The city annually rings in fall to the backing soundtrack of CMJ, as New Yorkers and indie music spirits blanket most of the Lower East Side like summered, partied-out leaves in search of the next big thing. What ensues is a messy cacophony of sounds, with a hearty helping of bland bands that eventually blur into the five days of music madness and are rendered irrelevant. Luckily on day number one, Clare and the Reasons breathed new life into the festival with a refreshing springtime sound at Mercury Lounge, reviving show-goers’ great hope for music renewal with their whimsical, narrative version of chamber pop.

Ever the raconteurs, Clare Muldaur Manchon and her husband Olivier Manchon have a knack for developing simple, sparse tales into sprawling musical anthems. “This is a song about bees,” Clare announces to her varied audience, before offering a sweeping account, complete with a trombone, washboard, recorder and comedian tuba. Her voice, a mixed bag of Regina Spektor and the crunchy Yael Naim, leads a childish fieldtrip through a forested scene reminiscent of early spring; her cool breeze ballads getting the kids hopped up on yesteryear nostalgia to herald fall’s return.

The show, a tongue in cheek tribute to child’s play, was made complete by the toying dialogue between Clare and Olivier, who fumbled earnestly with their set – which was loaded with bare white branches scattered amongst their motley instrument choices (not even kazoos missed some playtime). Getting to spend time with Clare and the very fun Reasons, may end up being one of the more genuine, rewarding schoolyard recesses of the entire week.

- Will Kangas