The Soft Moon, Majical Cloudz: Mercury Lounge, January 8, $10
San Francisco's The Soft Moon (a.k.a. Luis Vasquez) mixes synth-pop and industrial clamour for a sound that's as unsettling as it is catchy. Supporting, Majical Cloudz, has a knack for emotive storytelling that should balance out Vasquez' darker impulses. The live show of both acts is not to be missed.
Tuesday, January 8, Mercury Lounge, 217 East Houston Street (between Essex and Ludlow streets); 212-260-4700.
Dirty Projectors with yMusic: Carnegie Hall, January 11, $30+
Dirty Projectors have made some of the most beguilingly beautiful indie rock of the last decade, and last year's Swing Lo Magellan was yet another beautiful entry to the band's catalog. This Friday, David Longstreth, Amber Coffman, and co., will take the stage at Carnegie Hall with NYC classical ensemble yMusic for a special show. There will also be a limited-run 7" pressed exclusively for the event.
Friday, January 11, 8 pm, Carnegie Hall Isaac Stern Auditorium, 881 7th Ave, New York (between 56th and 57th streets); 212-47-7800.
Purity Ring, Young Magic: Webster Hall, January 11 and 12, $20
It's been a while since Canadian pop-duo Purity Ring have visited New York, but the two shows at Webster Hall this week are a welcome return. The duo will be playing with fellow synth-obsessives Young Magic, in a double bill that should please anyone looking for warped vocals and semi-danceable beats.
Friday and Saturday, January 11 and 12, 7 p.m., Webster Hall, 125 East 11th Street (between 3rd and 4th avenues); 212-353-1600.
Up for more? Here are some bonus shows:
January 8: Julian Lynch, Andrew Cedermark, Cassie Ramone play Glasslands.
January 11: Morissey plays the BAM Howard Gillman Opera House.
January 11: Parquet Courts play Death by Audio.
January 11: Bloc Party and IO Echo play the Wellmont Theatre.
January 12: Niki And The Dove plays Bowery Ballroom.
January 13: DIIV and Widowspeak play a FREE show at Brooklyn Bowl.
January 13: Habibi plays Death by Audio.