Vampire Weekend get a lot of love as NYCs Afropop-informed indie rock darlings, and thats fair. But theyre not the only ones in the game, and Dinosaur Feathers does it with a lot more quirky experimentation. They create the kind of music that goes well with a pleasant smile and an Otter Pop, surf pop that feels freshly modern, tropical grooves that dont feel like kitsch and novelty, synthy beats with primitive playfulness. And while the Ivy Leaguers in Vampire Weekend may have had their heads in the books, the dancey, dreamy Dinosaur Feathers do just fine with their heads in the clouds. With Kids and Animals, Listening Party, Lonnie Walker. MARY PAULINE DIAZ
Sat., Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m., 2010
