ALBUM REVIEW: “Pre Columbians” by Edelweiss

Edelweiss
Pre-Columbians
[Self Released]

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of speaking with Niko Porlier, the 17-year-old guitarist (and oldest member) of Pennsylvania-based Edelweiss. Since we talked, the debut album from the quartet has been in heavy rotation.

In today’s music landscape, there are plenty of bands. Bands that are imitating other bands, ripping off styles, and it’s becoming more and more difficult to keep up and follow bands that are truly original. Edelweiss unfortunately, isn’t original. The influence from UK bands The Wombats, Arctic Monkeys, and Bloc Party is easily heard in this 5-song debut from these teenagers.

Thankfully for them, I’m not a fan of any of those bands. And while that may sound like an insult, it’s not at all. Pre-Columbians has stayed in my rotation for many reasons, none of which has to do with their personal music influencers. Their beats remind me of an early Panic! At the Disco. The vocals aren’t as front facing as a lot of bands that have a typical egotistical lead singer, and their guitar licks are as slick and catchy as Phoenix’s from Wolfgang Amadeus.

Since the members of the band are all under 18, this is an impressive debut, and an EP that will turn the heads of music aficionados all over.