Nice To Meet You: Antennas Up
Prepare to ride the space funk express.
We’re not in Kansas anymore, kids. When I think of this state to the west usually vision of corn pop in my head. Not funky pop bands like Antennas Up. This Kansas City (KS not MO) band started out of the proud nerdism of bassist and songwriter Kyle Akers. When Akers met “professional exchange student” Bo McCall, who spent most of his life soaking up the music of other cultures, and drummer The Ryantist it was like the planets aligning. Akers found the perfect compliments to his personal flow and Antennas Up starting playing together in 2002. Antennas Up represents a genre of music for kids who sat tinkering with computer and video games during high school. The band made music a serious endeavor in 2006 and started touring with the likes of Ha Ha Tonka before heading to the studio in 2007 to record their first album.
First album Antennas Up, due out April 14th, truly has something for everyone. Antennas Up is everything from 70s disco, modern electronic, and pure saccharine pop. There are a lot of elements present in their electronic arrangement that might remind some avid gamers of the music from the classics, while Akers’s funky bass lines get right to the heart of dancing queens (and kings). I for one wanted to bust out some Galaga after hearing their track “5P4C35H1P.” Their nerdy backgrounds really come through on this song that constantly beckons listeners to “ride my spaceship” through a suave synthesized voice. That same swagger is on tracks like “On the Line” and “She’s Evil.” Both songs have that flirtatious confidence that makes the ladies swoon. Who would have thought that a bunch of techies could make such seductive music?
Their single “Don’t Wait Up” can be summed up in two words: freakin’ awesome. Former vocalist Lonnie Coleman does a fantastic job on the track. He has a voice that seems relateable and makes "Don't Wait Up" an instant hit. The track rolls in with The Ryantist’s great drum fill and goes into Coleman’s lyrics. That strong 70s influence is quite apparent as you find yourself longing to hear this at your local roller disco. The band’s currently on tour so be sure to check them out when they roll in to your town.
Posted by Amy Dittmeier on Apr 07, 2009 @ 8:00 am
