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THE BREAK-UP
By: Stephanie Coplan



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."



 
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