Ra Ra Riot & Mixel Pixel @ Canal Room: This'll Be On My Videotape

Last night, the fine folks over at Baeble Music put together a fantastic showcase, featuring one of my favorite local bands, Mixel Pixel, as well as one of my preferred picks for 'next big thing', Ra Ra Riot.

First up was New York's very own Mixel Pixel.


I could tell from a few bewildered faces in the crowd that they didn't know what to expect from the Mixel Pixel crew. But by the end of their set, the vast majority of the baffled were smiling ear to ear as MP closed the show with psych and melody-heavy, 'I Am The Contact Kid'. The last time we saw Mixel Pixel, opening for Man Man this past January (our review of that gig here), we became MP believers.

Their set at Canal Room only ballooned our heart even more. They have an unparalled energy and originality that we adore.

Next up, CMJ all-stars Ra Ra Riot. Their EP is now (finally) complete and will be out in a few short months. Last night served as a preview of that material.

The last time we saw Ra Ra Riot, twice, last November (reviews here & here!), we were blown away. Their unique combination of Strokes-influenced 3-minute ditties, Broken Social Scene-esque cohesiveness and yes, Arcade Fire instrumentation is truly a winning combination.

Their 40-minute set was quite the crowd pleaser. The loyal (underage?) fans in the front few rows grooving/shouting along as if they've followed the band for years. I predict a gargantuan year for Ra Ra Riot.

The guys and gals will be at SXSW next month, we highly recommend your attendance at one of their gigs, should you be heading down to Austin. Disappointed, you will not be.

Pique your interest? Check out 2 RRR tracks over at the band's MySpace page. Don't say we didn't warn you!

MP3: Mixel Pixel - Fake Violion Solo