The Phenomenal Handclap Band + These Are Powers + The Stallions

The Phenomenal Handclap Band is a clutch of indie all-stars led by DJ-producer team Embassy Sound Productions. Faithful to mid-’70s AM-radio funk-rock right down to the sideburns, curly guitar chords and sidestepping dance moves, the outfit seems to view its target era with the same reverence a period-instrument orchestra would apply to Bach—which isn't meant to suggest it isn't hella fun. These Are Powers is cut from the No Wave mold, its songs discordant and formless. At their best, the three resemble highly strung, musically inept children; at worst, they sound like art gallerists.