Looking for some new, local music to add to your iPod? Chicago-based post rock/indie band The PreMadonnas recently released their new EP entitled “EPic,” which is worth checking out.
The band consists of Francis Basile (lead vocals), Martin Saldana (guitar/vocals), Damir Galev (guitar/synth), “Nasi” (bass/vocals) and Jeremy James Chereskin (drums/vocals).
The PreMadonnas have a unique sound all their own, but are similar enough to be compared to other bands like Silversun Pickups, The Hush Sound and Motion City Soundtrack.
All three songs on this EP definitely deserve a listen. The songs are catchy, energetic and lyrically well written.
They achieve their upbeat signature sound without becoming overly “poppy” like other generic, radio-friendly artists such as Cobra Starship and Owl City.
The EP opens up with the track, “Road of the Shunned.” The synthesizer opening is reminiscent of The Killer’s and Cobra Starship’s signature sound, and Basile’s lead vocals blend well with the rest of the band, especially in the chorus. The track also features a standout guitar solo that leads into a bridge, which seamlessly goes right back into the song’s soaring chorus.
“Better Than Nothing” features a more energetic, pop/rock sound and features a cool bass part, as the band sings in the chorus “In the company of losers, I am making my own luck/ Better than nothing […] when you choose luck.”
“Choosing Life,” the last track in the EP, opens with a soft, acoustic lead that goes into the band’s growing sound. Despite the up-tempo beat, the song’s lyrics deals with a person living a dismal life, but looking for a brighter outlook saying, “I want to fly away from my mind […] to a world that never cries/ Am I ever going to stop the dreaming?”
With such a strong EP release, the band is headed in the right direction toward gaining recognition in the Chicago music scene. The group’s rock/pop styling and their well versed lyrics on this EP are a good indication of promising things to come in the future for this local group.
For more information about the band or to check out their music, visit their website: thepremadonnas.com and myspace.com/beforemadonnas.
Jenny Prokop, Assistant Opinions Editor and Carlo Calma, Tempo Editor
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