Monday, April 30, 2007

PlayRadioPlay! – The Frequency EP

Band: PlayRadioPlay!
Album: The Frequency EP
Release Date: April 24, 2007
Label: Island

As I previously mentioned PlayRadioPlay! has been on my radar for a year or two, and I’m thrilled that the project is not only still chugging along, but that he’s been signed and released an actual EP. PlayRadioPlay! is a solo projected headed up by Texas teenager Dan Hunter. I read that his music has essentially stemmed from the unfortunate loss of his father a few years ago. After struggling with drug abuse and addiction, Hunter has reemerged as a much more positive person, and he bills himself as an all-loving hippie (partially due to his long hair).

Unlike some of the albums I’ve been reviewing lately, The Frequency EP was immediately endearing. It didn’t take a few listens for me to really get into, in fact about thirty seconds into the first song I was remembering why I’ve loved PlayRadioPlay! since I first heard it. Hunter’s music style is light and easily described as happy, yet under the surface his lyrics tell a much more serious story. His pain and personal turbulence are easily apparent, yet his musical and vocal style makes for an uplifting experience.

The first track “Bad Cops Bad Charities” echoes his ‘straight-edge’ lifestyle without sounding self-righteous like so many people who call themselves XXX do. His lyrics are thoughtful and endearing and remarkably catchy. The chorus of the track “The big stars that crash cars and get paid / To say lines and pay fines and get laid / I don’t have to look to see / That that place isn’t me” will have you singing along by the second time the verse comes around as Hunter’s youthful voice makes his songs accessible and instantly lovable.

The autobiographical “Even Fairy Tale Characters Would Be Jealous” taints the Hellogoodbye-eque beat with some history of Hunter’s drug-tinged past. However, this uplifting song illustrates his complete turn around. This inspiring story shows that no longer does he rely on drugs for a high; instead his enjoyment of life comes through love and passion.

The six song EP ends with an electronic cover of “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. The cover is interestingly different, yet accurate. Overall, this EP is extremely enjoyable, especially for fans of Hellogoodbye or The Postal Service. However, Hunter’s uniquely youthful voice and thoughtful, self-inspired lyrics set him apart. He is currently on tour through much of the South. PlayRadioPlay! will be featured at The Bamboozle in New Jersey as well as several stops on the Warped Tour. For more information about his tour or to hear some of his songs, visit his myspace. Finally, you can expect a full-length debut later this year.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Wow. This is amazing. I thought he was the coolest guy alive not only because I liked him just because I knew he was straight edge and then I found out he did drugs and stuff and I didn't know what to think. I still love him but not as much now that I know he did drugs.