It's rare these days that I see a band who sound better live than they do recorded. Usually, especially these days, it's the other way around.

I got an invite to see Brooklyn indie band Salt & Samovar at Joe's Pub on Monday and decided to go to their MySpace and have a listen. I liked their sound, but I wasn't bowled over. There was, though, a hint of something I heard that made me know the check it out. Thankfully, because these guys (and gals) are actually really good and sound amazing live, even better than the tracks I heard on their MySpace.

"Salt & Samovar is intent on writing the next great American songbook. Uniting classic rhythm & blues, 'foot-stomping psyche-garage' intensity and a talent for enduring, archetypal melodies, their repertoire gathers together the musical heirlooms of a cherished American past."

"The band's revival-like performances gain their momentum from the legacy of 19th century spirituals. Onstage this energy resonates clearly across historical timelines to the forefront of the 21st century." Take my word: go see these guys. And don't get me wrong, their recorded tracks are killer, but they really rock it live. Check their upcoming tour dates here.

Don't forget to checkout pics of the band, this video of them performing on KCRW, this interview on Gothamist, and, of course, buy their hymnbook. !!