Longwave - The Strangest Things

Hype bands are a big turn off for some. The first thing that pops into most people's heads when they hear about another new New York City band is usually "Oh, great, another hype band from New York City." And it probably hasn't helped Longwave with this "hype band" image that they've recently opened for The Strokes, The Vines, and The Donnas (aka the hype bands of the week, to some). It's so easy to disqualify any band like this lately. If you harbor feelings like this, DROP THEM IMMEDIATELY. Longwave is the real deal; this album will prove it. Longwave has definitely grown stylistically from their first release, Endsongs, in 2000. Their songs are far better and their sound is more realized. I don't even know how to describe this album. Take all the best aspects of Radiohead-style, British guitar rock and mix in a little New York City garage rock. But even that doesn't even do it justice. The opening track, "Wake Me When It's Over" is drenched in a huge sonic wall of sound. Next up is the first single, "Everywhere You Turn", which is the closest you'll hear them sounding to their NYC counterparts, The Strokes. "Meet Me At The Bottom" reeks of Radiohead, but it's an extremely good thing. "Can't Feel A Thing" is a cute, one and a half minute ditty before you get to what I feel are the album's three strongest tracks, "Tidal Wave", "The Ghosts Around You", and the rocking "All Sewn Up". The CD closes with a great instrumental, "Day Sleeper". The verdict: this is the best band to come out of New York City. This album may not bring them into the mainstream and put them all over MTV like other NYC bands, but who cares? The Strangest Things is incredible. This album should make everyone's Top 10 for 2003 come December. I know it'll be in mine. [www.longwavetheband.com]