The Rosenbergs
Ameripop
Hungry Hippo Records
Okay, I’m going out on a limb. The Rosenbergs are the best unsigned band in America. Granted, I haven’t heard every one of them, but what I have, this band leaves in the dust. The songs here are confident, cocky pop that sounds both British (Oasis, Radiohead, Be Bop Deluxe) at the same time as American (Cheap Trick) while ultimately defining itself by its own rules. Dense, cosmic guitars rush by like a movie soundtrack, the vocals are heavenly (in word as well as presentation), and it all adds up to a unique, mature force that is instantly recognizable. Live at the Atlantis conference last year, they rocked – great stage presence, good looking, and sounding like 10 pieces instead of 4. If these guys aren’t on the cover of Rolling Stone in a year, then all A&R people should be fired.