Retisonic - Lean Beat

Lean Beat was recorded as a duo. Two guys, rock music. Musically this six track EP grabs you immediately with "Caught In The Lights." Then the verse kicks in and you're all "whaa?" This guy is singing way too nasally and adding weird vibrato occasionally. Nothing too insane, just subtle touches, but still enough to throw you off for a second. It's almost enough to hit Stop on the CD Player and chalk this one up to a nice try. But with J Robbins (Jawbow, Burning Airlines, lots of good production work) behind the boards you gotta give it at least three songs. Fortunately this is all you need. "Malaligned" falls into the same category as the first track, catchy riffs, enjoyable chorus, and somewhat awkward verses (Even though they do sing about being "wired like a Luddite" - and anyone who uses the word Luddite gains major points in my book). Then "Filthy way To Lose Yourself" comes in and you've become adjusted. The verses are a bit more melodic, the band works in some nice choral effects, and the chorus is dark and uplifting at the same time, always a great combo. So then you've got the other three songs on the disc.. which pretty much go in the same directions, though not so much that all the tracks blend together (especially with the nice forceful closer of "Unrepentant"). Overall, it's safe to say that Retisonic is going to take some getting used to on the listeners part. The vocals seem to clean themselves up as the EP hits its second half and by that time you're ready for whatever is going to be thrown your way. It's fortunate that the disc is only six tracks long or the style might drag on, but you get a good dose of rock with that indie tinge. [www.retisonic.com]