So there’s this band out there in the waining alt-rock universe who never got the credit they deserve. Ra [Myspace page, Official page] is that band. With layman friendly lyrics, and commercially accessible, arena rocking, fist pumping tracks over two albums, this is a band likely to put on a damn good show. Having seen them live once before about 4 years ago and being very impressed then, I had high hopes for this show.

Come check out exclusive live videos and mp3 downloads “after the jump”

On tour again in support of their upcoming release Black Sun due out September 9, 2008 on lead singer Sahaj’s own label SMR, this outfit is making a go of it again. Having spent many of its years struggling to have their voices heard this band is laying it all on the line. Consisting of Ben Carroll on guitar, P.J. Farley on bass, Andy Ryan on drums and fronted by the bands mastermind Sahaj, this truly independently managed, produced, promoted and run band has a lot to prove. Uphill climbs abound but be aware that each and every one of Ra’s fans is a hard won ally. Myself being one of them.

Simply put, they understand the importance of each and every fan they have and put on a performance to prove their point. Though usually in a small venue with a few diehard fans, they could easily be plucked up and dropped on an arena stage and rock it just as hard. This crew have their live stuff gelled and they know how to work a crowd. Let’s also not forget that playing the Knitting Factory is more or less a homecoming show for them so feeling comfortable helps a bit. If I could convince just a handfull of people to give these guys an honest shot and tell a few of their friends, it would only do the band a bit of justice.

Setlist for the Knitting Factory:
Fallen Angels [mp3]
Rectifier
Only
Violator
Broken Hearted Soul
First Step
Tell Me [mp3]
Sky
Only One
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic [mp3]
Do You Call My Name

Encore:
Skorn (with a killer breakdown and cover of Ludacris - “Get Back”. This can also be found on Ra’s live album Raw and in the trailer for the new feature film comedy Tropic Thunder.)

From the bands bio: “There are not a lot of rock bands in the world like Ra. Musicianship and real vocals mixed with truly commercial songs that somehow manage to remain intense, mysterious, heavy and creative. Self produced and engineered. Self promoted! Self managed! Considered by many to be the most underrated hard rock band still releasing music today.”

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