Tony Pascarella
02/19/06, 07:18 AM
Liam and Me - There's A Difference
Release Date: February 14th, 2006
Record Label: Unsigned
Liam and Me might just be the best band of 2006 that you have never heard of. On most days, them is fightin’ words, but I hope that after you listen to them, you’ll agree. Hailing from Philadelphia, Liam and Me (vocalist/keyboardist Matt O’Dowd, guitarist Dan Larkin, bassist Kevin McKenzie, and drummer Jon Briks) showcase blisteringly catchy keyboard hooks, ranging vocals, and an indie rock feel distinctly their own on their debut full-length album, There's A Difference. While their influences show through, the band is able to write songs that cannot be pigeonholed into one style.
Every single song comes off like a finely crafted work of art to even the most casual listener, which is an endearing quality of There’s A Difference. While many of the tracks combine similar elements, there is plenty of instrumental and vocal variation to keep them from blending together. Even more importantly, the lyrics are excellent, nay, superb. “Pretender” is probably my least favorite song, but that is a matter of personal taste only. The sharp contrast of near-falsetto vocals and unyielding cymbal crash provide a great dynamic to the song, which has a soft alt-rock feel to it with just enough chaos to make it interesting. The most easily accessible songs are “Pretty Black Dress,” “Take Your Time,” “There’s A Difference,” and “Fast As You Can,” and each one has a unique flair that allows it to stand out from the rest of the pack. Whether it’s the syrupy sweet wailing from O’Dowd (“Take Your Time”), the toe-tapping drumming from Jon Briks (“Say It Out Loud”), or simply the complete package (“Don’t Say A Word”), I guarantee you will find something about There’s A Difference to fall in love with.
I think it’s a complete travesty that Liam and Me remains unsigned, and I hope that someone will read this review and decide to sign them. They’ve got more talent in their pinky fingers than most bands do that have been together for years and currently languish on major label rosters. If Liam and Me ever hits the mainstream airwaves, I can easily see the teenage and early 20s age brackets going absolutely bananas for them. Not only can they appeal musically to intelligent music fans, but also they possess enough radio and sex appeal to make a splash in major media markets. If you like to dance your ass off to catchy, well-written lyrics, then Liam and Me should be your new favorite band. The band’s ridiculously awesome vocals, flawless instrumentals, and memorable songs collectively mean There’s A Difference will undoubtedly be in the Top Albums of 2006 lists of just about everyone who does themselves a favor and checks them out. Don’t get left behind.
Liam and Me is recommended if you like The Cure, Van Halen (the synth aspect), Panic! at the Disco (the vocals are much better, but similar) and any number of post-punk bands that dot the musical landscape over the last 25 years.
Links: Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/liamandme) | Purevolume (http://www.purevolume.com/liamandme) | Official Site (http://www.liamandme.com) | AbsolutExclusive (http://www.absolutepunk.net/liamandme)
Release Date: February 14th, 2006
Record Label: Unsigned
Liam and Me might just be the best band of 2006 that you have never heard of. On most days, them is fightin’ words, but I hope that after you listen to them, you’ll agree. Hailing from Philadelphia, Liam and Me (vocalist/keyboardist Matt O’Dowd, guitarist Dan Larkin, bassist Kevin McKenzie, and drummer Jon Briks) showcase blisteringly catchy keyboard hooks, ranging vocals, and an indie rock feel distinctly their own on their debut full-length album, There's A Difference. While their influences show through, the band is able to write songs that cannot be pigeonholed into one style.
Every single song comes off like a finely crafted work of art to even the most casual listener, which is an endearing quality of There’s A Difference. While many of the tracks combine similar elements, there is plenty of instrumental and vocal variation to keep them from blending together. Even more importantly, the lyrics are excellent, nay, superb. “Pretender” is probably my least favorite song, but that is a matter of personal taste only. The sharp contrast of near-falsetto vocals and unyielding cymbal crash provide a great dynamic to the song, which has a soft alt-rock feel to it with just enough chaos to make it interesting. The most easily accessible songs are “Pretty Black Dress,” “Take Your Time,” “There’s A Difference,” and “Fast As You Can,” and each one has a unique flair that allows it to stand out from the rest of the pack. Whether it’s the syrupy sweet wailing from O’Dowd (“Take Your Time”), the toe-tapping drumming from Jon Briks (“Say It Out Loud”), or simply the complete package (“Don’t Say A Word”), I guarantee you will find something about There’s A Difference to fall in love with.
I think it’s a complete travesty that Liam and Me remains unsigned, and I hope that someone will read this review and decide to sign them. They’ve got more talent in their pinky fingers than most bands do that have been together for years and currently languish on major label rosters. If Liam and Me ever hits the mainstream airwaves, I can easily see the teenage and early 20s age brackets going absolutely bananas for them. Not only can they appeal musically to intelligent music fans, but also they possess enough radio and sex appeal to make a splash in major media markets. If you like to dance your ass off to catchy, well-written lyrics, then Liam and Me should be your new favorite band. The band’s ridiculously awesome vocals, flawless instrumentals, and memorable songs collectively mean There’s A Difference will undoubtedly be in the Top Albums of 2006 lists of just about everyone who does themselves a favor and checks them out. Don’t get left behind.
Liam and Me is recommended if you like The Cure, Van Halen (the synth aspect), Panic! at the Disco (the vocals are much better, but similar) and any number of post-punk bands that dot the musical landscape over the last 25 years.
Links: Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/liamandme) | Purevolume (http://www.purevolume.com/liamandme) | Official Site (http://www.liamandme.com) | AbsolutExclusive (http://www.absolutepunk.net/liamandme)