The Postelles

The Postelles' debut stands as perhaps the best Strokes-related record to come out this year (Albert Hammond Jr. produced some of its tracks). Consequently, their jangly Television-inspired guitar rock is almost universally compared to those fellow New Yorkers. Live, though, the four-piece better showcase the breadth of their influences, which rely as much on '50s rock'n'roll (they threw in a cover of "Hound Dog") and '60s R&B as they do '70s punk and pub rock, which was acknowledged with a take on Wreckless Eric's "Whole Wide World." Lead singer Daniel Balk has rock star written all over him, from his commanding stage persona to his mugging for the girls in the front row. But there's no doubt that it's an endearing trait that helps to quickly win over audiences as the band did on this night. If their closing track "White Night" doesn't become a radio hit, there's no justice in this world.