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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 - Drew Beringer - AbsolutePunk.net
Discography
Asteria EP (2008)
Slip Into Something More Comfortable (2007)
Listen: www.mspace.com/asteria
Photos
Bio
If you value your life, you will not read any further... As you continue on, an Asteria song is coming through your speakers, and wave by wave, implanting its infectious melodies and catchy hooks in your brain. Consider yourself warned. Enter Asteria, an ambitious five piece with more than five years of writing, recording, and touring under their belts. They burst onto the scene in 2007 with their debut release "Slip into Something More Comfortable" selling roughly 10k full lengths and 23k singles off the sweat of their own backs. In August of 2008, the guys independently released their self-titled follow up. Their dedication has helped them build a massive network of fans and friends across the country.
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