Critical 5 concerts in NYC this week: gimme shelter, Oct.10-14

We're not sure how the rest of society feels about the abrupt change in climate, but for this week's Critical 5 concerts, it felt nothing less than necessary to either embrace the change  or fight tooth and nail against it. So, either you choose to revel in the hibernation of sweaters and thoughtful contemplation, or fight back with joyous rock bands that will get you moving until the cold outside becomes a welcome refuge. Regardless, we've got you covered.

The Shivers, 10/10, 9pm at Union Pool

A self-described rock n’ roll band, The Shivers have a knack for spanning genres, jumping from folk to soul to upright indie rock. Their most recent record More was released in 2011 focusing on the theme of love and war and the inevitable ego that rides their backs (nothing more classic rock than that). They are one of the most honest examples of modern rock music coming out today. Here’s a chance to see the Brooklyn-based band in their original stomping grounds.

Menomena, 10/11, 9pm at Bowery Ballroom

Recently reduced to a duo after the departure of Brent Knopf, Menomena doesn’t seem to have been very deterred by the change. In fact, that may have excelled to epic because of it. Their fifth album, Moms, was released in June and is ranking up there as one of their best. Menomena’s sound has become an eclectic mix of songs that hop around in subtle glory; the hard rocking bass, heavy mournful piano chords, and fuzzy garage guitars layered with the lyric accompaniment s that address ancestry and all the deep-seated issues that surround the inseparable link of family.

Calexico 10/13, 7:30pm at Webster Hall

Earlier this year Calexico released their first studio album since 2008’s Carried to Dust.  They’ve worked with bands such as Iron & Wine, who they recorded a 2005 EP with titled In the Reins and Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam was also featured on Carried to Dust. Their sound mixes basic indie rock with Latin influences and the mellow southern twang of their Tucson origins.

Tilly and the Wall, 10/13, 8pm at Bowery Ballroom

If you’re looking for a great show then Tilly and the Wall is your best bet this week, and maybe generally as well. They are true performers who play out their dance inducing indie pop songs with intense enthusiasm. Their new album Heavy Mood was just released October 2 and is their first in four years. But don’t let the title of the album fool you, there is nothing necessarily “heavy” about Tilly and the Wall (maybe they mean it ironically) who infect the listener with their upbeat tap-dance (literally) percussion.

The Mountain Goats, 10/14 at Music Hall of Williamsburg

Californian indie-rock band The Mountain Goats, for awhile, existed solely as the output of frontman John Darnielle. For those who follow the Mountain Goats, you can attest to the fact that Darnielle’s moody creations are often heavy-minded and introspective. Their new album Transcendental Youth took those ideas a step further by contemplating the perspectives of the mentally ill. It should be a perfect show for quiet reprieve where you can be alone without being lonely.