Cold Hands

Cold Hands may tread the same post-punk dance-rock territory worn thin by their Brooklyn peers in the early '00s, but the band has three things that give it an edge: front man Henry Gibson, tight ensemble playing, and damn good songs. Gibson has a strong and distinctive voice, and charismatic presence on stage. The band behind him—guitarist Zach Land, bassist Derek Ashe, and brand-new drummer Gene Priest—are noticeably able but disciplined, keeping their chops in check, because these songs—sharp two- or three-chord riffs and shuffling rhythms—sell themselves. (Matthew Everett)