We have some new music for you that has a pinch of alternative punk flare, a tablespoon of rock and roll and Broadway-esque vocals and a sprinkle of an offbeat tempo. Doesn’t that just sound delicious? The tunes of A Million Pieces can settle those summer hunger pains and leave you yearning for more.
The band’s debut self-titled EP dropped on April 26th via Scallywag Records. Produced by Jerrod “Skins” Bettis, the original drummer of OneRepublic, the six track EP is simply not enough. A Million Pieces has that spunk we heard initially from the alternative solo-project, The Rocket Summer. Both bands do incorporate different musical styles, but the intensity of the lead vocals ties them together.
The first tune off the EP, “Vanity Plates,” delightfully smacks you right in the face within seconds of pressing play. This hit doesn’t hurt one bit, since the musical punch is full of edgy lead vocals supported by passive, but soothing background vocals. “Vanity Plates” is a vocal gold mine complete with a heavy tempo that doesn’t triumph over the rawness of the tune, but instead situates itself just underneath the background vocals. A Million Pieces began their EP with a song resembling a musical food chain with every element having a purpose and value to the one above it.
The musical linkage of A Million Pieces grows even deeper with the group’s catchy single, “Laserbeams.” The vocals of the track mimic a sound similar to whining, but not the annoying kind. By this description, we mean that the vocals are at a high-pitch throughout the track. We wish all whining sounded this good. A Million Pieces has also released a music video for the lead tune, which showcases the band’s quirkily thriving flare. The performance of “Laserbeams” is the main presence of the video, which is refreshing, since most music videos no longer feature a concert, rather a storyline that is guided by the track. The vocal, instrumental and stage presence of A Million Pieces is heightened with lighting effects and visual graphics. “Laserbeams” is pleasing both to the eyes and ears.
As we move throughout their EP, we find that A Million Pieces can sing to us all day, even if it is constantly the six tracks off their EP. “Get It Right” and “Dream Of Me” have more upbeat tempos, while “Small Talk” and “Problems” take a slower pace. No matter the speed of the instrumentals, the vocals continue to blow us away. A Million Pieces isn’t just compiled of musicians and singers. There is more to this band than the obvious. So, we couldn’t think of a more appropriate band title for this up and coming LA group. We leave you with a challenge. Unravel the musical techniques of A Million Pieces and let us know the mysterious styles that you think complete the band’s talented and innovative puzzle. We would love to hear a take other than our own!
by Lonnie Nemiroff
