BAND CRUSH: FREE ENERGY

Classic rock that will make you wish it was warm enough to roll down the windows.

The line between rock and pop is a fine one—all it takes is a guitar solo that goes a bit too long and suddenly, you’ve got a dud.

Those who have done it well are far and few between, but Free Energy has the chops to join them. The Philadelphia-based band melds arena-worthy riffs with instantly-catchy hooks, turning upfront rock on its head.

Like Thin Lizzy 30 years ago, Weezer 15 years ago, and Fountains of Wayne 10 years ago, there are enough sing-along choruses and simple chord progressions in their just-released debut digital EP on DFA Records to have you dreaming of jamming alongside the five-piece band. Need proof? Look no further than their eponymous single, "Free Energy", which mixes fist-pumping rock with Ben Kweller-inspired vocals.

It’s not just DFA Records that has taken notice of the group, which has risen from the ashes of indie quartet Hockey Night; starting this month, Free Energy hits the road with The Rakes, making stops in New York, Salt Lake City, Boston, and Baton Rouge, among others. They also have a full-length album due in 2010, but with hooks this good, you won’t want to wait.
REBECCA WILLA DAVIS   

Visit myspace.com/freeenergymusic for more info.



This story was published on October 5, 2009.