Innovative and emotional pop/rock from Chicago, bridging the gaps between My Bloody Valentine, Roxy Music, and The Who

11 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Modern Rock, POP: British Pop



Details:
Genre-blurring and melodic. Emotional and innovative, from infectious pop to intense rave-ups to subtle balladry; the read letter are one of the few bands with the courage and talent to create their own version of pop/rock music.

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On this local quintet's self-released debut full-length, Safe, the romantic aura, the songs' formal structure, and the faux limey moan of Mikey Peterson all hint at formative years spent mooning to the Smiths and the Cure, but the buzz of the band's wall of guitars evokes noisy post-Lollapalooza modern rock. I know, I know. But the combination isn't dreadful at all: "Safe and Sound" is sticky, bitter pop, and "The Arsonists" has eerie power.

- Monica Kendrick - Chicago Reader