Review: The Remainers “Formal Fridays” [EP]

The Remainers are a modern rock band with 80s pop influences, an outgrowth of a band called Big City Rock, which we previously praised here. The Remainers are Nate Bott on guitar/vocals, Frank Staniszewski on keyboards, Jason Lautenschleger on bass, and Kaumyar on Drums. “Formal Fridays” is their first EP, consisting of six must-have tracks that Big City Rock fans are sure to love.

The sprinkling keyboards at the start of “House”, which kicks off the EP, will make you think you stuck the “Better Off Dead” soundtrack into your disc player…until the contemporary guitars blast through the mix. “House” is a hot track fresh from the Big City Rock songbook (video below) that radio should be playing night and day. “Another Moment Like This” is another upbeat slice of rock delivering the best of what this band has to offer. “Blessing In Disguise” has a markedly darker sound, but the band’s retention of a strong melody throughout puts their stamp on it and makes it a winner. The splendid power ballad “I Got A Chance” could have been a 1988 prom theme, but it sounds edgy enough to serve the same role at next year’s prom. “When You Need Me” ends the EP on a powerful and energetic note, leaving you begging for more.

With driving verses, arena ready choruses, and a flair for the pop rock sounds of the 80s, The Remainers should be at the top of everyone’s playlist. Check them out if you like Rock Kills Kid, The 88, Neon Trees, or (naturally) Big City Rock. I can’t wait to hear more from these guys.

The Remainers on MySpace. Official site. Get it.

See a video for “House”

House

The Remainers | Myspace Music Videos

Review: Big City Rock "Big City Rock"

Now that's a real shame...when folks be throwing away a perfectly good pop rock band like Big City Rock. Their self-titled debut dropped in 2006 on Atlantic, featuring production from Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne), mixing by the famed Chris Lord-Alge, and high recommendations from Adam Levine (Maroon 5), who enthusiastically proclaimed Big City Rock (BCR) to be his favorite new band.

So what happened? Why hasn't anyone heard of them outside of L.A.? Maybe it is because their logo looked too much like the defunct Circuit City electronics store - who knows. All I know is that this CD has more hooks than a tackle box and rocks you with crunchy ear candy from start to finish. It is over a little too soon, clocking in at just 35 minutes, but what a ride. In addition to no filler melodic rock, their sound has a distinct 80s vibe that reminds me of Rock Kills Kid (review here). Highlights include "Sink", "As Soon As I Find Out", and "Kind". My favorite is "All Of The Above", which should have put Nate Bott (guitar and vocals) and company on the map. If you like power ballads, check out "I Believe In You".

If you dig Rock Kills Kid, Rooney, or Click Five, you must hear BCR. You can get their CD used on Amazon for one penny. Go get it for cryin' out loud. You can also keep track of the band's next move here. They've changed their name to The Remainers - maybe they will have better luck under that moniker.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10

Big City Rock on MySpace. Official site.

Check out a video for "All Of The Above" here.