I was pretty skeptical about seeing these four bands at Bowery Ballroom since they typically play DIY venues, but I was pleasantly surprised. And I was very happy they HAD to go on somewhat on time (instead of an hour or so later)!

Singer/songwriter Nathan Williams of Wavves

I have never seen a mosh pit break out faster in my entire life. The second Wavves played the first note of the first song, the crowd started slamming into each other (and I immediately moved to the side...does that make me old?!). Fans were stage diving, and one girl even lost her Crocs (people still wear those??). I liked the band's frantic beats and blurred vocals, and drummer Ryan Ulsh was great. Wavves definitely brought the DIY to Bowery. They play Pitchfork Festival on July 18 and Street Scene (their hometown) on August 30.

Jeremy Earl of Woods

Woods. What can I say? I want to like them...I really do. Maybe it's the high pitch vocals that keep me from enjoying their music. However, I will say they performed a sick instrumental that had some rock and jazz influences. Also, they do have some catchy songs. After hearing "Twisted Tongue" on New York Noise, I couldn't get it out of my head for weeks (and I'm not even a fan of it). I'm somewhat obsessed with "Don't Pass On Me," which I occasionally will listen to on repeat all day, but that wasn't on the set list. Pretty disappointing. They play Whitney Museum on July 24 with YellowFever and The Bell House on August 14 with Dungen.

Singer/guitarist Martin Courtney of Real Estate

I wound up liking Real Estate more than I expected. I'm usually not into easy breezy folk pop, but I really enjoyed their music - especially when they jammed out at the end of some of their songs. They play SculptureCenter on July 25 with Gary War, Little Claw and Religious Knives.

POPO

Philly brothers Shoaib, Zeb and Hassan of POPO put on a great show. I only caught four songs, but I loved their vibe (and their outfits) and really got into their surf/garage rock sound. They reminded me a little of Crocodiles - great music, but if they tighten up their performance, they could be even better.