Medium Cool, Self-Titled EP

A lot of people are starting bands today and a lot of them suck. Medium Cool does not suck.

Spawned during the aftermath of The Sexy Magazines’ recent demise, former members and close childhood friends Mark Sanger and Marc Philippe Eskenazi formed Medium Cool last summer along with the help of Casey Smith (also of Sexy Magazines fame) and Cullen Gallagher. Having played only one show since their inception (Eskenazi is currently on tour with Albert Hammond, Jr.), the band is set to release their first EP.

With a sound that draws influence from bands of old (The Beach Boys, The Kinks, The Beatles, etc), listening to Medium Cool’s tunes instills a Slanted and Enchanted vibe within me. Songs like “Woman” are built on high tempo guitar riffs and whimsical lyrics, much like those found on any Pavement record. “Honest” features Eskenazi on vocals backed by a collection of simple, yet engaging chords, in what feels like a rollercoaster ride from beginning to end. Sanger handles vocals on “Home”, another incredibly catchy tune. Medium Cool has a clear knack for songwriting, which shows on “400 People”, a tune backed by a terrific bass line and aggressive guitars.

Medium Cool is still very much in its infancy, but keep on eye out for these guys. The band is made up of talented, serious musicians – a formula that is always tantamount to success. Expect the band to book a fury of shows when Eskenazi returns from touring with The Strokes’ Hammond, Jr. For now, buy their E.P. at your local New York City record shop and log onto their MySpace page.

Rating: 8/10