Falling Andes

"Life at GroopEase is usually pretty cool. But once in a while 'pretty cool' is replaced with 'completely rad.' This is one of those times, as GroopEase is thrilled to introduce you to Falling Andes, a four-piece indie pop band from Pittsburgh... Flavors of upbeat, polished acoustic indie rhythms, various keyboards, and one powerful, very unique voice make Falling Andes a band to keep an eye and an ear out for. I've never quite heard anything like this... and I assume you probably haven't either!" - GroopEase

Teased hair, shoulder pads, and neon spandex helped to define the 80s, but more importantly, it was a decade marked by the birth of synthpop. Twenty odd years later, a resurgence of the versatile instrument has led numerous bands like Foster the People and MGMT to fame.

Also in debt to Duran Duran and Depeche Mode is Pittsburgh’s Falling Andes. A hodgepodge of seasoned musicians, Falling Andes delivers the easily digestible hooks similar to their contemporaries’, but with a flavor all their own. Floating on the seemingly weightless vocals of lead singer, Dan Peluso, the band continues to rouse unsuspecting audiences across the country, with their debut EP, Frantic.

The Pittsburgh Indie Music Examiner caught up with Dan just a few days before their headlining show at Stage AE on March 30. A homecoming of massive proportions, the show opened with the acoustic vocal stylings of fellow local, Mike Cali. It was the band's final show in the city before they head back into the studio this summer to record their next album.
- Pittsburgh Indie Music Examiner

Local indie-rock band Falling Andes boosts its stature Friday by headlining the Club at Stage AE in Pittsburgh.

"This show means a lot for our future," said singer Dan Peluso of Beaver. "We really want to make a career out of this and be a breakout band, but we need the support of our city and hometown that we love."

The Pittsburgh-based quintet, which includes fellow Beaver-ite Jordan Wood on keyboards, soon will head back to the studio to record a follow-up to its critically-praised, hook-filled debut E.P. The band has played shows in New York, Cleveland, Chicago and Santa Monica, Ca., leading up to Friday's homecoming.

Tangerine, Breaking Laces and Mike Cali also will perform in the 8 p.m. concert. Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 the day of the show. - Beaver County Times

Dan Peluso heads up the local five-piece indie-rock band Falling Andes. After a stint working for indie and major labels and playing in New York, he returned to Pittsburgh and started the band in 2011. The band is about to head to the studio to work on its second EP.

Moving to New York as a musician is one thing; moving back to Pittsburgh is another.

There, you're a small fish in a gigantic pond. Here, you're a small fish in a small pond. It's easier because of that aspect, but it's also more difficult because I feel like people in western Pennsylvania aren't as open to new and different music as people in New York or Chicago.

Does having worked in the industry give you insight as to how to do things as a band?

I think a big misconception is that bands think, "All I've gotta do is play music, and that's it. Everything will be handed down." If you want to be successful, you have to know the business and work it.

As someone who's worked for labels, are you looking for label support for your band, or hoping to stay independent?

It's not one or the other; ideally it'd be great if we could continue doing things ourselves, especially with the digital world being what it is — you can do that. But a label can bring resources that can push you over the edge. Either way, you still have to have a team working for you. - Pittsburgh City Paper

You may have heard Falling Andes' catchy single "San Francisco" on The X. Now you can check out the Pittsburgh pop-rock band at The Club at Stage AE Friday with Tangerine and Breaking Laces.

Along with touring regionally, the band, led by singer-guitarist Dan Peluso, cracked the regular rotation on 105.9 The X with a sound that's been compared to Foster the People and the Script.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $12. - Pittsburgh Post Gazette

This local band serves up terrific original rock songs full of hooks, melodic synth-pop textures and distinctive vocals. - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The third week of May saw the new single, “Two Against One,” from Danger Mouse, and featuring Jack White, take the No. 1 spot (see beginning of this post), followed by the up and coming Pittsburgh outfit Falling Andes‘ newest single, and smash indie hit, “San Francisco.” The band’s debut single definitely puts them on our radar for 2012. - Indie Rock Cafe

"Falling Andes is on the rise.

The Pittsburgh band, featuring former Beaver residents Dan Peluso (vocals) and Jordan Wood (keys), has been booked at hip clubs like the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn and Elbo Room in Chicago.

Music bloggers are gushing about Falling Andes' catchy indie-pop, which has drawn comparisons to James Blunt, Cheap Trick and Foster the People.

I hear a little bit of The Script in Peluso's expansive voice, which sounds -- dare I say -- pretty in its higher register. Though there are moments on "Break Me" when he seems to be channeling Billy Corgan.

"Break Me" pulls you in with its frenetic hook, though it's Falling Andes' debut single, "San Francisco," that's garnering most of the attention off the band's five-song EP.

Peluso had an acoustic gig this weekend in Santa Monica, Calif., but will rejoin the band Wednesday for a show at the Smiling Moose on Pittsburgh's South Side. You can also catch Falling Andes on Nov. 17 headlining the Thunderbird Cafe in Lawrenceville." - Beaver County Times

Pittsburgh rockers Falling Andes brings together the talents of Dan Peluso (vocals/guitar/keys) and Jordan Wood (vocals/guitar/bass/keys). They've played together over the years with varying level of success, but seem to have found a new chemistry in the form of Falling Andes. Their latest single, "Frantic", is creating a buzz, and we thought we'd share the video with you today. - Wildy's World

Pittsburgh rockers Falling Andes brings together the talents of Dan Peluso (vocals/guitar/keys) and Jordan Wood (vocals/guitar/bass/keys). They've played together over the years with varying level of success, but seem to have found a new chemistry in the form of Falling Andes. Their latest single, "Frantic", is creating a buzz, and we thought we'd share the video with you today. - Wildy's World

Five-track debut EP from local indie-rock outfit fronted by Dan Peluso. Well-written tunes in the idiom that the kids are into these days: largely mid-paced guitar rock with synth flourishes. Good vocals, good recording quality, decent songwriting. No complaints here. - Pittsburgh City Paper

"Hot off the presses and one listen to their dulcet melodies and sticky rhythms will get you hooked on the Andes." - The Music Court

"Hot off the presses and one listen to their dulcet melodies and sticky rhythms will get you hooked on the Andes." - The Music Court

“Falling Andes are a Pittsburgh indie band that self released their debut EP, Frantic earlier this month…make good use of their unique instrumentation, turning a typical indie rock track into something memorable.” - Sirens of Decay

“Falling Andes are a Pittsburgh indie band that self released their debut EP, Frantic earlier this month…make good use of their unique instrumentation, turning a typical indie rock track into something memorable.” - Sirens of Decay

"This week’s In Dee Mail features the largely overlooked Pittsburgh indie pop band Falling Andes, and their terrific lead single, “San Francisco,” from the band’s debut album, titled Frantic." - Indie Rock Cafe

"This is a band capable of producing some catchy power pop. Opener "I Don't Love You" has harmonies that recall Wheat, and "Break Me" contains a driving beat that will remind you of every great Cheap Trick song of the 1970s and early 80s...a very solid debut release. The future looks very bright for Falling Andes." - Fever the Blog

"Their debut EP consists of appetizing, dance-ready tracks that instantly hook you...Peluso controls excellent range over his voice, and it bears a striking resemblance to singer James Blunt...Frantic's five songs are all well-crafted insta-pop hits...seems destined as radio gold!" - Ear Buddy

“San Francisco”, the first teaser track released on soundcloud a few months ago is pretty nice and could be some kind of hit...I hope these guys get their lucky break." - inb4track

"Falling Andes, a hodgepodge of acclaimed musicians who decided that it was time to bring old-school substance back to the forefront of the indie music scene. 'San Francisco,' the single, does just that, mixing an addictive beat with a laid-back sound and nostalgic lyrics." - College Magazine

Here’s a quirky one for you Indie Kollectors, from indie Rock/Pop Pennsylvania newcomers, Falling Andes. The jam has a quasi-90s alternative feel to it, and lead vocalist Dan Peluso’s tone will definitely make you wonder if you’re listening to Foster the People. With an upcoming debut EP (July 2011 release) and an appearance at the 2012 SXSW festival, you can expect to hear a lot more from these fellas in the future. Take a listen, and add to your Indie Kollection! - The Indie Kollection

At the time of this writing, I cannot for the life of me put my finger on who the lead singer of Falling Andes reminds me of. It’s on the tip of my tongue, but after a weekend of leaving my car around town because I was in no shape to drive, it’s not coming easily. Maybe someone can help me out here.

It could also be that he just reminds me of himself since I’ve listen to the band’s track “San Francisco” a few times in a row at this point, and it’s burrowed its way into my skull with alarming ease. The song is the band’s debut single, and their debut EP is set for release at some point next month.

Hailing from Pittsburgh (which is the new Portland, if you haven’t heard), the band has a handful of shows lined up starting at the end of June – with dates in their home city and two in New York (City). Look for them if you live in one of those two places, and look for their EP if you’re not able to catch them in person. - Tympanogram

So earlier this week, I was contacted by an indie band called Falling Andes, who were wondering if I would check out their first single "San Francisco". I listened to it, and I loved what I heard. The band hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and its two main members are multi-instrumentalists Dan Peluso (vocals, guitar, synths, drums) and Jordan Wood (vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, drums). The band lists MGMT, Foster The People, The Limousines, and LCD Soundsystem as influences.

If you read my review of Foster The People's album Torches on 411, then you know that I hated that album. I just didn't think it felt genuine – more pretendie than indie. That is not the case with Falling Andes. Dan Peluso's voice has more soul to it and gives an edge to this synth heavy track. Falling Andes will be recording their debut EP through July, so there's plenty of time to jump on this young band.

Like what you hear, then like the band on their Facebook page, and you can get the single "San Francisco" for free. I have a feeling that these guys are going to be big.

When you're not reading this column, be sure to check out some of the other great editorial content on the site. If you're not into the indie stuff and more into mainstream, read my buddy Adam Hill's column The Saturday POPtacular covering the best Pop music in the industry today. Also, I recommend John Downey's Love/Hate News Report.

Comments are always appreciated, and I would really like to hear from you guys through email (earbuddymusic@gmail.com) or Twitter. You can follow me @earbuddy so that we can chat about all kinds of things. Be sure to check out my blog outside of 411mania, Earbuddy, for even more music news, reviews, and free (legal) downloads. Thanks for reading. - 411 Mania

Falling Andes is a young alternative band hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The band's two main members are multi-instrumentalists Dan Peluso (vocals, guitar, synths, drums) and Jordan Wood (vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, drums). The band lists MGMT, Foster The People, The Limousines, and LCD Soundsystem as influences. Recently the band introduced their first single "San Francisco", and it's making its through various blogs (like this one).

A lot of people were disappointed with my review of Foster The People. What can I say? Their debut just didn't feel as genuine to me. It felt like the band was out to recreate what other bands were doing rather than be themselves. I don't get that vibe with Falling Andes. I'm definitely feeling "San Francisco" more than anything on the Foster The People album. Check out the single below and see if you agree.
- Ear Buddy

With a logo like that and a song about my home state, how could I not be intrigued by these guys. Turns out my very self-centered sixth sense was on to something! This is a perfect jam for a little beverage-n-sun action. Crisp ice cubes, dark shades, and a catchy groove like this to noodle it’s way through your brain. Sounds about perfect to me. Plus these guys are from the wildly underrated Pittsburgh so thats rad too. Too bad they only have 1 track out so far. Here’s hoping we get more this summer! - The Burning Ear

Falling Andes is an indie pop duo from Pittsburgh, PA. Principle songwriter and vocalist Dan Peluso has been performing in and around Pittsburgh and New York in various solo and band incarnations for years, and seems to have finally found an equal with his partner in Falling Andes, Jordan Wood. If first single "San Francisco" is any indication of what's to come from these two, they'll be releasing catchy pop hits for years to come. Try not to get that synth melody stuck in your head. Just try it.

Falling Andes's debut single "San Francisco" is available for download on their Facebook page. - Fever the Blog

From Pittsburgh, unsigned alternative indie rock musicians Dan Peluso and , aka Falling Andes, released his debut DIY single this week, “San Francisco.”

Falling Andes has opened for Crash Kings, Josiah Lemming, Richard Barone, Todd Carey, Jamey Johnson, The Parlor Mob, and list among their biggest influences The Limousines, MGMT, Foster the People, The Beatles, INXS, Duran Duran, Huey Lewis and the News, Arcade Fire, to name only a few.

Fallen Andes plan to release an EP this summer and tour around the region, with shows booked in New York City, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Columbus, and Pittsburgh. - Indie Rock Cafe