Description:

It seems like the typical music industry story. Last summer I met a guy at a show through mutual friends, and I ended up checking out his band. I liked what I heard and kept in touch, helping him out here and there. It's a cycle that's familiar yet unpredictable. In this musical climate of downsized labels and booming digital and publishing worlds, who can accurately predict what's going to be popular and what isn't?

Fast forward to last week -- I got the debut full length CD from the aforementioned guy's band, Bamboo Shoots, a dance rock band fronted by Avir Mitra. They performed on Late Night with Conan O'Brien as the winners of the MTVU's Best Music on Campus contest. I really loved Bamboo Shoots ever since I heard their single, "Chances and Reasons." Even though it's a dance-rock number, there is something very earthy and real about Bamboo Shoots -- instead of the usual, cold electronic vibe you get from a lot of dance-rock bands. They describe themselves as "South Asian/Indian influenced rock music fortified with beats and samples," and perhaps that's what adds to their unique perspective.

The band's six-song debut produced and recorded by Britt Myers (Essex Green, Mates of State, Dressy Bessy) is a wonderful representation of the band's potential to capture the spirit of bands like !!! and twist it into something that is distinctly their own. The first track, "Hey Girl," does just that. The song has all the elements of spinning at a club, but none of the annoying qualities of being too cutesy or repetitive. Their song, "Wrong All Along," features assertive rock guitars, fun hand claps and catchy vocals from Mitra... it all makes me want to bust a move in my cubicle.

I'm looking forward to seeing where the future takes Bamboo Shoots. I love that even though the music industry seems to be slowly falling apart and heading in dark directions, there is still room to shine a light on up-and-coming bands like Bamboo Shoots.