Communique - Poison Arrows

Communique
Poison Arrows
Lookout Records
Grade: A-

This record delivers way more than I was expecting from this Oakland, CA five-piece. Part of their strong anchoring is that four of the five were in the veteran punk group American Steel. The guys decided to rename and refocus the band as their interests began to deviate towards more electronic-based endeavors during 2001 and 2002. And thus Communique was born. Yet, there were a few bumps along the way to this full-length debut. First, they had to convince American Steel fans that they hadn't gone soft and weren't trying to break fans' hearts. Next, original drummer Jamie Kissinger left the band before they recorded their 2003 debut EP A Crescent Honeymoon. With session drummer Eric Alexander, the group recorded the EP, took to the road and won the respect of the electro-indie rock world. Kissinger later came back and the band hired keyboardist Cory Gowan as a full-time member to fulfill their musical vision. Now with ten new songs, Communique is making another run at the big time. I admit that I've become a sucker for all these electro-indie/new new wave bands - or what you want to call them - and Poison Arrows delivers your fix in droves. Most importantly, Communique are all about writing really good pop songs that stick with you then simply adding esoteric electronic layers. In that respect, they should be on the cusp of grabbing some Faint fans who have become disappointed by their less poppy elements. Though some may back away from Communique's at times light FM melodies (handing them the moniker Communigay), you can't deny the poppiness makes you feel chipper - as long as your not being cynical. Admit that some pop songs are good and devour Poison Arrows. Also, how can you not love a band for using images of space from Caltech's Jet Propulsion Lab. There is little point to mention the songs track-by-track because all get you moving and each gives you something to look forward to. As part of Lookout's path of diversifying their previous pop-punk foundation, the label has scored big time with Communique. With enough effort on the label's part, Communique will blow up. I'm off to pick up A Crescent Honeymoon EP right now.