|
The attention span of an average audience member is about 30 secs.
You've got half a minute to convince said random person that your
music is worth committing more time. So it's no surprise that the
industry as a whole seems to be leaning more and more towards the
shorter version of an album, otherwise known as an EP. If you can
snag someone for the 3 minutes of a song, then you're next goal is
6 tracks. After that, consider yourself "in." Therefore
one of the most recent industry additions by the name of The Bigger
Lights have got their introduction set correctly. They haven't
bothered with a full LP, instead they're giving you a taste one EP
at a time.
Their latest EP Fiction Fever has grabbed the attention of
label Doghouse Records, and once you give the EP a listen you will
see why someone thought these four guys would be worth their time
(and money). The album is pretty much what you'd expect from a pop-rock
quartet with tempos that are consistently upbeat, lyrics that are
on average uplifting and energy that is never in short supply. In
the song "Reved And Ready" they take that energy and twist
it in a bit of an alternative direction, by lowering the vocals to
a more raw level. The slightly darker tones to the lyrics beg comparison
to the abuse-themed huge hit "Face Down" by fellow pop-rockers
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. "Romance In A Slow Dance"
is another attempt at the band showing us they can do more than teeny-bopper
tunes. This one could be classified as a love ballad. The ballad characteristics:
lyrics written from a broken heart, the tempo is slowed down a tad
and a few random introductions of choir-esque harmonies.
I honestly didn't think I would have a favorite on this album, but
then the song "Goldmine Valentine" came on. The beginning
is so distinctive and different that you'd swear your stereo switched
CDs on you. The piano and the slightly haunting vocals instantly remind
me of the musical genius heard from The Used. And the fact
that there's even a hint of comparison between these 2 bands should
make your curiosity go crazy. The chorus takes back the pop influence
we've previously heard and manages to make you feel all warm and fuzzy
inside. Overall, the song isn't much different than the rest of the
album, but those new elements at the beginning cause this one to stick
in my head.
Staying true to the pop-rock, they end the EP with "When Did
We Lose Ourselves." It's three and half minutes of vocals pitched
up near the top and guitars that, though they may occasionally strum
out a rock chord or two, tend to stick to light and airy tones.
On first listen, I would've given this band their 30 seconds and
probably disregarded them in less time, placing the "just another
pop-rock band" label on them. But I've been trained that sometimes
you won't really "hear" a band unless you actually listen.
This is a prime example. And if I were them, I'd keep on putting out
EP's; keep everyone wanting just a little bit more.
-Rachel Fredrickson
Check out more
reviews
 Talk
Back
e-mail the chief
Like this article?
e-mail
it to a friend!
|
The
Bigger Lights
