1. Divine Fits
Music Hall of Williamsburg, Sept. 9
Divine Fits is the new music child of Britt Daniel from Spoon and Dan Boeckner from Wolf Parade and Handsome Furs. Though the group’s debut album is not out yet, the tracks that have circulated around music blogs and are building anticipation. The songs are catchy and energetic, but they also have just the right amount of synth. Divine Fits’ MHOW show will be the band’s debut appearance in New York City.
— Noamme Elisha
2. Grizzly Bear
Radio City Music Hall, Sept. 24
Feast your ears on the gourmet grooves of this local dream pop-folk rock group. Grizzly Bear’s signature melancholy harmonies, backed by psychedelic waves of orchestral instruments and complex guitar riffs, are sure to resonate beautifully in Radio City Music Hall. The sounds of the band’s impending album “Shields” will allow concertgoers to sit back and relax in this landmark venue.
— Priya Mulgaonkar
3. Jens Lekman
Music Hall of Williamsburg, Oct. 7
If you have a penchant for upbeat, harp-filled, nonsensical Swedish pop music, then be sure to catch Jens Lekman at the Music Hall of Williamsburg this fall. His ballads, crooned in semi-coherent English, create an endearing experience more sonorous than anything you have heard before.
— Priya Mulgaonkar
4. The Early November
Gramercy Theater, Oct. 9
The Early November made a triumphant return this year with “In Currents,” the band’s first album in six years. Despite this long absence, the band does not seem to have missed a beat. The Early November is currently gearing up for a short headlining tour with Georgia pop-punk favorites Cartel. Be sure to check out both bands at Gramercy Theater for what promises to be a fun and energetic show.
— Rebecca Kovach
5. Old 97’s
Webster Hall, Oct. 23
The four-piece alt-country band is taking its album “Too Far To Care” on tour in honor of the record’s 15th anniversary. The Old 97’s is one of the best live acts from the last quarter century, frontman Rhett Miller will open the show with songs from his solo career before the band plays its strongest album. That is about as can’t-miss as you can find.
— Joshua Johnson
A version of this article appeared in the Sept. 4 print edition. Email the WSN Arts Staff at [email protected].