A Little Something from the Past: Electric Light Orchestra

One day, I was searching online for music, when I stumbled upon an older but less known band called the Electric Light Orchestra or simply ELO. Of course, there are people who grew up when ELO was more popular and know about them. However, for people my age who are in their early 20’s, ELO’s legacy is definitely not as strong as other bands of their time. ELO are defined as a symphonic rock group and are from Birmingham, England. They have since released eleven albums spanning from 1971 to 1986. Their whole sound was based on trying to sound like rock music and classical music combined.

When I listen to ELO, I am reminded of that distinct 70’s and 80’s sound that was much different from classic rock bands such as The Rolling Stones or Led Zeppelin. Instead, I hear the melodic harmonies of bands like the Bee Gees who also had that disco-esque sound to them. Probably my favorite song by ELO “Last Train to London” exudes perfectly the sound that I am talking about. It’s more fun and a less serious than other music of the time. You can also listen to songs like “Telephone Line,” “Livin Thing,” and “Evil Woman” which further show off their sound.

Music's New Treasure: The Cold War Kids

The Cold War Kids are an indie rock band that have been around since 2004 but did not really create any buzz until recently. After starting out in downtown Fullerton, California the band released their first EP Mulberry St. Ristorante and then the more popular Robbers and Cowards. Most recently, they released Loyalty to Loyalty growing as artists while still retaining their earlier sound. Band members consist of Nathan Willet (lead vocals, piano), Jonnie Russell (guitar, vocals, percussion), Matt Maust (bass guitar) and Matt Aveiro (drums).

They have been influenced greatly by Bob Dylan, the Velvet Underground, and Radiohead which shows in their poignant and heartfelt lyrics. Often they focus on topics such as redemption, lost love, and even suicide. One of the more unique aspects to this band that sets them apart from other bands is Nathan Willet’s bluesy voice which is reminiscent of Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin. The fact that the band has very diverse sounding music and subject matter also adds to their appeal. Reminding one of the great rock bands of the sixties and seventies, the Cold War Kids go from the melancholy “Hospital Beds” in Robbers and Cowards to the intense “Every Valley Is Not a Lake” from their newest album Loyalty to Loyalty.

It is refreshing to finally see a band that puts so much heartfelt effort into everything from their instrumentals to their lyrics-something that is lacking in today’s bands which tend to focus on materialistic and often tiresome topics. Sometimes it’s really hard to deny the fact that a band is so unique and so talented. Definitely check their videos and songs out: here and here.

Indie Pop Rockers: The Format

The Format is led by Arizona duo Nate Ruess and Sam Means and have been around since 2003. They have released two studio albums, Interventions + Lullabies and Dog Problems as well as numerous other EP’s. The band is not very indie sounding per se as much as it is pop and alternative rock sounding which only adds to their appeal. After listening to pretty much every song on their albums, I can safely say that all their songs are either great or border on great. Not only are songs like “The First Single (Cause A Scene)” catchy but they are often musically intricate.

Similarly, their lyrics are deep and talk about things such as friendship and unrequited love. In songs like “I’m Ready I am” they have lyrics that reflect these topics:

“I’m nicotine, I'm coming clean, I fooled the crowd when I made it sound like I was more then ready strike up the band, deprive
My sleep cause theres no love like apathy the bell that tolls rings loud enough that it should have woke us up.”

Clearly, having a more pop orientated sound does not take away from the bands musical genius.