Self-Titled

Antennas Up

(Plastic Artifice)

Antennas Up's self-titled album opens with "Break Me Down," a song that hooks the listener with a bass line that can only be described as “crunchy.” Good lyrics combined with birth-of-rock-and-roll rhythms reel you in, and before you know it you're in deep. Antennas Up makes me dream of a Chuck Berry guitar-ed Temptations. I hesitate to say that this is a completely accurate comparison, but the dream is there. This is not to say that A.U. is anything short of a modern rock band, but in an era of self-proclaimed “indie” bands rejecting all that was good about rock n roll, A.U. respects their roots. Funk bass, R&B style vocals, and rock guitar form a concoction sure to please. When lyrics turn to out of this world notions, “I'm a space ship” for example, Antennas Up hold firmly to the modern (not to mention that the track is titled “5P4C35H1P”, for those of you in the 1337 community). This track alone makes me wish for a Space Channel 5 sequel done entirely by Antennas Up.

In addition to the proto-rock influences, “On the Line” brings in a dash of rap to the recipe. Sexy lyrics with a punch line add another level to this album. Altogether Antennas Up is a very solid album, blending numerous ideas and influences. Definitely worth checking out, no matter your musical orientation.