![\"Pins](\"http:\/\/www.audiofemme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/IMG_8980_2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nManchester-based quartet Pins started the whole thing off. \u00a0They showed no fatigue despite the fact that it was the group’s third show in a string of NYC appearances, also coming on the heels of SXSW, where I caught them at Music For Listeners’ day party. \u00a0These ladies play searing garage rock with dire lyrics, but their penchant for the dramatic narratives belies a decidedly fuzzy approach. \u00a0They are a bit reminiscent of early Dum Dum Girls and in fact are scheduled to play shows with Crocodiles upon their return to the UK, so Dee Dee should probably watch her throne. \u00a0Frontwoman Faith Holgate sings in a troubled, deep-throated wail, occasionally interjected with spritely yelps. \u00a0Lois MacDonald’s back-up howls and distorted guitars lend elements of shoegaze to the froth, while plodding bass from Anna Donagan and Sophie Galpin’s crashing drums\u00a0allow post-punk to creep in. \u00a0Though Bella Union released their debut record Girls Like Us<\/em> late last year, the gals also run an impeccably curated cassette label of their own called Haus of Pins<\/a>, no doubt part of the reason Raymonde was so impressed by the British babes.<\/p>\n It was the first NYC show for Berlin-based Ballet School, who played next. \u00a0Of the four acts playing that night, Ballet School bore the closest resemblance to Cocteau Twins, but have updated that sound just enough to elevate it far above retread. \u00a0The trio look more metal than they sound, leaning toward shoegaze-tinged new wave pop more than anything else. \u00a0Irish chanteuse Rosie Blair has an almost operatic range, her voice trilling gorgeously over extended notes, taking on some of the abstract qualities for which Fraser was renowned. \u00a0The vibrations settle easily against the electronic loops and guitar manipulations that Michel Collet provides, his silky black mane falling over his face while Louis McGuire lays down R&B-inspired beats, often opting for a drum machine over pieces of his kit. \u00a0Blair’s stage persona is that of tortured wraith or sea-nymph, her pale skin framed by long, white-blonde hair, both set against dark garb which flared dramatically as the singer contorted her otherworldly frame. \u00a0Audiences at SXSW were awed by Ballet School’s performances; suffice to say this emerging band could be the next huge thing for Bella Union, who’ve already put out one EP (entitled Boys Again<\/em>) for the newcomers.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n