website describes them as "the one-man band with nine members." Truth is, only five of them were in tow. I guess I'm just crabby 'cause so many of these Stockholm indie pop bands are really obnoxiously great, despite being more or less indistinguishable. So, Sweden, I got this great idea: Put out a record that sucks. Think how fucking leftfield that would be!

Rjd2 & Peanut Butter Wolf [205 Bar; 5 p.m.]

Meanwhile, downstairs, the mellowest DJ set ever was in full force. Like, Bill Withers' "Lovely Day" mellow. It was day four; they knew people would be beat. No one in that room needed another round of Rex the Dog and Jacques Lu Cont remixes. Sometimes sweet-vocaled 70s soul shit is all you need. Don't tell people I said that.

Deerhoof [Hiro Ballroom; 8:45 p.m.]

In the absence of now-departed member Chris Cohen, some might say Deerhoof are just without...something. And I mean something besides a member. But as missed as Cohen's fancy fretwork and creative contributions might be, the band somehow sounded as confident and complete as ever, tightening up arrangements and rocking the classics front to back. Proof positive economy pays. Stockholm, are you on this?

Mew [Bowery Ballroom; 11 p.m.]

Well, it's taken about 30 years, but kids, in 2006, prog-rock's finally made its sweeping, bombastic, pretentious return. And no, it's still not cool, unless you live in Denmark, where apparently Mew are the most important cultural development since uncomfortable furniture. Yes, I felt way too old to be there, and it was at times a bit difficult to look past their self-consciously precious frontman, projected backdrops of kittens playing violins, and a keyboardist with a classic Yankovic hairstyle. But it was also kinda great how every single New Yorker in the room absolutely despised them, and how everyone who'd flown in from, say, the midwest, kind of got into their Built to Spill meets M83 meets Edgar Winter Group vibe. Let me stress again how not cool these guys are. But you know what? Write a song as anthemic and addictive as "Apocalypso"-- and then have the balls to call it "Apocalypso"-- and we'll just go off and be huge nerds together.

Thunderbirds Are Now! [Pianos; 12 a.m.]