PlayRadioPlay! - Texas
Record Label: Island Records
Release Date: March 18, 2008
In June 2008, I downloaded the album Texas . After what I had heard about PlayRadioPlay (the fact that they were very electronically-based), I expected a sound similar to the pulsing beats of Breathe Carolina or BrokeNCYDE. I have never been so happy about misjudging a band in my life. Dan Hunter has created a sound that is catchy, smart, and spans across many genre borders. Instead of using electronics exclusively, he incorporates them into what is otherwise a straight-up indie sound.
For those unfamiliar with PlayRadioPlay, the band consists solely of Dan Hunter, who created the project after he discovered the Fruity Loops computer software in a Music Theory Class. He quickly signed to a major label (quite an accomplishment for any band, even though over half of them wind up regretting it later), and released Texas in early 2008, which then charted on the Billboard Top 200 albums. This album has scored the outfit tours with radio staple Secondhand Serenade and coveted slots at both Warped Tour and Bamboozle.
The album starts off with “Loco Commotion,” which has a catchy beat, and is an upbeat, standout track. The track gives the listener hope for the rest of the album. Luckily for us, Hunter follows up this hope with “I’m A Pirate, You’re a Princess,” which features charming lyrics, cute pianos, and a chorus that makes you want to sing and dance along. The next two tracks, “Some Crap about the Furniture” and “Madi Don’t Leave,” would be straight-up indie rock if it weren’t for the scattered electronics. “Madi” is definitely a standout track, with the vocals playing off the music perfectly. “Without Gravity” is a very mellow song, and its sparse opening is probably the closest thing to a stumbling point this album reaches. However, the tune saves itself as it progresses by bringing the guitar and drums back in. “See You Soon” is another cry to indie-rock, with charming lyrics, a nice guitar line, and a perfect musical buildup during the lines “I know we will see each other soon.” The track is further cemented as one of the album’s best when it strips down to Hunter singing over a lone acoustic guitar before the rest of the instruments kick back in, sounding bigger and better than ever.
“I’m Afraid there’s a Hole In My Brain” meanders until the background vocals come in, making Hunter’s voice sound dreamy and soaring. “More Of The Worst” is nothing short of good indie-rock, but its placement in the record makes it somewhat forgettable (this song would’ve sounded perfect after one of the record’s indie-esque tracks, such as “Madi” or “Furniture”). “My Attendance is Bad But My Intentions Are Good” has an excellent opening line, with handclaps and interesting electronics. The song rambles until about two-and-a half minutes in, when the addition of a piano makes it a treat for the remaining two minutes. “Corner Office Bedroom” is saved by its very noticeable drum beat, and its catchy, prominent line “The corner office is not my home.” “Forgiveness, The Enviable Trait” has a nice drum beat and the electronics, piano, and guitar play off each other seamlessly. The album closes with “Texas,” which is the album's worst track and leaves a bitter taste in the listener's mouth (though not a bitter enough taste to keep me away from repeat listens).
Overall, Texas is a strong debut. It shows great promise for Dan Hunter, who knows how to combine smart indie rock with fun electronics.
NOTE: the word "indie" is used in this review as defining the mellow rock sound typically played by bands like Death Cab For Cutie.
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