Drew Beringer
08/13/08, 01:10 PM
Asteria - Asteria EP
Release Date: August 19, 2008
Record Label: Unsigned
Dear (insert music label executives),
I know that the hot craze in the industry is to snap up all these boy bands disguised as rock bands. The Cab, Metro Station, The Maine, Boys Like Girls, etc., etc., the list goes on. But I am writing you with two requests.
1. Stop signing these type of bands. They suck.
2. Get a hold of the new self-produced and self-released EP from Indiana quintet Asteria and hear what real pop-rock sounds like.
From the very beginning you won't be able to stop bobbing your head and tapping your feet to the infectious "I'll Get You My Pretty (And Your Little Dog Too)." You'll also notice Terrence Kline's exceptional vocals, never overexerting himself and staying within the range of each song nicely. "Finding Love In A Bottle Of.." features driving guitar chords from Seth Henderson and Ryan Gullett and a needling riff over the bridge.
The song that'll grab your attention and not let go is "Hoods & Capers," which carries a groovy vibe with it. It's full of swagger and has a huge chorus. Brandon McQuen's bass playing anchors the song and Kline commands it with voice. "Reach Out and Speak Out" is a touching, powerful song dedicated to their close friend who just finished a stint in Iraq. The song hits hard and shows versatility in the band's songwriting.
"Pop Fiction" channels Direction-era The Starting Line, as it's a mid-paced track carried by Sam Henderson's impressive drumming. "Paper, Scissors, Stone" is balls to the wall rock and roll, while EP closer "A Tack on the Map" features gentle verses and soaring choruses.
Another thing so impressive about this EP is that Asteria self-produced. Everything sounds crisp, as they've managed to keep their raw sound yet keep it clean without having to over-produced anything. The EP bleeds attitude and energy throughout that shows heart and genuineness, something few pop-rock/punk releases have done in 2008. This album is the album The Academy Is... wish they wrote.
So Mr. (insert music executive's last name), I think it would be very beneficial for you to check out the boys of Asteria. You'd hate to be the one who missed out on the next big thing.
Regards,
Drew Beringer
Track Listing:
1. I'll Get You My Pretty (And Your Little Dog Too)
2. Finding Love In a Bottle Of...
3. Hoods & Capers
4. Reach Out and Speak Out
5. Pop Fiction
6. Paper, Scissors, Stone
7. I'd Swear You Were Steam
8. A Tack on the Map
Produced by: Asteria
Asteria are:
Terrence Kline - vocals
Ryan Gullett - guitar/vocals
Sam Henderson - drums
Seth Henderson - guitar/vocals
Brandon McQuen - bass
Official Website (http://www.asteriarock.com); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/asteria); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/asteria)
Release Date: August 19, 2008
Record Label: Unsigned
Dear (insert music label executives),
I know that the hot craze in the industry is to snap up all these boy bands disguised as rock bands. The Cab, Metro Station, The Maine, Boys Like Girls, etc., etc., the list goes on. But I am writing you with two requests.
1. Stop signing these type of bands. They suck.
2. Get a hold of the new self-produced and self-released EP from Indiana quintet Asteria and hear what real pop-rock sounds like.
From the very beginning you won't be able to stop bobbing your head and tapping your feet to the infectious "I'll Get You My Pretty (And Your Little Dog Too)." You'll also notice Terrence Kline's exceptional vocals, never overexerting himself and staying within the range of each song nicely. "Finding Love In A Bottle Of.." features driving guitar chords from Seth Henderson and Ryan Gullett and a needling riff over the bridge.
The song that'll grab your attention and not let go is "Hoods & Capers," which carries a groovy vibe with it. It's full of swagger and has a huge chorus. Brandon McQuen's bass playing anchors the song and Kline commands it with voice. "Reach Out and Speak Out" is a touching, powerful song dedicated to their close friend who just finished a stint in Iraq. The song hits hard and shows versatility in the band's songwriting.
"Pop Fiction" channels Direction-era The Starting Line, as it's a mid-paced track carried by Sam Henderson's impressive drumming. "Paper, Scissors, Stone" is balls to the wall rock and roll, while EP closer "A Tack on the Map" features gentle verses and soaring choruses.
Another thing so impressive about this EP is that Asteria self-produced. Everything sounds crisp, as they've managed to keep their raw sound yet keep it clean without having to over-produced anything. The EP bleeds attitude and energy throughout that shows heart and genuineness, something few pop-rock/punk releases have done in 2008. This album is the album The Academy Is... wish they wrote.
So Mr. (insert music executive's last name), I think it would be very beneficial for you to check out the boys of Asteria. You'd hate to be the one who missed out on the next big thing.
Regards,
Drew Beringer
Track Listing:
1. I'll Get You My Pretty (And Your Little Dog Too)
2. Finding Love In a Bottle Of...
3. Hoods & Capers
4. Reach Out and Speak Out
5. Pop Fiction
6. Paper, Scissors, Stone
7. I'd Swear You Were Steam
8. A Tack on the Map
Produced by: Asteria
Asteria are:
Terrence Kline - vocals
Ryan Gullett - guitar/vocals
Sam Henderson - drums
Seth Henderson - guitar/vocals
Brandon McQuen - bass
Official Website (http://www.asteriarock.com); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/asteria); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/asteria)