Marina and the Diamonds is not a band, but a Welsh-bred singer-songwriter (real name: Marina Diamandis). Admittedly, its easy to be cynical about the ever-increasing crop of alt-pop princesses in the industry. But Diamandis debut album The Family Jewels is crammed with cleverly-crafted, piano-driven compositions that are well worth a listen. Her style isnt necessarily original the peculiar lyrics and vocal gymnastics used in songs like I Am Not a Robot and Obsession sound strikingly similar to those of Kate Nash and Regina Spektor. But at least the girl selects her muses wisely. With Young the Giant. ERIKA HOBART
Mon., Sept. 13, 8 p.m., 2010
