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CMJ 2015: Neon Indian Enters a Laser-Lit Jungle at ‘VEGA INTL. Night School’ Show

Ever since the Internet allowed anyone with ears and fingers to be able to scout new music, CMJ Music Marathon has ceased being predominantly about unveiling baby bands no one has ever heard before. Now, like its Austin counterpart South By Southwest, the week-long festival and conference has become more of a showcase for anyone who wants to get swept up in the whirlwind of exhilarating debut live shows — even if they’ve got truncated set times. But for the headliners — which this year included Panda Bear, Tobias Jesso Jr., and Titus Andronicus — it’s much the same protocol as any other show they might play in New York any other time of the year; which is why the debut of Inside the Music of Neon Indian on October 13 at Webster Hall was so exciting.

Conjured in conjunction with CMJ and Microsoft’s so-called “Technology Program” (which worked with Ghostly International co-founder and DJ Matthew Dear‘s 3D show several months ago), the stage’s neon-hued lasers reflected the ’80s sensibilities of Alan Palomo’s most recent album, VEGA INTL. Night School. Take a look at SPIN‘s gallery of the dazzling visual masterpiece here.

All photos courtesy of Guy Merrin.