There was a time when music was simpler. Bands kept their names to 5 syllables or less, adjectives and hyphens were mysteriously absent from genre designations, and file sharing was more trouble than it was worth on a 56k dial up connection. Bill Clinton was President of the United States; Bob Nanna was the pinnacle of musical influence.

Nearly a decade has passed since Braid’s Frame and Canvas and Piebald’s If ft Weren’t for Venetian Blinds it Would be Curtains for Us All. It took less than 20 minutes for Scream Hello’s latest EP Smart & Stupid to prove that many of the so called “ indie evolutions” that happened in between then and now were little more than pleasurable distractions. Less than 20 minutes to bring me back to the days when I was more concerned with getting laid than making a mortgage payment. Bravo.

Somehow, through an amazing act of balance, Scream Hello manage to project their obvious influences while maintaining a uniqueness all their own. Hooks that will echo in your head for days, smart lyrics, proficient vocals, all served up with an enthusiasm and air of fellowship; one that is seemingly absent in many bands as they struggle for a foothold in a fickle industry that will chew you up and spit you out faster than you can take the exclamation mark out of your name. Whether these New Jersey boys care much remains to be seen, but damnit if they aren’t having a blast in the meantime.

And contrary to the beliefs of some of the more aggressive reviewers out there, including the piano ballad “rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr” on this EP does not correlate with the “Stupid” in it’s title. In overhearing my umpteenth playing, my wife casually stated that it made her heart swell. And suddenly, like magic, the mortgage payments took a backseat and I was concerned with getting laid once again.

Everybody wins.

Genre: Indie/Pop/Rock

RIYL: Hey Mercedes, (old) Piebald, Braid

Label: Red Leader Records

Breakin’ Shit

02%20Breakin%27%20Shit.mp3

www.myspace.com/screamhello