Label: unsigned

Producer: Under

Release Date: 2006

Under are Jen Triano, Ricky Carter, and Eamonn Flynn, and their unique blend of powerfully persuasive contemporary pop is truly something to behold! If you're not ultimately inspired and in awe of some of the clever musicianship and compositional wizardry that this band are completely consumed by, then my advice to you is to chuck your iPod in the bin cos it's not doing you any favours unless it has all four of these tracks shuffling in perpetuity!

The cars below opens up this magnificent EP and introduces San Francisco band Under and it's four track assemblage of 'organic electronic pop noir' to the world. Jen Triano's vocals emphasize the wonderfully crafted lyrics in the grand tradition of some of the 'better' of today's female singers. The arrangement and production work that have gone into the delivery of this song are completely and irretrievably brilliant and you're left with the overwhelming impression that something very very special happens when these guys get together and say 'let's record that one!' It's what's happened here and I can say without hesitation that it must have been a real 'buzz' producing this track for everyone involved.

Under follows the same magical footprints that were left by the previous song 'The cars below'. Here we have a little more piano and vocal focused introspection with lyrics brilliantly carried across through Jen's vocals and some enterprising and dynamic backing vocals. The piano and bass work needs special mention for being synchronously tight and effective with some startlingly effective FX inserts thrown in for extra sensual delight. Under is a real 'forward thinking' pop tune written and composed by an equally forward thinking and innovative composer!

Jen Triano recently cited Union as one of her favourite tracks from the CD. I'd have to agree that it is, without a doubt, a very clever organically grown unique little effort with some very cool bass, drums, and percussion work coupled with the added glamour of some very sharp production and engineering work. Again, Jen's vocals are perfectly adjusted to handle the sincerity in the skilled and crafted lyrics. Sweeping backing vocals and intricately woven FX inserts make things happen for this song that separates the band from the average and places them firmly on the first division list of gifted contemporary pop couriers!

Keep on moving opens with the organic electronica we mentioned earlier before becoming absorbed by some beautifully executed and expressive vocal work. The guitar bits are made to be glitterery in all the right places with subtle affirmations of wonder provided by the bass lines that support the track superbly. I love this track and I have to say that it's been played without constraint for most of the morning here! With 'Keep on moving' we have a real sense of what Under are likely to bring into the world when they complete their first album - a hugely welcome objective for the band and for the rest of us!

With just four tracks, Under have, perhaps unintentionally, convinced me that there is still miles of innovation left in contemporary pop songwriting and production. They've provided the indisputable evidence without the need for a lawyer or even a courtroom simply by being themselves, by being slightly unconventional, and ultimately by becoming one of the best bands I've heard in quite a while!

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