Ninjasonik is one of those rare musical "variety packs" that actually work. Pressing play is grabbing out of the hat, bringing surprising variations of hip hop, punk, pop. Their experimentation is defiant but, most importantly, it's fun.

The duo's flows offer meta-reflections of the genres they borrow from, adding a surprisingly intellectual element to their catchy beats, their particular brand of non-conformity offers a unique energy. Make sure to soak it up at their upcoming show at the Brooklyn Bazaar on 09.03. --Amanda Ogea

To understand how much of a treat this Friday was, I guess it makes sense to first explain how major a let-down Thursday turned out to be. With a tight schedule sorted for the last two stretches, I'd gambled on the fact that, venturing from one venue to the next, I'd eventually find a few good NYC bands to write about, or at least some that worked with the scenes we cover. But no. Not in the slightest. A complete failure. - Read Tracy Mamoun's report of CMJ's Day 3-4 here. - In the picture and Streaming: Unstoppable Death Machines.

On Tuesday July 31st The Bowery Ballroom will host a show featuring a noteworthy list of Brooklyn based acts, co-headlined by three bands which emerged from the neighborhood's DIY scene in the late aughts. The variety of sounds on display, from The Death Set's furious spaz electro-punk (pictured and streaming) to the Atari powered pop of Anamanaguchi and Ninjasonik's electro-Hip Hop, is a testament to that scene's open mindness and omnivorous-ness. Opening acts are disco rockers Hussle Club and electro noise assaulters FIGO, who will get the atmosphere ready for what promises to be a super fun gig.