At the beginning of 2008, San Francisco's Birdmonster hadn't yet decided if they were a blog band or not. On 2006's No Midnight, the foursome walked a perfect domestic indie rock line of Americana bar band swagger and sweet California pop sing-alongs. The harmonies flowed, but their riverbed was gritty enough that the band's frantic energy seemed fresh-faced and earnest - like any hiccups were a result of their unbridled drive to get the music out of their heads and hearts and into your hands. more ›