BAEBLE CONCERTS: The Appleseed Cast at The Knitting Factory

These Kansas natives don't cast their seeds too far from the Built to Spill tree, and their tangled knots of guitar riffs would certainly make Doug Martsch proud. But while Built to Spill took their influences from groups like Dinosaur Jr., The Appleseed Cast draw inspiration from the pioneers of early emo – most notably Sunny Day Real Estate. They're fully capable of navigating extended jams, as is evidenced by this video's hypnotic instrumental opener. At the same time, The Appleseed Cast know the worth of a good melody, and their pop sensibilities share equal space equal space with the band's improvisation abilities.

Ethereal guitar arpeggios chime over involved drumbeats. Bass notes provide a plucked foundation. Vocals split the spotlight with swirling guitar solos. Your mom always told you that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but you'll probably want to consume this brand of sonic sweetness on an hourly basis instead.
- Andrew Leahey