Neon Trees, a band originating from Provo UT, got their first superstar recognition when they opened for The Killers on tour in late 2008. The band consists of vocalist Tyler Glenn, guitarist Chris Allen, bassist Branden Campbell and (the rare female drummer in a band of men) Elaine Bradley. Their first hit single "Animals" grew quickly in popularity on radios around the country. But if you're looking for a Killers love child you're looking in the wrong place. Their debut full length Habits hit stores this past March. The poppy, playful album is fittingly something you'd expect to see in neon lights. It opens with the pseudo title track "Sins of My Youth." At first listen you can sense the type of vibe The Killers provided on their first album Hot Fuss, but Neon Trees brings a contrasting ambience. "I've got these habits that I cannot break/ And as I'm older there is more at stake/ Go ahead and call me fake/ But these are the sins/ The sins of my youth." The lyrics are regretful, but the music is guiltless. Neon Trees won't let you stay down on this album, no matter you're whinin' about. "Animal" the first single off the album is undeniably addictive. The song is about the pursuit of a relationship asking "What are you waiting for?/ Take a bite of my heart tonight." The outstretched vocals are as fun as the lyrics. Backed by a perky beat of synth and guitar "Animal" makes you feel awkwardly hopeful for vocalist Glenn. The eighties sounding "Surrender" is more of a pop ballad than dance track. Another song themed around makin' that relaysh happen, lyrics ask "How long til your surrender to me?" Dance music and punk get smashed together in "1983" with a guitar riffs reminiscent of the late Dennis Danell. "Girls And Boys In School" boasts a darker sound where vocals are agitatedly seductive. The album finishes up with "Our War." Unlike the entire album this track is full of harsh emotions. The upbeat happiness of the album stops here along with this storytold relationship. The gloomy lyrics "The walls that you and me took down/Are only getting taller now/ And I even forgotten how/ To stand on my own two feet/ I wanna say I'm on my own/ And happier to be alone/But everything I do alone/ Has everything of you" are presented as emotionally as they read. The track is beautiful, yet a bit heart wrenching. And all good things must come to end. As a debut album Habits has the too-good-to-be-true kind of sound that one may write off as a one hit wonder. In the sake of optimism they have the correct formula for taking all the common elements of the recent dance/rock/eighties wave and the ability to stand out among the soup kitchen of others. If their future works are half as good as Habits, then we can all plan to get used to Neon Trees. |
