Birdmonster & Ra Ra Riot & Division Day & The Head Set @ Sin-e (CMJ Day 5)

I would have to say that over the course of CMJ's 5 days, I saw some phenomenal acts. The Knife for starters, Pela rocked the hell outta B61 on Halloween, The Thermals really wowed me but it was Saturday afternoon's line-up at Sin-e that probably will go down as my favorite show of the festival. The show was put together by Rachel Underrated (kudos!) and was amazing.

The Head Set started the afternoon off around 1pm with a bevy of songs from their debut LP (to be released next week). We've seen them now a handful of times and each time we ask ourselves why they are not selling out shows at Bowery. I think that will change within the next 6 months, for sure. You can sample and download my personal favorite, "Hollywood" on their MySpace page.


The record release party is on 11/16 at The Annex (Stolen Transmission night). See ya there!

Next up was Division Day, straight outta Compton, or, err, LA.


Their set featured an appearance by Birdmonster frontman, Peter Arcuni, and was quite impressive. Their set may have been overshadowed by TMS staples Birdmonster and The Head Set, alongside our new crush, Ra Ra Riot, but we did truly love their set. We promise to give a better review their next visit!

Third band on the bill was Ra Ra Riot, a band we saw just 15 hours earlier at Studio B (see review a few posts down). Their set was just as exciting as the night before, despite it being almost identical in terms of setlist and energy. This is definitely a band to watch.


Already having had a session on much-loved WOXY, it's only a matter of time before Ra Ra Riot is the talk of the town. How awesome would it be if they co-headlined a tour with Ratatat? Just sayin...

Closing out the afternoon was one of my favorite new bands of the year, Birdmonster. I just can't get enough of them.


This show made the 3rd time I've seen the band over the last 5 months and they have never sounded more cohesive and intoxicating. I think what sets Birdmonster apart is their true love of the music they produce. It's obvious that they adore playing their songs live which in turn makes it feel so genuine.


Additionally, their songs are addicting as all hell.


The set featured much-requested but rarely-played 'Resurrection Song' and No Midnight heavyhitters 'Ice Age', 'Alabama', 'Spaceman' (for Pete's dad in attendance!) and 'The Bar In The Back Of The Basement' amongst others.


The band won't be back in NYC until late winter/early spring of '07 but here's a track to hold you over....

MP3: 'The Bar In The Back Of The Basement'