The first song on Bandcamp's first self titles EP, "Celebrity", is incredibly catchy, almost sickeningly so- but in a good way. The chorus ("Think I saw you on the T.V., heard you on the radio, maybe in the movies, now you're a celebrity") will have the listener humming its upbeat pop melody for weeks after hearing it.
A Different View
Just about every arist writes one at some point- the "You picked on me in high school so now that I'm famous, I'm rubbing it in your face" song. Bandcamp, however enjoys walking the road less travelled. They indeed have included this kind of song on their EP.
However, they've written it from the other point of view, from the "bully's" side. It presents a unique prespective, and is much less self indulgent.
Teen Pop...Or Something More?
Sixteen year old frontman Matt Bair's charming good looks and Aaron Carter-like vocals don't hurt their cause either. In fact, just listening to their first release (which was released in 2006 to a modest but almost rabid fanbase in their hometown of Long Island), the listener may think they're hearing an extremely talented twelve year old singing.
That is, until they hear track three.
Maturity, Well Disguised
The third track "Someone" starts out with an acoustic guitar and Bair's throaty vocals, which are much deeper and more haunting than on previous tracks, rasping "Well I'm battered down and burnt out like a half a cigarette."
By the second verse, drums, bass and another guitar come in to a form a beautiful, unexpected arrangment that somehow still seems to fit perfectly with the other three songs on the disc. The tragic-yet-hopeful almost-love-song could easily be found on a new All American Rejects album- except it's a more mature writing style than anything AAR has produced.
The other two songs are just as high powered as "Celebrity". "Get to Me" is a simple song with clever lyrics and arrangements. It's about getting annoyed. That doesn't leave much to work with but Bandcamp play it up for all it's worth. They certainly know their craft, and they let it show.
Bandcamp is Worth a Listen
The songs are best described as what would happen if the Click Five had produced memorable pop tracks, or if Fall Out Boy decided to write even catchier pop songs. It's cute pop punk that immediately asks to be sung along to.
In a nutshell, Bandcamp's first EP is fun. For those interested in unsigned pop bands, Bandcamp is certainly for them. It's not possible not to smile while listening to them.
