Oh my, it's The Cry!

Credit Greg Mongroll via Something Fierce with the assist on this big score. And I do mean big score. I’d never heard of this group until 2:15 PM yesterday, and already The Cry! is pushing for a spot in my top ten current band list. I was instantly blown away. It’s tempting to call these Portland youngsters “up-and-comers”. But they’re not exactly coming…they’ve already arrived! I’ve been in the mood for some punky power pop lately, and The Cry! hits the spot! Wow- “Modern Cinderella” is a HIT. It’s a stunner of a pop song, laden with supreme guitar hooks, gorgeous melodies, and a super-catchy chorus you’ll be singing along with in no time flat. Killer stuff...shades of Cheap Trick, The Boys, and that great first TSAR album. Song of the year material here, folks! And it’s not like these kids just got lucky and wrote one decent song. They’ve got serious talent. “Sleeping Alone”  infuses poppy goodness and spiky energy into a ‘50s throwback sound, while “Waiting Around” suggests what Nick Lowe might have sounded like in the late ‘70s if he’d tried doo wop. The peppy “Wouldn’t Last” is very Exploding Hearts-ish, but not in a lame knock-off sort of way. Awesome tune! This band totally gets what pop is all about. Yeah, they have the style and the look down. But more importantly, they know their musical roots and really understand the craft of pop songwriting. They work intricately on their harmonies. They construct hooks that are built to last. And the lead guitar player rules! If you’re a pop guy, you have to be excited. Jump on board now - this band’s gonna be special.

- L.R.

http://www.reverbnation.com/thecrypdx