Despite their minimal output so far, Yak has been able to amass a decent amount of buzz over the summer. The three-piece’s sound can be likened to Nick Cave with a healthy dose of psych-rock thrown in the mix. Many of their songs start with a slow Nick Cave-like drawl and suddenly burst out into a chaotic psych-freakout. They have an EP out entitled No out in November.

The last time Will Toledo was in town, he headlined an intimate show at the Mercury Lounge. Back in town with a new record deal (Matador) and swarming press coverage, Car Seat Headrest was probably the busiest band at CMJ this year. This showcase would be their second of the eight they would eventually play and they packed the basement of the Santos Party House. As the usual CMJ set, the band played a 30 minute set, mostly playing tracks of Teens of Style, which comprises re-recorded CSH songs, and “Bodys” from his (in my opinion) opus Twin Fantasy. Will and company will make their way back to NYC for a late fall tour with NE-HI at Baby’s All Right. I have three so there’s at least 287 tickets left. They won’t be playing small venue shows for very long so seize every chance you get.

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