Attempting to get people dancing through electronic rhythms and pop influenced textures is exactly what Los Angeles based band Fitz and the Tantrums has achieved in their follow up album More Than Just A Dream. This band has yet to become a household name, but has had multiple tracks from their debut album, Pickin’ Up The Pieces, appear on technology commercials with critical acclaim. This time around the band switches their direction slightly towards a more experimental pop sound and away from the striking soulfulness of the previous album.
The band was diversely constructed in 2008 with Michael Fitzpatrick (lead vocals and keyboards), Noelle Scaggs (vocals and percussion), James King (saxophone), Joseph Karnes (bass guitar), Jeremy Ruzumna (keyboards) and John Wicks (drums). Immediately upon their formation they began entertaining small local venues around the LA area until their signing with DangerBird Records. Ever since then they have been frequent performers on many late night talk shows due to 2011’s hit “MoneyGrabber.”
“Out of My League” kicks off the album with a flare of addicting pop beats that encompass the albums primary goal of making people want to dance. This song has a sing-along chorus and enthusiastic sound for a vivacious beginning. The energy continues with the next track “Break The Walls” featuring Australian pop singer Sia who’s best known for her hit “Titanium” with David Guetta. This song has the capability to get stuck in your head with infectious choruses that even undertone the importance of speaking up. “Spark” showcases lead singer Michael “Fitz” Fitzpatrick’s vocal abilities, which have a refined, smooth attribute reminiscent of some classical albums.
Even though the focus of the album was fundamentally rooted in dance floor rhythms the group was still able to venture into other sounds. The peppy, dynamic sounds the band is known for disappear for their dark vision in “House On Fire.” The song describes a broken relationships with lyrics like “I never wanted to be the liar. This house is on fire.” Other songs “6am” and “Fools Gold” are quite the opposite and continue the feel-good, dance vibes with alluring musical textures and catchy electronic elements.
This summer Fitz and the Tantrums may gain more media attention since they will be touring the country as the opening act for Bruno Mars. Their follow up album is more pop focused and electronic driven while completing its ultimate goal of making people dance.
Grade: B+
And they're opening for Dave Matthews Band at Darien Lake....not that any of your reader's listen to them
Fuck this album