The independent music scene is drowning in elitism and pseudo-hipster counterculture. Many bands seem like their passion for performing is depleting, but on rare occasion, certain acts come along that will ignite hope for the genre’s future. Bergen County, New Jersey’s own Escape Directors is a shining example of this rare breed. The quartet burst into the scene with their single “Car Crash,” which has been rotated on a number of radio stations, including Q104.3, WDHA, and the late, great WRXP. However, the band has tracks far exceeding the hit; lyrically complex, yet catchy songs concocted from the sounds of Radiohead, Death Cab For Cutie and Coldplay. The band will perform at one of their home venues, Mexicali Live in Teaneck, NJ, on Friday, February 10, to preview some new material and revisit tracks from their first two works, Ladders and The Crowded Room. Mitchell Grey and The Jay Everett Band will open up the night. Doors are at 6 p.m., the show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 day of the show.