With New York City abuzz 24/7 in the name of music, we didn’t miss the chance to sponsor a showcase during the infamous CMJ festival. Floridian duo Viernes engaged the early arrival crowd with their trance-enducing experimental loops and harmonies. Jaill hopped onstage next and really cranked up the night’s volume with their punky midwestern rock.

What followed was perhaps the defining moment of the evening, and possibly of CMJ as a whole. There is infinite talk about Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., which typically starts by questioning their ridiculous name choice. Eventually, though, the intense curiosity leads everyone to say, “I have to find out what the hype is all about.” Running out in legitimate flame-retardant racing suits, they absolutely electrified the stage with their sharp harmonies and dancey electro-pop. Their set started with a beautifully stripped down cover of the Beach Boy’s “God Only Knows”, then built up to fun ones like “Vocal Chords” and the amazing “Nothing But Your Love”, with two gigantic stage-flanking “JR” structures that lit up during the heavy breakdowns. It stands to reason that they 110% don’t NEED the gimmicks they employ, but in the end you’ll be forever grateful that their antics lead you to their music.

French Horn Rebellion plugged in the smoke machines and started up a hippy-trippy dj set led by David and Robert Perlick-Molinari. Not only does their wild club sound ACTUALLY feature French horns, but you can also spot the familiar faces of Savoir Adore members in the live team, with Deidre Muro on vocals and Paul Hammer on drums.

Keepaway wrapped up the night with their crazy electro pop, and discerning ears hear the hints of calypso and reggaeton beats that make them totally unique.

All-in-all, this jam-packed Rumble rocked The Studio at Webster Hall and was the complementary mix of sights and sounds that epitomizes the spirit of CMJ.