You could describe the Brooklyn based band, Longwave, as “Synth, Rock…Stylish and Atmospheric” or just simply “Awesome”. The band is back with a cohesive, symphonic sound that makes you wonder why you may not have heard of them before. Sure I could go into moribund details about how they used to open for the Strokes, had tons of personal squabbles and a disparaging encounter with RCA—but what’s the point. Just listen to their album and be appreciative that you do, know them now.
So, back to the album; Sins are Sinister is a complete whimsical encounter, edified by a moody guitar, ethereal synth and sweet falsettos. The lyrics deliver damaged relationship content, miscommunication woes, against the back drop of airy atmospherics. This perfect harmony is hellish bliss and true fun for any music fan to explore.

The opener, “Sirens in the Deep” plummets into a deep wave of sound with a musing melody, carried by lead vocalist/guitarist Steve Schlitz’s voice and a magnificent build up. Participating in the drunk sport of karaoke or not, you will be singing this song out loud.

Next, “No Direction” is just one big arcade-like free fall. No not really, but that’s one of the best ways I can verbalize this amazing song. Steve is screeching and screaming, his guitar is screeching and screaming; this is totally fierce. A bit more upbeat than “Sirens in the Deep”, it is my total favorite.

The third track, “Satellites” features a whistling chorus, and a strumming bass line that dives right straight into your head. Sonically, it than turns something softer and unexpected, creating a curious dichotomy. “The Devil and the Liar” features a nostalgic opener that dances into a carnival of sound. If memories came with soundtracks, than this would be on it. Following, we have “Life is Wrong”, which is pretty, the guitar is enticing, but it kind of blends into the background. It kind of sounds like the first song, “Sirens in the Deep” and with only so many songs on the album, none can be pedestrian.

“Eyes Like Headlights” starts off with a nice, menacing bass. This dark edge only lasts for so long until an upbeat pop melody breaks out. The staccato back drop is just so cool; unfortunately the chorus does not do it any justice. “No I Don’t Care” unleashes robust drums, an awesome bass line and sweet new wave emotion. Such a piece of work, one of the best on the album.

The next tracks, “It’s True” and “Shining Hours” can be described as mellow and pensive. They follow along the same line of presence, so they are not bad, but for not featuring anything new, can’t be considered good either.

The final tune, “Secrets are Sinister” is fun, pop infused and seaside inspired. I love how this album ends on an up note. The falsetto sung words “Well, I’m gonna let you know”, are paired perfectly with a cool riff. Such a great melody, all around tops for this one.

I am giving this album 4 ½ out of 5 the melodies are lovely, and the instrumentals are pure magic and Peter Katis, the producer, pieced this album together with brilliant, dream-line analysis. The only draw back is that some of the songs do not depart at all from the general landscape. Overall, I believe this album will give Longwave the credit they deserve.

They open for Blue October, a band who blew up thanks to the Twilight series, on May 1 at Webster Hall, and they just finished up playing with OK Go and Bloc Party!  Webster Hall is sold out, but get yourself in there! Giddy up.

Please note: Yes, the logo shows 4, but that’s just because we never thought we would hear something so close to 5 that we had to call it a 4.5, so use your imagination….

Rated 4.5/5