Critical 5 concerts in NYC this week: summer's last licks, Sept. 4-10

Tipping our hats to the end of summer we bid our last goodbyes under the fading torch of summer’s last licks. We search our pockets for those remaining crumpled bills to trek off to one last show where we can salute the end of belligerent nights of heated intoxication. Or, we just desire the drive of a live show. Both excuses are accepted and both are reason enough to attend these shows, from a comedic take on art, to the side branching project of a musician we already respect to down and dirty rocking out.

Take this first week of September to celebrate the laborer -- one who ventures to create something different amongst so much banality. 

Tim Fite, Foxes in Fiction, 9/6, 9pm at Littlefield

The thing about Tim Fite, that which so fascinates his listeners, is how immensely multi-faceted he truly is. Artist, musician, OCD workaholic --his talent spans the breadth of several categories and sub-categories. His often acoustic tracks and the deep whiskey timber of his voice evoke some tortured southerner monologue in your mind. The more you delve into the miniature world he creates with his songs, videos, and within his life the more he raises the brows of your curiosity.  Accompanying Fite is the breathy, acid-washed sound of Foxes in Fiction.

The Rapture , 9/5, 9/6 & 9/7, 9pm at the Music Hall of Williamsburg

For all the talk surrounding the Rapture, from their start as one of New York City’s dance-punk sparks (allowing rise to bands such as The Strokes) to their current, more intricate music, there is something infinitely catchy about their sound and something altogether theirs. After their five year hiatus from the music scene they returned in 2011 with In the Grace of Your Love.  

Bright Moments, 9/7, 8pm at Knitting Factory

Brooklyn-based indie band Bright Moments is the solo project from Kelly Pratt, who has worked with Beirut (on all their post-Brooklyn-move albums/tours), Arcade Fire (on the glorious Neon Bible), and The Maccabees to just name a few. They recently released their debut album, Natives, back in February, which was recorded with Pratt on the majority of instruments in his studio apartment. The sound is a dense arrangement that, although you may not be able to pinpoint the exact method used to extract each particular sound, is orchestrational and rich.

Riot Fest Brooklyn ft. Gogol Bordello, Descendents, Hot Water Music, The Bronx , 9/8, 2pm at Williamsburg Park

There are not many who would pass up the chance to see Gogol Bordello live. If not solely for the epic performance that is sure to ensue in that regard, then the added performances from bands such as Descendents, Hot Water Music, and The Bronx should draw you out to Williamsburg for this gorgeous showcase of musical genius. There is hardly a more up riotous way to spend the remaining days of humidity then amidst the sounds which are going to burst from Riot Fest this weekend.

The Vaccines, 9/10, 9pm at the Bowery Ballroom

With their second album, Come of Age, released this week The Vaccines are taking to the Bowery Ballroom stage after having previously been the openers for bands such as Arctic Monkeys, Arcade Fire, and The Walkmen.  Their debut album, 2010’s What Do You Expect from the Vaccines?  brought the English rock band comparisons to The Strokes and Ramones. They are a definite must-watch for any post-punk enthusiasts, and really for anyone with an interest in some feel good rock.