Ever seen one of those underdog movies where the losers all get together
and come out on top? Because The Break-Up is an underdog band: it's
comprised of five people who lost their long-term relationships and
got together to form a quirky, fun, and energetic band named after their
romantic status.
In fall 2003, the band recorded and self-distributed their new EP-"She
Went Black." Two months later, on January 27th, The Break-Up debuted
live to a packed house at New York's Mercury Lounge. The various members
of the band (Jamie S.-Vocals, Jeff M.-Guitar, Allie L.-Keys, Jay H.-Bass,
Greg A.-Drums) had previously shared billings with bands like The Strokes
and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. That's not surprising, considering the songs
all sound like hybrids of The Dandy Warhols and The Vines.
Now, already known for their stunning live show, The Break-Up has
started a "buzz" with their self-released EP that has created
a stir not only on the downtown club scene, but also with the press
and college radio elite. Influenced by 60s psych-rock, British '80s
pop like The Cure and The Smiths, and a little bit of Motown, "She
Went Black" captures the band's driving guitars, propulsive rhythm
section, and pounding keys.
Even though The Break-Up sounds depressing, the mid-song freak outs
show that the band members have gotten over their loved ones and are
able to healthily take out their aggression on their instruments without
sounding whiney or vengeful.
This summer, Jeff, Jamie, Greg, Allie and Jay will be taking on the
West Coast. For more information, check out www.thebreak-upmusic.com.
Or listen to Ben Folds' "Song for the Dumped."