The power of the randomness of selecting the week’s MySpace Local Review presents me with a valuable tool – the able to link into some of Chicago’s top bands, especially those on indie labels or not even signed. This week, as evidenced by the perfect four star rating, I found a goldmine – The Year After, a Chicago band on the same source of many national bands – the top.
While timing, marketability, growth of fan base, and musical ability will be key components to the future success of these locals – lead singer Steve Fina and company, Jon Harper, Jerry Bachner, Jay Fina, and Josh Smith – based on their songs, including my favorite “A Safer Place”, these guys seem headed for the right landing.
Instantly when I stumped onto their Space, I was taken back by their commitment to studio solid melodies and visible attraction. Their page is wonderfully laid out with the perfect mix of colors, videos, tunes, friends (of which they have 24,000 plus), and attractiveness. This MySpace page is what other bands should strive for.
While “A Safer Place” caught my attention, all of The Year After’s featured MySpace songs are capable of being aired on an alternative rock station. These guys are good. “EverythingIsAgainstUs”, the band’s top played song pulled off their newest album “The Way To Get around”, has collected a strong following of support – evidenced by its 27,000 plus listens. “Bullets to the Floor”, with 26,102 plays, is also a great song showcased with powerful lyrics from brother Steve Fina. The band’s bio compares them to a mix of Third Eye Blind, Our Lady Peace, and Coldplay – which seemingly is the right comparison of influenced, at least in their five space songs, which is extended to include “It’s Too Late” and “The Way To Get Around It”, which have 14,823 and 6,136 plays, respectively.
One other band which clearly can be compared to The Year After is locals AbsentStar – very similar songs, very similar approach, very similar potential. In fact, AbsentStar is listed as one of their top friends, and could make for a great merger if either band ever breaks up – but, of course, let’s hope not. The peaceful lyrics of each band has no reason not to be picked up by a major label – and if The Year After’s live performance is even half that of AbsentStar, then major labels, get your asses to Chicago and sign these bands.
The pure mix of design and talent of The Year After’s Space shows that these guys are sincerely dedicated to the growth of their business, their band, and their brand. Again, other local bands – including some of those that have been reviewed by Lumino, should take a look at this page and inspire to do just this.
I cannot wait to see when The Year After books another date so that I can check them out live. This is definitely one of the better bands we have reviewed.
For a listen and view, visit www.myspace.com/theyearafter
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