RANA @ CBGB (Benefits Day 3), NYC | Pics

August 5, 2005

“If you’ve pretended to enjoy just about all the manufactured Strokes/Hives authenticity you can stand, check out RANA’s mullet-worthy smart-ass cock rock. Smart enough to mock their roots but still stoopid enough to rock like mooks, RANA could well be the missing link between the Velvets and Ween.” [Village Voice]

“RANA blends a polished New Wave sound with stylish improvisaion and a heavy dose of adrenaline. (They) rely on well-crafted, roof-raising, rock songs to impress anyone that comes within earshot.” [City Beat]

I think I’ve been trying to catch RANA live for years. Between my long-time RANA-loving friend and lots of posts at The Big Ticket, I couldn’t justify living another minute without finally catching the local band that headlines shows in NYC all the time. The fact that Wednesday (August 3rd, 2005) night’s show was a CBGB benefit made it even more appealing. It was well worth it.

You can download RANA music for free at the Internet Archive (13 shows as of this post) and on their own music page.

“Although at first glance RANA could be written off as part of the saturated new rock revolution, their refreshing mix of synth-pop and jangly Southern fried rock places them comfortably on the margins. These four Brooklyn imports spent their early years together in NJ developing an eclectic musical craft that features shared vocals and riff-driven, playful songs.” [Flavorpill]

RANA share a drummer with Sam Champion, another popular local rock band. (other members of Sam Champion seen in the audience at this show)