Daniel Hunter's MySpace-born, Postal Service-influenced, and uncontrollably catchy flavor of electropop was first brought to my attention in the form of a cover of the Killers' "Mr. Brightside," which rocked. That was off of PlayRadioPlay's first EP, The Frequency, which also rocked. And now Hunter has put out Texas, the band's first full length.
Oh, and it rocks. More energetic than the Postal Service, richer musically than Hellogoodbye (but with the same dislikes of spaces), and more consistent than ex-labelmates Under the Influence of Giants.
Texas opens with "Loco Commotion" and a slow build of guitars interwoven with sliding synth lines. Then it explodes. It's clear from the beginning that Hunter has no self-control whatsoever, tossing in every synth riff he can think of, harmonizing with himself whenever he feels like it, and switching tempo and mood at the drop of a hat. The song, like the rest of "Texas," oozes with energy and teenage ambition (Hunter was 18 when it was released).
First single "Madi Don't Leave" is another highlight, oozing with emotion and vocoder. Here and throughout the album Hunter struggles with the consequences of his early success; "Corner Office Bedroom" riffs on his fear of becoming too engrossed in his music at the expense of family and friends.
A couple ballads are scattered throughout the album, too, though calling a track like "My Attendance Is Bad But My Intentions Are Good" a ballad may be a bit of a misnomer. Even PRP!'s softer side bubbles with energy.
I rate Texas 5 turntables.
And a microphone.
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