Surprisingly, this is a NYC based band that sounds more like an English band.
Longwave formed in 99 and got started by getting together in a small studio
in NYC to lay down some demos . The "chemistry" was there. They then played a
bunch of gigs (in Lower Manhattan) to hone their sound and were getting
noticed by some pretty influential people. When Longwavereleased the
"Daysleeper" EP, The Strokes manager was so impressed that he asked the
to open for a show in the city. The band was also very impressed and
eventually Longwave was opening for the entireStrokes tour. This the
led to a contract with the RCA label. The band worked with producer Dave
Fridmann (Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev) and the result is the remarkable "The
Strangest Things". Longwave has the feel of the "Shoegazer" era in the
early 90s. The Album is reminiscent of classic U2, Echo & The Bunnymen,
Swervedriver, My Bloody Valentine & even Bends-era Radiohead. Filled to the
brim with swirling guitars, amazing dreamy melodies, and experimental
sounds; "The Strangest Things" is the best truly creative alternative album
to come out (from the States), so far, this year (2003). The vocals, by
guitarist Steve Schlitz, fit perfectly as they soar over the songs with a
clarity not often found in the Alternative genre. If youre into the early
90s Alternative sound, this CD will reward you with lush pop sensibility,
and pop doesnt necessarily mean "soft" or "quiet". "The Strangest Things"
is not Punk, but it does rock with a certain balance not heard in awhile.
Clearly this is one to turn the volume way up for to obtain maximum
listening enjoyment. Check out the single "Everywhere You Turn". Other
stand-outs include: "The Ghosts Around You" "Tidal Wave" "Meet Me At The
Bottom" & "Day Sleeper", the latter featuring a great off-beat drum track and no drum track. Sonically brilliant! (3 1/2 out of 5).
