Throwback Suburbia are the archetypal power-pop band, with intelligent lyrics, hooky arrangements, and melodies galore. They blend their pop sensibilities with a rock & roll attitude and create fun, energetic, and contagious music. Throwback’s neo power-pop sound has attracted a lot of attention, since their first live gig, and the near simultaneous release of their debut EP, Eight Tracks, in February 2006 — including a week as BC’s Band of The Week.
This includes catching the attention of world famous producers Mark Plati (David Bowie, The Cure, Brazilian Girls) and Tom McKay (Joydrop, Hey Gravity) - aka The Macchiato Kids. Now Throwback have released a stellar example of how to make perfect power-pop, their new EP Four Play produced by The Macchiato Kids and mastered by Greg Calbi (Blondie, David Bowie, Iggy Pop and The Ramones).
Throwback weaves together a combination of intelligent lyrics, warm, ardent vocals, hook-filled arrangements, and powerful, aggressive guitars to create what could be a how-to guide for making melodic, addictive, retro-chic power-pop. And Throwback’s charming penchant for finding a clever way of naming an EP after then number of tracks – their first EP Eight Tracks had eight tracks – is continued here on Four Play with, you guessed it, has four tracks.
Those four tracks begin with “Circles”, along with Throwback’s signature great lyrics and distinctive vocal melodies “Circles” has hooky keyboard, driving guitar, fun, up-beat lyrics and even some hand clapping. It is the perfect, bouncy, summer-time radio tune. The second track, “Lonely With You”’s pounding drums and driving guitar mean Throwback’s Bowie influences are showing. With a hooky guitar, it feels a little more forceful than you would expect from this quintessential power-pop band, but it still has Throwback’s hallmark melody-filled, retro-chic sound. “Lonely With You” shows just how capable this young band is.
“Starting Over” and “Watching You Fade” round out this archetypal, power-pop EP. Both have Throwback’s accomplished, smooth, harmony-filled vocals, hooky arrangements and cerebral lyrics that sum up the addictive, matchless, animated sound that is the very bones of Throwback Suburbia. This EP is a perfect addition to your summer-time listening.
Four Play is available from CDBaby or you can download it from iTunes. To learn more about Throwback Suburbia or hear tracks from Four Play you can visit Throwback’s MySpace space or their website.
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