NYC Scene Report – MOVIE MOVIE, Strange Neighbors, & Dhärä

This week’s NYC Scene Report features MOVIE MOVIE giving listeners an “After Hours” preview of their new EP, Strange Neighbors with an acoustic cover of a Gin Blossom’s b-side, and Dhärä creating a prog metal ballet.

* If you’re looking for some power pop with retro-rock vibes you’re gonna love the good time sound of MOVIE MOVIE.

Consisting of members of Twin Guns, The Electric Mess, and The Above, the band recently released a four-song EP titled Coming Attractions, which will see a physical release via Topsy-Turvy Records on February 13th.

Hmm, so they’re getting physical on the eve of Valentine’s Day? Seems like there might be some “After Hours” activities, and it just so happens the lead single from the EP is “After Hours.”

With Tom Petty-like storytelling, “After Hours” is an infectious tune suitable for all hours that could inspire even the most cement-footed wallflower to move their body.

Check out the colorful music video starring Anna Copa Cabanna, and bop along to “After Hours” … no matter what time of day it may be.

* In 2023, longtime column favorite Strange Neighbors was asked to contribute to a very special project that was close to their hearts.

The band explains, “The estate of Doug Hopkins, guitarist, co-founder, and song writer for the Gin Blossoms, approached us to record this song to be featured in the biopic Lost Horizons. The film is an adaptation of the 2007 article ‘Jesus of Suburbia’ by Brian Jabas Smith, long time friend of Doug’s.”

Hopkins also happened to have been the uncle of Strange Neighbors’ bassist, Dana.

The song the band covered for the project was “Quiet Beat,” feeling it was “a beautiful b-side,” and adding, “Although they shared limited time before his passing, Dana and her uncle can continue to connect through his musical legacy.”

A few weeks ago Strange Neighbors posted an acoustic version of their cover of the song, and it’s wonderful. Give it a play, and then check out the band’s latest album, which made my 2025 must-hear list.

* Just when you’ve thought you’d seen, and heard, everything, Dhärä is here with a prog metal ballet.

Yes, you read that right, and you are in for something totally unique, and pretty dang awesome.

Their prog metal ballet goes hand in hand with their upcoming album, Elemental Four, which is due out January 11th. The lead single is “A PLACE IN TIME, (the entities, divided),” and it’s our first look at what’s to come from their concert movie experience.

Discussing the project in a statement, Dhärä said, “Elemental Four is a journey of four entities whose world is shaken by a meteor which threatens their existence. They are separated by a great earthquake, and the only path to saving the planet and themselves is to unify and summon The Conduit, whose power can hopefully vanquish the threat.”

Even if you don’t know what prog metal is, or aren’t traditionally into ballet, give the video a play, because you might just be surprised by how much you like both when they’re put together by Dhärä.

For more of the best of NYC’s indie music scene, come back next Wednesday, and check out the archives for previous columns.