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Dumb love? We love this video! Bringing suspense and emotion to objects that often seem so dull.

The Yes Way, at Rethink’s Official CMJ Showcase 2011.

Frontman Aaron Mendelsohn narrates a journey ranging from undeniably catchy, melodic pop, through spaced-out psychedelia, landing at times for hardcore garage-style grunge. All the while, it’s a tightly guarded secret hidden behind a coy smile what direction he might guide the show next.

I’ve only seen Radiohead do it better. Their New song “Anchor” appears to be an instant fan favorite, with all 6 feet and 6 inches of Nick Burleigh showing that his mastery of the guitar also translates to the spacey and reverb ablaze violin.

The word mastery absolutely applies… if Aaron is responsible for telling the story, than Nick certainly delivers the subtext with tightly-honed skill. Kudos are also in order for bassist Ian Mellencamp who didn’t miss a beat in just his second show with the band. This should probably be half credited to the flawless, yet often off-tempo drumming style of Jesse Bilotta, which one could imagine if even a note were missed the entire song would fall deep into a noisy abyss.

The Yes Way remain a change-up from what the rest of NYC has to offer and a cut above nearly any comparison you could make.

That sound can’t be coming from just two people, right? Seriously, I must not be able to see the other band members from the angle I’m standing. No? – Really? – Wow!

Nearly every Bowery Electric patron who previously never had the pleasure of hearing Courtesy Tier perform must have participated in that exact exchange. Wielding only a guitar and drums, Omer Leibovitz & Layton Weedeman proved excellent musicians require very little to produce complex and appealing genre-crossing music. During the course of their set, the Brooklyn duo applied shades of grunge, R&B, southern rock, and blues to a never-dull canvas, at times harmonic, ceaselessly captivating, and climaxing with Hendrix-esque prestige.

Vocal chords refused to be upstaged by such brilliant instrumentation, keeping all neck hair at attention with a resonant coax, full of conviction that lost none of it’s vibrance using less distortion than their recordings. “Friend” was a personal favorite, although one would be hard pressed to find a laggard in the setlist. Along with Hollis Brown the prior evening at Spike Hill, Courtesy Tier provide a shining example that blues are very much alive in the BK.

Longtime favorites of RethinkPopMusic, Black Taxi treated the packed Bowery Electric crowd to one of the more memorable performances of CMJ.

Armed with a rebellious spirit, unbridled energy, and a slew of cameo instruments for frontman Ezra Huleatt to use at his disposal (bass drum, tambourine, trumpet, keyboard, harmonica, & maraca), Black Taxi achieves what Panic At the Disco! might hope to… with more creativity. Not to dwell on the charismatic, if not flamboyant lead, but Huleatt seems to possess (in addition to his stunning resemblance to Brit from Flight of the Conchords) the spirit, poise, and unique appeal to become a true rock star. This is best showcased on the dazzling single “Shoeshine” and every other song on the setlist to be honest. Absolutely try to catch the Brooklyn natives in action if you find them playing a venue near you — actually, travel to see them. Now!