My family and I have a running joke about starting a traveling band. The only reason we never did it was to avoid the inevitable tragic end; One of us rises to fame while the others stand in the background, embittered and ignored, shaking tambourines and oohing – that and no one can play drums. Disco-tinged Indie pop quartet, Echosmith, have managed to break the mold. As their spotlight shines brighter, their siblingship remains in tact. Signing to Warner Brothers in 2012, they have officially released their debut album, ‘Talking Dreams.’ The album opens with two bombastic, high energy tunes, “Come Together” and “Let’s Love” that blast you like a fireworks show. These kids are having a really good time, and they won’t allow you to be a wallflower in the process. But they aren’t all positive lyrics and dance beats. They follow up with album stand-out, “Cool Kids,” opening with a reverb-drenched space-bound synth intro that leads you down a path towards one of the most clever, unforgettable hooks you’ll hear this year. Title track, “Talking Dreams,” picks up where the few fillers on the album leave off. It’s a song fit for a Nashville star whose shoes they are bursting out of, reminding you why they are poised for a big breakout. ‘Talking Dreams’ has the feel of a classic pop record with true intentionality. It hits its highs and lows right when you want them, grabs you by the throat with its hooks, and has real heart. The layered arrangements, intricate guitar solos, and arena ready anthems sprinkled throughout the record belie the quartet’s youth. It’s a truly impressive effort that seasoned veteran’s would be hard-pressed to surpass. In no effort to choose obvious favorites, it’s impossible to ignore lead singer, and sole sister of the bunch, Sydney’s crystal clear belt that could give Hayley Williams a run for her money. That said, it’s obvious the group is greater than the sum of its parts. (It doesn’t hurt that they could each be the star of their own CW series). Check out Echosmith’s first single, “Cool Kids,” streaming below and catch them at The Roxy November 19 during their nationwide tour that kicks off this month. – Jacqueline Caruso
