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BANDS: Punk
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Pushing Red
Buttons: Self-Titled
Pushing Red Buttons, from New York City, has the kind of upbeat tempo and lyrical craft to easily be labeled a feel-good band, but not in the derogatory sense. Even songs with a negative overtone, such as the track Surprise, have a whimsical approach and a Broadway musical feel to their delivery. In fact, a few tunes from this release have a Broadway feel to them but not most, so dont be turned away if thats not your flavor. This band definitely has a fresh approach, and in this, their second release, they use enough creative devices to define this release as a concept album. For example, many of the tracks are bridged by the scratch and squelch of a radio dial searching for a better station, giving themand the album as a wholea certain uniformity of theme, but certainly not style. The tracks display a wide range of creativity. One pleasing aspect of Pushing Red Buttons is the bands talent at harmonizing, usually along with a quick, aggressive back beat. This is what compels me to give the band the feel good moniker. Its hard not to listen to music like this without bobbing your head just a little, yet its also the kind of music many might not admit to liking. Whats Good for You, the first track, as well as Temporary Heaven, Its a Really Happy World, and Dannys Private Life are all songs that demonstrate their gift at harmony and power pop positivity. I found Its a Really Happy World to be a really intriguing tune, although not necessarily my favorite track. It reminds me of the Partridge Familys Cmon Get Happy a hell of a lot, both in the harmonizing and the intro. Intentional? Im still trying to figure that out. The lyricskind of an ode to pop culture innocencetend to suggest that it is. When a band has the ability to remind me of XTC, the Partridge Family, and the Beatles, all within the confines of one release, theyve earned both my curiosity and my respect. Opinions on this one are a real roll of the dice, but at the very least, it deserves a careful listen.
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