Critical 5 Concerts in NYC: a turn for moody, static electronica, Oct. 3-8

This week's Critical Concert lineup is taking a turn for moody, static electronic noises (and a metal throw-back!). It's a week to brace yourself for transcendent, trance-y atmospheres dispersed with some hair metal raging.

Midnight Magic, 10/3, 7pm at Le Baron

For an intimate start to your week, the small venue Le Baron is hosting Midnight Magic — a nine-piece trance band, who blend funk, soul, and electro-tinged disco. They began accumulating a following in 2009 with a series of singles including “Beam Me Up,” and from the fact that their members previously played in bands such as LCD Soundsystem and Hercules & Love Affair. They are known for drawing a crowd with their “seductive” live shows (and who wouldn’t want to see what that entails). Their debut full length record, Walking the Midnight Streets, is set for release November 13.

M83, 10/4, 7pm at Wellmont Theatre

Taking its name from the spiral galaxy Messier 83, M83 is mainly the project of Anthony Gonzalez, who has created some gorgeous indie-electronica. His new record Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming (notably his first double album) was released last year, inspired by the concept of making a soundtrack for an imaginary movie. The songs span multiple ambiances, tempos and orchestration that leaves no instrument out, often filled with nostalgic yearnings and melancholy according to Gonzalez. “Outro,” the closing track from Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, was even used in the extended first trailer for Cloud Atlas (starting at 3:18 in the trailer for those curious), so it seems he succeeded.

The Raveonettes, 10/5, 7pm at Webster Hall

The cult following behind the Danish indie rock duo, The Raveonettes, has formed around their strict adherence to the concept album. Their 2002 debut EP, Whip It On, was written in B-flat minor, and their first full-length, Chain Gang of Love, was B-flat major. Guitarist/vocalist Sune Rose Wagner claims he always puts these sorts of “restrictions” on himself as both a challenge and to stand apart from other music being created. They are often credited with starting the wave of moody, beach house sound that has since become replicated amongst a slew of emerging bands. Their sound comprises fuzzy, noisy guitar with a lush, dreamy atmosphere featuring the duos male/female vocals. And unlike many of their peers, they create solid songs without the reliance on purely digital effects. Their newest release, Observator, was released early this September.

Tragedy: The Kings of Metal Disco, 10/5, 6pm at Brooklyn Bowl

If you’re looking for a night of all things metal (be you a glitter head or a fan of raucously shredding the bass), head over to Brooklyn Bowl to watch Tragedy perform an all metal tribute to The Bee Gees (and beyond!). So, go ahead and celebrate the an era when big hair, high pitched guitar riffs, spandex, and glittered makeup were considered being dangerous.

Royal Baths, 10/7, 7:30pm at the Bowery Electric

Originally hailing from the optimistic atmosphere of San Francisco’s garage-psych world, the band recently relocated to Brooklyn for their second album, Better Luck Next Life, where they adopted a darker take on life. Better Luck Next Life is a heavily gloomy creation that features fuzzy, garage band style guitars with bleak droning vocals. Their live shows tend to be a bit loose with sticking to song structures, but they typically project an eerie vibe sure to create an intriguing and curious atmosphere for a Sunday evening.

Jens Lekman, 10/8, 7pm at Terminal 5

Swedish singer/songwriter Jens Lekman released his new album, the first in five years, I Know What Love Isn’t, earlier this year and his characteristically lighthearted, comedic pop melodies are a sure way to cheer up your week. He has a droll sense of humor, romantic tendencies, and a knack for creating catchy melodies.