PHOTOS BY JACKIE ROMAN

'Save the best for last': a classic mantra that held its own Saturday night (Oct. 20) as weary and musically boggled concertgoers emerged for one last event in the CMJ arsenal: Spin magazine and Musebox's late night party at Williamsburg, Brooklyn's Galapagos Art Space. Featuring a rapid fire artist showcase allowing each band four to five songs, the chiefly invite only event -- some 100 guest spots were reserved for RSVP independents -- drew a fervent crowd, which wrapped around the block as fans hoped to nestle up inside the intimate venue for sets from buzz bands like Morning State, Zambri, Black Kids and one very special secret guest, later revealed as Peter and Bjorn of Swede sensations Peter Bjorn and John. And for those who entered, Spin and Musebox's CMJ capstone event was one long, sweet kiss goodbye to the music filled week.

As a few hundred youthful tastemakers buzzed about, the black curtains snapped back and Atlanta's Morning State took the stage. The four plain dudes' presence on stage in one of the hippest clubs in one of New York City's hippest neighborhoods was a sore thumb amidst the fashionable crowd, and thankfully the band's music followed in suit: unpretentious, straight forward, hook laden rock. Rolling through their four-song set with numbers like "Fanatic" and "Fall Asleep," the quartet capped with "Spectacular," shredding out its inventive structures and recalling the pop-minded, guitar-centric rockers of Foo Fighters' 1997 self-titled debut. The band's uncontrived, shtick-less sonic was warmly welcomed.

Upon the curtain's closure, patrons returned to conversation and drinking as a clamor of stray instruments cooked backstage for the next band's set. And some 15 minutes later, the veil uncovered Zambri, a New York-based quintet fronted by sultry songstresses Jessica Z and Cristi Jo Z Here, the selling point was contrary to the stage's predecessors; 80s-tinged, sleek New Order-esque riffs rose from guitarist Chris C's axe as his lengthy locks attempted to escaped a hoodie sweatshirt, pulled tight over his head and face. "Aliens" featured the frontwomen sexually shaking hips and shoulders while jumping from vocal key to key, low ended belches to shrieking highs, bolstered at times with grungy six-string accompaniment, while "God" showcased repeating, weaving vocals and an overall nu-metal sheen.

Black Kids vocalist Ali Youngblood / Photo by Jackie Roman

Though, at least at this point, most in attendance were aware of the identity of the evening's secret special guests Peter and Bjorn, the hype and collective anticipation for blog buzz act Black Kids was slightly overpowering. And when the Jacksonville, FL-based band finally took the stage around 1:45 A.M., the southern fivesome validated the fuss. "Sorry," frontman Reggie Youngblood said, bouncing his curly fro from side to side, "I'm drunker than my stepfather right now." The crowd voiced approval, and from there the outfit dove into an extended set, rolling out with "Hit the Heartbreaks," and its '50s-influenced bop progressions and backing vocals iced with melodramatic synths and Reggie's brash catharsis. "I've Underestimated" and "Hurricane Jane" followed and Black Kids ended with "I'm Not Gonna Teach You…" a sock-hopping number replete with unadorned riffs, bouncy synth stylings, and count off lyrics exploding in brother-sister declarations: "I'm Not Gonna Teach You How To Dance, Dance, Dance." And Black Kids' instruction wasn't necessary -- the crowd willingly hit the floor.

As the duo slipped away from the bar in the interim, astute observers realized the moment was upon us – Peter and Bjorn would soon hit the stage. The curtain split and the two Swedes, along with um, not John, were dressed characteristically -- Bjorn sporting black pants and black leather jacket while Peter donned a button up and a lengthy overcoat – and kicked into a loose version of "Lets Call it Off." As more of a friendly garage jam session than a formal gig, Peter and Bjorn's set saw a few pals visit the stage, including songstress Lykke Li, who sang vocals on "Young Folks," and Foreign Born frontman Matt W. Popieluch, who played bongos on the hit tune, which, despite criticism at other shows, actually featured live whistling. Tellingly, Peter ran out of breath.

Wall-o-fuzz track "Objects of My Affection" followed and finally Peter and Bjorn capped their brief, casual performance with "Up Against the Wall," inviting pal Boom Bip on stage to get granola and bang on the bongos. Conquering a few technical problems, notably issues with his guitar strap, Peter jumped to the venue's floor, and surrounded by fans he proved his axe prowess by not missing a note, rocking through an extended version of the poppy track. After all was said and done, Peter and Bjorn, fellow musicians, and fans aplenty joined at the bar in celebration of the past week, its final closure, and plethora musical highlights. Cheers! 

Peter, Bjorn and John bassist Bjorn Yttling / Photo by Jackie Roman

Yttling says cheers / Photo by Jackie Roman

Peter Moren of Peter, Bjorn and John rocks Galapagos / Photo by Jackie Roman

Morning State / Photo by Jackie Roman

Zambri's Jessica Z / Photo by Jackie Roman

Black Kids guitarist Reggie Youngblood / Photo by Jackie Roman

The Galapagos crowd give it up for Black Kids / Photo by Jackie Roman