New York's The States have put together an interesting little record here. The Path of Least Resistance is decidedly modern idie-rock, but there's a smattering of early U2, Big Country, Joy Division, and Radiohead floating underneath some of these energetic songs. Upbeat opener "Charm Offensive" contains plenty of snarling guitars and catchy melodies, and "New Land" sees the band pulling out the piano, synths, and layers of guitars for a pretty full sound. For a three piece (Chris Snyder on vocals/guitar, Joe Stroll on drums, and Previn Warren on bass & keyboards) The States have a pretty well rounded sound, and obviously know their way around the studio, as The Path of Least Resistance is rich and full bodied throughout, with plenty of soaring vocal melodies and dense instrumentation. Hints of Muse and Queen pop up on the progressive pop of "Checkout", while the moody and atmospheric "Black Jack" sees some fiery guitar work from Snyder. The ringing guitar chords and driving rhythms mesh with catchy hooks on the quirky "Be Good Tonight", and "CCTV (I'm a Star)" is just solid power-pop. There's no doubt after listening to this new platter from The States that there's a world of potential here, so we could be looking at the next big thing folks.
Track Listing
1) Charm Offensive
2) New Land
3) Checkout
4) The Architect
5) Darkest Hour
6) All the Salt in the Sea
7) Black Jack
8) CCTV (I'm a Star)
9) 8X10
10) Be Good Tonight
11) God's Numbers
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