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WAY TO GO, EINSTEIN
Andrew Carter:
voice/guitar/piano
Kevin Jack:
guitar/synth/moods
Geoff Nilson:
guitar/synth/voice
Benson Musaev:
bass
Michael Munro:
drums
Way to Go Einstein is a
five-piece modern rock band from Vancouver, Canada, which has recently
completed its second LP, Pseudonym, released in early 2009.
This second self-produced album was recorded over a period of eight
months at the band’s studios in New Westminster, Burnaby, and at The
Hive Creative Labs.
The band, originally
composed of members Andrew and Kevin, completed its line-up in early
2007. Each member comes from his own separate musical background, making
for an eclectic mix of ambient and at times heavy guitars, melodic
vocals and piano, synthesizers, hypnotic bass lines, and creative
rhythms.
In the last few months
they have been playing around the Vancouver scene and working on
bringing the intensity of the new album to a live setting. Building on
the buzz of their first release, Hide and Seek Champion, the
second album promises to bring much more attention, stimulated ears,
moved souls, and ironic-band-name-loving fans.
WHAT THE CRITICS
ARE SAYING:
Allow me to go out on a limb and
say that if I want a dose of melancholy rapture, sparkling production,
and a surging chorus that takes its sweet time to bring me to headphone
apotheosis (two minutes and 11 seconds, in this case), I’ll take Way to
Go, Einstein’s “The Flood” over any of the droopy nonsense on Viva
La Vida….While the rest of Pseudonym is no less pristine,
huge, or international sounding as that opening track, WTGE also changes
the backdrop on its big emotions to fashion grown-up alt rock into
something it can call its own—skittish
verses preface the wailing guitar choruses of “Shiver in the Sun”;
“Everywhere You Turn” introduces almost-flamenco guitar to a 7/4 time
signature; “Parallax” is Andrew Carter’s beatific vocals above, and
uptight, quasi-NIN distortion below. It’s the album you might expect
from a band that lists Sigur Rós as an influence, along with
“contradictions” and “childhood obesity”. (The Tyee)
With vocal inflections that
bring to mind alt-rock genius Thom Yorke, Carter leads his bandmates
through epic soundscapes heavy with hypnotic guitars and quivering
synths. Building on the musical archetype perfected by Brit-rock icons
Coldplay and Muse, Way to Go, Einstein imparts its own vision of modern
rock with slow burners like “Shiver in the Sun” and “Insensate”.
(the Georgia Straight)
WTGE caught my attention as
soon as they hit the stage. It wasn’t just the unicorn on the mic stand,
but it was the musicality of the group…. They are heavily piano driven,
but also having the necessary oomph of a rock band to make them unique
above the rest. Andrew’s falsetto is soothing and effortless, and at the
same time quite vulnerable…. Sure he’s a great vocalist, but he also
brings it back down and you realize what he’s doing is quite sincere.
The highlight of their set was definitely when they pulled out the
double keyboard for ‘Walk Through Fire’. To put it lightly, it was easy
on the ears. The harmonies were undeniably pleasing and the instrumental
arrangements were something to be amazed by. (Ronatron.net)
Singer Andrew Carter’s
melodies soar to the heavens, and are backed by lush beds of
reverb-treated guitars and synthesizers. It’s a gorgeous sound. (the
Georgia Straight)
Singer Andrew Carter’s
vocals are reminiscent of the band’s influences—you’ll definitely hear
hints of Coldplay and Muse. The boys reveal a mysterious poetic edge
that reflects the Vancouver indie scene. (Youthink)
They have a bit of a
Radiohead thing going on.…very melodic and pleasant to listen to.
(Capital Rock City)
Way to Go, Einstein sound
like Radiohead if they played in more eclectic time signatures. Songs
such as "Everywhere You Turn" and "Parallax" are both in 7/8 time, with
an interesting groove and floating synths. Soaring vocals with driving
guitar riffs create a nice contrast that holds the listener’s ear and
make the music pleasing to listen to…. For fans of indie and
experimental music, this is almost a must for you.
(The Other Press)
ELSEWHERE:
Way to Go, Einstein on MySpace
Way to Go, Einstein on Facebook
Hide and Seek Champion CD on Broken Oak Records
AVAILABLE NOW ON SUBMERGED RECORDS
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