Yes, War Tapes sound a bit like The Killers. Yes, they seem to be an 80′s influenced bunch of glam rockers. But, look past your pretentious preconceptions for one moment. Then just listen. These guys rock. And they rock steady. The Continental Divide is an album of pure POWER, as well as grace. If you stop to look for their originality, it will be bloody obvious.

There is no reason that “Dreaming Of You” should be the breakout hit for War Tapes. “Use Me” makes sense. But, both of these tracks will inevitably be huge. But, it’s the whole picture of this album that is ultimately the most impressive. There is no logic or structure within the entire package. Just 11 interesting and beautiful songs for your listening pleasure. They just don’t slow down. And that’s just fine.

What band actually has a secret song anymore? Well, these guys do! Just another example of how damn cool this L.A. based band of glamorous gypsies really are. They are a torn leather jacket on a midnight beach. They are a muscle care littered with INXS stickers cruising down your favorite strip. This is intense rock n roll. All that is all that really matters. And The Continental Divide is an extremely noteworthy portrayal of what a steady pop rock band can do if they really give a damn.

Pick up a copy of The Continental Divide over at Amazon.

War Tapes: Dreaming Of You [mp3]

Sarathan Records [CD, 2009]

1. The Night Unfolds
2. Dreaming Of You
3. She Lied
4. Start Again
5. Use me
6. All The World’s A Stage
7. Mind Is Ugly
8. Rightfully Mine
9. Air Filled Romance
10. For Eternity
11. Fast Lane

“Dreaming Of You” was a track off War Tapes‘ self-titled EP, which hit via Sarathan Records sometime last year. Well, it appears again on the upcoming War Tapes release The Continental Divide. The song is an excellent snippet of the sound War Tapes encompasses.

Mixing a deep tenor front with light female backup, War Tapes has a sound that is instantly recognized as powerful. This version of “Dreaming Of You” is a slightly different version than found on the EP; it’s been remixed and remastered.

While it may take listening to the two side-by-side to pull the differences, it’s easy to hear why this band is taking strides with the public. Their sound is full of hard-driving rock yet is subdued enough for the greater population.

The Continental Divide hits the streets on May 26 via Sarathan Records and is available for preorder now from Amazon.

War Tapes: Dreaming Of You [mp3]

Written by Fense

Woah. Where the hell did Sarathan Records come from!? One moment I’m hanging out, minding my own damn business and dreaming of great rock bands and the next moment they’re signing them! First to catch my attention was Seattle’s very own Feral Children, giving SXSeattle one hell of a great performance at SXSW this year. Now there’s War Tapes.

War Tapes is a bit heavier than my usual rock taste (they’re very much on par with local favorites Feral Children and The Pharmacy, so I’m coming around to some of the louder stuff), but boy is it catchy! Take note of “Start Again” and “Dreaming Of You”; these tunes could easily find their way onto mix tapes with The Shackeltons, The Mae Shi, and even some No Age or Oxford Collapse.

God! And check out “Mutiny”, where Neil’s deep and darkly sensual vocals are occasionally backed by Becca’s shouts in the repeated I don’t know / I don’t know / I don’t know… Superb!

Dubbed as referencing subgenres like 80s new wave, post-punk and a more recent post-hardcore, the vocalist certainly has a voice that conjures Interpol and The Cure and the instrumentation follows suit with hefty, distortion-infused guitar riffs. Their self-titled EP (also dubbed Tour EP drops via Sarathan Records on tomorrow.

War Tapes: Dreaming Of You [mp3]