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Multiply Not Divide is the first full-length album from
Brooklyn based trio The States. Their songs balance the
vocal eloquence and requiem-dazzled glades of guitarist and lead
vocalist Chris Synder along coves of bucking rhythms procured
by bassist Previn Warren and drummer Joe Stroll.
Their songs have a euphonic likeness to Britpop artists like Coldplay
and '80s pop icons The Specials, blotted by nu wave elements
that are ardent and scintillating like the UK's Doves.
The States played SXSW in 2006 and hauled in audiences with their
Depeche Mode-tinged electro-pop resonance. Though their
songs tap into nostalgia, they also expand the nu wave sound into
other domains like emo and prog rock.
The opening number "100 Years War" formulates slats
of crystalline guitar effects that sparkle and twitch with a fluorescent
glow. "Ghost" has a Big Country luminescence
with active chord movements and dynamic shifts that create harmony
with the dreamy-emo dewiness of the vocals. "Bad Magnets"
moistens punk ridges with nu wave gusts as "Diplomats"
twills guitar textures that spout and blossom.
"So Near" renders delicate emotive guitar pop-ups seeping
through the glossy vocals and heightening sensations. "Right
As Rain" pulls in vibrating drum rolls and lucent guitar
showers, anchoring the song in pleasing esthetics of prog rock
motions with a Level 42 intensity. Impressive are the soaring
vocals on "Puzzle" lanced by guitar spears that keep
the tune vigorous and filling. The final two tracks "Rocket
Science" and "Parade" are anthems to love with
glittering guitar effects and vocal rises hitting that spot of
weakness which longs for love as it slips through the fingers.
The band members of The States came together in 2002 while
Chris and Previn were attending Harvard University, and Joe
Stroll answered their listing at Craigslist.com for a drummer.
They garnered attention when they won Buzzplay..com's national
"Best Unsigned Band Competition" in 2004. Since then
they have steadily built up a fan base through their live shows.
Being influenced by Britpop artistry is a big factor in their
music but it is the positive attitude of the genre that The
States have really identified with and brought out in their
songs. Their songs take elements from back in time and bring
them forward into contemporary times.
-Susan Frances
Track Listing:
1. 100 Years War
2. Ghost
3. Bad Magnets
4. Diplomats
5. So Near
6. Right As Rain
7. Inquisition
8. Puzzle
9. Multiply Not Divide
10. Rocket Science
11. Parade
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