Most indie-rock irony is safe, only gently mocking this generation’s angst and Peter Pan complexes about aging. The Indelicates, on the other hand, can come armed with brass knuckles. But even then, you might just laugh at how terribly serious they sound — they probably are, too, anyway.

For the most part, though, The Indelicates are just catchy dance-rock with oddly cute vocals, a campy pop sincerity, and a fair bit of British humor embedded in their lyrics. Catch their first appearance state-side in New York this Friday before they go on tour for their debut album, aptly called American Debut, out on April 14th.

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I wonder how many accomplished R&B or jazz singers are also able to sing opera in seven languages. A member of the illustrious Soulquarians posse along with Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Q-Tip, and D’Angelo, Bilal has got skills to impress both opera fans and soul aficionados alike. With his incredible debut 1st Born Second (2001), the Philly-bred neo-soul singer has firmly established himself as one of the foremost R&B, neo-soul artists working in the industry today. While his highly anticipated, and much-delayed sophomore album, Love For Sale, has been forced into hibernation, Bilal kept himself busy lending his vocals to several neo-soul and hip hop artists’ projects, including Jay-Z, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and The Roots. He’s also appeared on Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 3: Street Soul, several of Common’s tracks (U, Black Maybe, The Sixth Sense, and the 2008 remake of The Light,) and has co-produced Erykah Badu’s acclaimed Mama’s Gun.

Now is the chance to get a taste of Bilal’s latest work at an exclusive performance at the Highline Ballroom on Saturday, March 8. Gracing the opening stage, sultry-voiced Seattle-based chanteuse, Choklate will bring the feminine vibe to this special event. Check here for details and ticket info. Hurry up, as tickets may sell out in advance!