I sometimes wonder how really small bands have heard of Punktastic, especially when they come from foreign climes. Believe In You come from Buffalo, NY, and have been a band since they were just 12. Now veterans at an age of 18, the foursome have managed to almost perfect a really cool, melodic sound that references bands like Spitalfield, The Academy is… and Fallout Boy. The fact this record was produced by the same chap behind Gym Class Heroes goes to show the band have that kind of Victory/Fueled By Ramen sound. And they’re pretty good at it too.
This is a 6-track self-released EP which has plenty of highlights. The dual vocal attack creates a lot of really good melodies – albeit a little sickly sweet at times – and the band have clearly spent a lot of time working on creating really poppy harmonies. This kind of music is my guilty pleasure – especially when it’s done well – and these guys play it to a good standard, certainly higher than a lot of other signed bands. ‘By Example’ and ‘Treasure Clarity’ have that ability to have you humming and singing along in no time. And if you can do that, you’re clearly onto a good thing. Believe In You clearly aren’t there yet, but they are definitely on the right lines. This is a promising little EP and I look forward to hearing more.
www.myspace.com/believeinyou
Paul