We've said this before, but we never say it lightly: if you're craving a jump on the Next Big Thing, tonight's bill is the One. Thanks to a strong showing at CMJ, Brooklyn's Bear Hands are poised for scene domination with their gratifying update of grunge's slack and snarl. Live, it's a tight collaboration, with the band trading off on vox and percussive duties. Meanwhile, Bottle Up & Go egg you on with rowdy (and often shirtless) blues rock — think the Black Keys, but faster, louder, and with more whiskey; it's rough around the edges, but this is one duo you don't want to smooth out or gloss over. Jessica Larrabee's plaintive Cat Power purrs and howls with her stripped-down gospel/blues outfit She Keeps Bees round things out on a heart-wrenching note.
– Leah Taylor