Formed in 2009, Night Moves might be the most exciting indie alt-folk band to come out of the Twin Cities since the Jayhawks. Not to be confused with the Portland band of the same name, the Minnesota trio's oeuvre is more than just Bob Dylan-inspired hominess—they have transcended acoustic heights and found the perfect harmony between folk and synth-pop. It's most apparent in their latest album, Pennied Days, which features dreamy tracks like "Carl Sagan" and "Denise, Don't Wanna See You Cry." Despite the mellow sound, every note and lyric by Night Moves has been expertly crafted within a nostalgic, classic American rock milieu—it seems fitting that singer John Pelant, bassist Mickey Alfano, and multi-instrumentalist Mark Ritsema named their band after a Bob Seger song. Although Night Moves' debut album, Colored Emotions, was well received, the band's sophomore album feels more self-assured. If you hate the pretentiousness of Ryan Adams but love alt-country, check out Night Moves. ZARA ZHI