Archive for the ‘PlayRadioPlay!’ Category
PlayRadioPlay! – Texas
Taking pop/electronica to the next level, PlayRadioPlay! is a new-comer who’s already surpassed many veterans. Creating a sombre mood with the use of subtle vocals and creative beats, Daniel Hunter, the mastermind behind it all, has developed an unbeatable sound. Signing his major contract deal midway through senior year in high school, Hunter is truly an inspiration to all, including myself.
PlayRadioPlay! released Texas in March of this year, and it’s the first full-length album from the band. The first thing that comes to mind is their likeness to huge international success story, The Postal Service/Death Cab For Cutie. Although the sound is very similar to that of The Postal Service, it’s really the tone and direction of the music that made me think of this comparison. There’s a couple of key aspects that PlayRadioPlay! does in order to create incredibly smooth, classy, mellow music.
The first song off Texas, Loco Commotion, is a little more electronic than the rest of Hunter’s work. It’s more aggressive, but still keeps it within the realms of his style. The vocals are exactly fitting, and are reminiscent of Ben Gibbard’s vocals. The few lyrics present are out of this world, and don’t really have significant meaning, but definitely add to the simplicity and overall feel of the song. Loco Commotion is insanely well produced, with fantastic synthesized beats, and a very creative mix overall.
The following track, I’m a Pirate You’re a Princess, is an epic romance song. The beat is so inspiring and vibrant, it seems to be a very bursting song, yet in reality there’s a lot of simplicity present. Besides having an extravagant but classy melody, the lyrics are beautifully sung, and make for soft, spectacular music. The lyrics are also quite meaningful in relation to the music and they are evidence that sometimes the most senseless lyrics can put forth the greatest meaning. I’m a Pirate You’re a Princess is easily my favourite track off the album, because of it’s lucid but astounding style, it’s easy to get lost in the music. This track is one of the better examples of how PlayRadioPlay! could be compared to an accomplished band like The Postal Service. But besides the similarities, PlayRadioPlay! is extremely unique in it’s own right and Daniel Hunter deserves all the credit in the world and then some.
Other songs that are of note are Madi Don’t Leave and Corner Office Bedroom. Really the whole album, Texas, is one wild listen. With a merry of incredible, thought provoking songs, listeners will sit down and fall in love with this album. Equipped with a full line-up of 12 songs, Texas is a MUST listen for any Postal Service fans, or fans of the whole indie/electronic/pop scene. I see only big things for such a young band that has produced music which will age like fine wine. A true testament of skill and craft, Hunter has developed a sound expected of veteran artists.
Check out his Myspace for official tour dates and news.
PlayRadioPlay! – Loco Commotion
PlayRadioPlay! – I’m a Pirate You’re a Princess
