A healthy dose of ambition and a wealth of influences are combined on “Emergency & I” to make a masterful piece of pop music. Yeah, I said pop. Forget the stagnant and formulaic junk that’s usually described as such because the very accessible, yet creative arrangements found here are more than appropriate for such a description. The band creates choruses that etch their way into your brain as they sail through some unique time signatures, a few chaotic, noisy passages and a track that successfully verges on electro. The band’s lead singer, Travis Morrison, has a voice that’s modest, yet perfect for the music that surrounds it. The songwriting is truly impressive and deserving of any praise it receives, as each song is rich with imagery and engaging lyrics.

“Memory Machine” ponders, in a seemingly satirical manner, a future where life is bliss due to the ability to remove unwanted memories. Is a life free of pain all that it’s cracked up to be, especially with complete dependence on technology? “What Do You Want Me To Do?” features a narrator describing a ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t’ relationship over an incessant guitar riff. “You Are Invited” is an instant highlight because of its danceable, programmed drums and exemplary songwriting. A seemingly empty, lonely protagonist receives a mysterious invite from ‘anyone to do anything’. After using his invitation at a disco club and a party, he realizes that this invite wasn’t all it was cracked up to be, so he passes it off to his sobbing neighbor. “8.5 Minutes” is an apocalyptic track about the last minutes on earth before an impending nuclear attack. The thought of an astronomer on CNN saying: “I’m a scientist, not your fucking clergyman!” is particularly poignant for me.

“Emergency & I” is unique, inventive and incredibly catchy. Don’t dwell too much on the fact that I described it as pop, because at the end of the day, “Emergency & I” defies classification.

by Kyle