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Artist: Population
Album: 'And/Or'
CD Review: Label: Independent - Free Reign Records
Tracks: 11
Released: 2004
For Fans Of: REM, Radiohead, Big Wreck, Talking Heads, Morphville
Fav Track: Wrong, Now, Euclid Ave., Evaporate.

Population is, ironically, a relatively simple band consisting of Shawn Gross (guitars, decks, keys, loops, voice), Tim Clark (drums, percussion) and Greg Spencer (voice, guitars, percussion).
What these 3 do, however, is bring great songwriting and an excellent vision of what to do with their respective talents. This is a very impressive debut CD, consisting of 10 solid tracks and a bonus remix. Right from the opening track, I was pretty hooked. I'm humming 'Wrong' as I write.

What makes these songs so strong is that every element of the songwriting and production process has obviously been treated with great respect. You can hear the attention to detail and the confidence emanating from each note of every song. These guys know what they're doing and I like it.

Mixing loops, soft synth and heavy guitar has never been a favourite of mine, but in this case I am making an exception. The blend is used well on every track, and unfortunately my least favourite track (a good song in it's own right) is the instrumental 'Believe Me' which is lacking the organic balance that the guitar brings. Luckily Greg's voice is in there, ensuring that the track belongs and still fits the overall CD mix.

Greg's vocals are distinct, confident and perfectly delivered. His voice suits the lush and sometimes futuristic sounds the band follows with and the lyrics speaking of many things philosophical and existential.

A very easy listen - a testament to music well thought out.
Check it out, demand your local radio stations play 'Wrong' or 'Now' and let's hear these guys!

Website: Population Music