Derby has enjoyed a great bit of success since the release of Posters Fade in 2008. Their indie-pop style has been deemed just cool enough to have their single “If Ever There’s A Reason” featured on a couple of Ford Explorer commercials. It is no real surprise that this Portland-based trio has gained a great amount of mass appeal. They are just so damn lovable!

And the best news yet: the boys are back! On February 15th Derby released a new EP, Madeline. The title track, “Madeline”, from the EP kicked things into gear with some of the sale old good spirited wisdom from 2008, but here we see the band moving towards a bit more eclectic sound that hits a bit harder than we are used to.

But not too hard, of course. That just wouldn’t be Derby now would it? No, here we can simply hear the growth of a band that has more potential than they probably even know what to do with. But, they are working really hard at getting it out there.

“Madeline” is available as a free download from the Derby’s website.

Download: “Madeline” by Derby

My oh my, what a fun record! With more ups than downs, Portland’s Derby has created a happy go lucky classic album with Posters Fade. These guys are about a dozen RPM’s shy from being a pop punk group. A truly personal sound. It would be wise of them to keep said pace, considering they already have folks clapping wildly when they perform along the west coast. And more shall (as some have) do the same across the globe.

Posters Fade is not only wonderful, it is one of the least improvident albums released in recent history. A song like “If There’s A Reason” will be just as acceptably cool thirty years from today as it is now. “Streetlight” brings stretches out the pop muscle of Derby. As does “All Or Nothing”. Defining a genre for these guys would not only be unnecessary, it would be a spawning for a rash of misinterpretation.

When it comes to fun filled misery, this is the album to choose. Derby’s sound is similar to that feeling you get just after your second Red Bull hits – intense, yet well in control. It would not be wise to underestimate the precarious ability these guys have to draw you into their heart felt world of tasteful rock ‘n roll. These guys are exactly what popular rock needs right now!

Derby: If Ever There’s A Reason [mp3]

Derby: Streetlight [mp3]

1. Why Don’t You Do it
2. All Or Nothing
3. Only When She’s Selling
4. Stop Stalling
5. If Ever There’s A Reason
6. Streetlight
7. Hopes
8. Treetops
9. Michigan
10. Don’t Feed The Bear
11. Posters Fade
12. Stumps
13. As My Own
14. Episode