HEAR THIS: Risers
One of my favorite things about emerging music is how hard it can be to classify. Some is easy: metal, jazz, blues, tehno-pop, the catch-all weird-ass “indie”, but listening to Risers, it’s quite difficult to nail down. Hear A Current Affair and just when you’re convinced they’re a straight rock evolution, piano-laden semi-rock ballad “Perforated Lungs” plays, and you’re back to square one. The relaxed, mature, and at times delightfully lazy vocals make for a unique vibe, providing a welcome break from typical whiny anguish. Though at the end of it all, it sounds like a band that’s still searching for its perfect sound. Listen to them now if you’re one of those people who like to say “dude, I’ve been listening to this band before they were popular!” I bet this won’t be the last time you hear Risers.