Show Review: The New Division

On 1/11/11, The New Division released their EP, The Rookie. The release party, at Division 9 Gallery in their hometown of Riverside, CA, was the first time I actually got to see them live. The show was well-attended, especially for a Tuesday, and the crowd packed out the back half of the gallery, still displaying pieces from the Day of the Dead celebration a while back.

My girlfriend and I arrived a little late, and gravitated toward the flashing lights and pulsing beat from the back of the room. The band had just launched into their set with an older track, and proceeded to play through the EP in order, beginning with internet-hyped single "Starfield". One song was skipped due to the absence of the new live drummer, whose kit was locked in the church that he also plays for. I was impressed with John Kunkel's ability to replicate his ethereal vocals live, and Janz's replacement of the drummer's fills with his live programming. Most of the crowd stuck around a while after the show to talk to the band, purchase merch, or finish up the band-provided wine bar. It was a good show, and I look forward to seeing them again. If you aren't in California, you can download the EP here and look forward to the release of the video for "Starfield" in February. I got a sneak preview, and it's awesome.

Art Kraft.wav by The New Division