With today’s release of “Hearts,” Miami-based indie group Awesome New Republic is solidifying themselves as a group to watch explode everywhere from the club scene, to radio, to live performances. ANR is a two-man group (Michael Hancock and Brian Robertson) that has created a unique sound with roots in punk and soul while bringing the Miami club sound into production, birthing something between the Clash and Daft Punk.
Hearts leads off with the very catchy “Whatever,” immediately introducing upbeat dance rhythms and laser sounds with an old school funk feel. The vocals are superb, with harmonizing layers and dead-on falsetto, while the well-crafted beats with timely crescendos and tension release make it sexy and sleek. In the fourth track, “Birthday,” ANR really finds its stride. With only three drum stick clicks to prepare you, “Birthday” drops right into a fast paced verse full of driving punk rock guitar, electronica style drumming and Jay Kay (Jamiroquai) like vocals. There’s a sexuality to the lyrics and their interaction with the beat that is sure to make this a sweaty club hit. Next comes “Digital World,” which by the sound of the first 15 seconds could be a Bob Dylan song. Acoustic guitar and harmonica following the electronic feel of “Birthday” seems odd at first, but the transition works. And “Digital World” is a testament to the musicianship of the duo, shifting between folksy simplicity to over re-verbed vocals and a modern laser sound.
ANR also shows depth with the ballad “Dark Water,” a slower, mellower version of their sound. “Deep Love” reverts to their strength — the funky, upbeat groove with heavy falsetto and strong, steady build-ups. The title song “Hearts” is an appropriate closer, waning out in the same way that “Whatever” successfully brought you in.
The album as a whole is a demonstration of excellent production with unique creativity and a sound that could catch on, on a number of levels. Awesome New Republic’s musicianship exceeds that of many peers. The contemporary disco/funk feel is uncommon and refreshingly not in your face. Look for “Hearts” and ANR to collectively make some moves.
