First Listen: Rep By Pop's Cell Phone Camera

With a sound as unique as their name, Rep by Pop's debut album Cell Phone Camera presents 11 songs that beg to differ from the rest of the mainstream.

Influenced by the Talking Heads, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and a slew of bands on indie labels, the Toronto-based group has put together an original collection of tracks that can stand alone in an ocean of otherwise familiar sounds.

Their peculiar revival of synth/guitar rock is unexpectedly catchy. The album has an eighties-pop vibe to it, and yet the lyrics are filled with political innuendos that will take the listener back to the great revolutionary tracks of the 1960s.

In saying that, one doesn't feel out of breath by the end of the album, as is often the case when listening to political bands. Rep by Pop have managed to keep it light enough to maintain an easy, enjoyable sound.

Vocalist Tim Kingston's unique use of slurs and octaves is a break from the typical clarity heard from most singers these days. At first it sounds a little sloppy, but on a second listen, his voice gives the songs a personality that fits with the rest of the album and the band's style as a whole.

The opener, "All This Noise," is one of my favourite pieces on the album. It has a delicate synth intro, but shifts gears quickly to an upbeat, head-bobbing tune. The lyrics are a lot of fun to sing along to, and it doesn't drag on, ending after a very pleasant 3:26.

"Bisbrifren" (which to this day I cannot pronounce properly) has a rather unusual, almost folky sound. The slow and eerie tune is different from the rest of the album. It features primarily synth, sax and keyboard, and makes a cool addition to the otherwise bouncy collection.

The music continues on its dance-friendly path all the way through to the last song.

The music continues on its dance-friendly path all the way through to the last song "The Verdict," which bows out with a great drum beat, cool lyrics, and a satisfying ending. The first song's synth chords tie into the end of this final track, so, if you were to have the album on repeat, it would flow directly into "All That Noise" again. Very cool.

It was a simple beginning in a Peterborough studio, but Rep By Pop has proven that they have a promising future on the Canadian music scene. They've succeeded in creating a fun and unique sound that can be enjoyed by political buffs and music connoisseurs alike. Their catchy, danceable and off the wall sound is set to take off, so keep an eye out because they may be coming soon to a pub near you.

For more info visit: http://www.myspace.com/repbypop

Related:

Check out Agnes Cadieux's interview with Rep by Pop

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