The Jan “NEW” ary theme is one that is both fun to work with, but with its drawbacks. Example: finding new bands for the regular week isn’t so tough, but when it comes to finding a legend to stick into the final slot, well, it’s not so easy. How do you determine a band is legendary when the theme itself is to find an artist who is supposed to be emerging as the next big thing (commercially or through other channels)? The choice has been difficult, but in the end I selected a band that has shown the capacity to rock faces on and off of albums, create music accessible to all, and show devotion to the creation of their music.  Ladies and gents, welcome Birdmonster as January’s legendary Artist of the Week.
Formed officially in 2004, Birdmonster (like all of our January artists before) began its early phases before they were ever an official band. Schoolyard chums David Klein and Justin Tenuto used to jam together during their formative years in San Diego. It was during their college years and afterward when they linked up with Zach Winter and Peter Arcuni, finally forming what would be today’s Birdmonster, residing in the San Francisco Bay area. Through several connections in print and radio, the band was able to get their shot at luring in a crowd when they opened for Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.
The band released their self-titled three-song EP in 2004, debuting with long intros, hauntingly fun, danceable, head-bobbing songs.  Using the money they made off of the album to tour the states (and frustrating attempts at entering Canada). Only two years later came the self- release of their first full length album, No Midnight, which, while showing a young band having fun, also showed Birdmonster’s skills at changing the pace, keeping their music fresh, and giving audiences what they loved. Intertwined between the 13 tracks were great three-minute pop songs and fast-paced, seven-minute ballads that could make the most stubborn and pretentious of listeners tap their feet and sing along.
Two years later the band released their sophomore album, From the Mountain to the Sea. The album was consistent with the trend of maturity in bands looking for a rise to the top, smoothing out the sound, demonstrating less grit in their songs, but still changing tempo and keeping the tunes catchy and fun. They even released a B-side EP one year after From the Mountain to the Sea hit stores, adding to the potency of what the album could have become. Despite the nature of the albums and band as a whole being something that could (and should) be widespread, their numerous South by Southwest appearances and their indie-radio coverage, the band has never quite taken off in the direction they deserve to go. But they also never look sullen in their musical quests. Through several (nearly stalkerish) meetings with the band at shows, you find that Birdmonster is four guys having a blast, playing their hearts out whether the venue is filled with 500 people, or 5 drunks who happen to be at the bar they’re booked at. Always humble, always good-natured.
Since the release of their B-side album, Blood Memory, there has been a bit of a lull in Birdmonster activity. Peter Arcuni has gone on to do his own side project, Sonny Pete, and Birdmonster shows and tours have been in the decline, but the band recently released a new single, and we can only hope a new album and tour dates are scheduled for the near future. From this blogger’s (and fan’s) eyes, Birdmonster is deserving of far more attention than they have received in the past, but their dedication to their music and their talent and attitudes make them a shoe-in as my pick for artist of the week. As per usual, get your fix below and enjoy!
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