Welcome to Introducing, where RollingStone.com will be tossing a spotlight on recommended up-and-coming artists.
The Hook: With their jagged riffs and ’50s doo-wop-inspired backing vocals all layered atop fast-paced tracks, this New York-based five-piece was made for a groovy loft party.
Secret Weapon: The Venn diagram approach. “All five of us have very different musical tastes and there is a very small area where all five circles in our Venn diagram intersect,” explains drummer Brent Katz. “It often means it takes quite a bit of time to reach the finished product, but when we get there, that makes for something that we are all really proud of,” bassist Jose Soegaard adds.
Must-Hear Track: “Sickos,” a beautiful intersection of artful guitar downstrokes, ’60s-inspired background melodies and spooky keyboards, while singer Lexy Benaim urgently recommends, “If there’s a bomb in your hand, just throw it!”

What’s Next: After self-releasing their EP Burning Birthdays in February, Harlem Shakes are currently flirting with a variety of labels from across the globe and plan to release an album in February ‘08. When they do hit the studio it will be with Les Savy Fav and Asobi Seksu producer Chris Zane. Until then, check out one of their awesome live shows where their Venn diagram approach leads to Radiohead-meets-Explosions in the Sky-esque mini jams.
Where to Find Them: Check out “Sickos” and more tracks on the band’s MySpace, or visit their official Web site.


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