Rock icon Neil Young's North American tour kicked off Tuesday night in St. Paul, MN. Opening the show? Everest, a SoCal rock outfit known for churning out fuzz-caked Americana riffs and rollicking acoustics that Young personally tapped for the job.

Who? Like that Reese's Peanut Butter Cup commercial where the combination of chocolate and peanut butter hits like a divine revelation, Detroit, MI, duo Silverghost combine their native city's garage and dance leanings in a way that will have you ecstatic.

Who? This Quogue, NY, band's second full-length, Laughter, drops experimental post-punk in favor of a mature vein of indie rock that ponders the differences between town and city life. Fittingly, the music mixes the sounds of New York City hustle and Long Island calm, juxtaposing tense percussive pitter-patter and jangly guitars with langorous vocals.

For decades, overseas bands have hit America's highways and byways with lofty hopes of musical success. Some find it, and others call it quits at a rest stop outside Tupelo or Akron. The latest to brave the gauntlet: Australia's Pendulum.

Who? Like fellow Brazilian acts CSS and Bonde Do Role, the River Raid offer danceable beats with punk snarl -- but let the comparisons stop there. With a cock-sure swagger, this fuzz-rock quintet's triple-guitar assault -- complimented by vocalists Toni and Praga's shouting snarls -- creates a sonic force that's like sandpaper to the face.

Who? Hopeful Monster head Jason Ball began his studio experimentations in rural Nova Scotia, Canada before settling comfortably amidst the Toronto indie scene where he crafts '60s piano-pop throwbacks, building staccato, Zombies-style ditties and updating each with electronic flourishes.