The Men

Given their ever-evolving sound, it was unclear what Brooklyn band the Men would show up with for their Friday night set: the psych-tinged hardcore of last year's Leave Home or the '80s American underground howl of Open Your Heart. Well, it turns out neither. While the quartet knocked out some of Open Your Heart's more rambunctious numbers -- "Turn It Around" and the title track -- the band delivered a number of new songs that seem to be heading in more of a straight-ahead rock direction, and imbued the set with a bit of a workmanlike vibe. While the Men's playing was top notch, it was surprising to discover just how much their live sound emulates their recorded material, which is really a testament to their ability to capture the moment in the studio. Regardless, the Men capped off their set with a true-to-form run-through of "Ex-Dreams," leaving fans on a high.