Conner: Hello Graphic Missile: Review

Conner
Hello Graphic Missile
[Sonic Boom Recordings - June 2006]
*Sixeyes Score: 8.5 out of 10

Review by David Reis

Conner are four young guys from Lawrence, Kansas - Bryce Boley (drums), Phil Bonahoom (bass), James Duft (guitar/vocals) and Tom Wagner (guitar). Soon they received, justly, comparisons to The Strokes, The Clash and Built to Spill. Their debut album, Hello Graphic Missile (Sonic Boom Recordings) is astounding, a clever but substantial collection of uncommonly catchy songs that displays the capacity of Conner's fine-tuned rock. 13 songs, 40 minutes of rock n´roll kiss that knocks you unconscious to the ground with bouncy bass lines, brushed drums, mind-blowing guitar riffs and a lilting, rough voice. Few bands are this open-eyed to the chance that music can be both strangely tricky and easily remembered. In addition, making any record that sounds different from anything else is a triumph in itself. A triumph of intense, eerie, and compelling songs. Tempting, isn't it?

Luscious "Cold Feelings" and irresistible "Independent Women", course together subtly, all texture, mood, and shade... These songs are great - genuine, rugged, melodically stormy and full of rock flesh and blood. I find that they get better with each listen. If you like these two songs, you'll like the lot, for sure. As a whole, the group has created an album charged not only with catchy rock songs but with the breath of an almost forgotten indie honesty. Highly Recommended.

Mp3s
+ cold feelings
+ independent women

Links
Myspace
Label

Stream Conner's album here.

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David Reis, or Sabas, is an indie music messiah. The worst Portuguese messiah you've ever heard of. Bastard!