Introducing Streets Of Rage

It is beyond appropriate that my first blog post be about a band that is not only like my family, but a band that I admire for their hard work, determination, and complete love for their fans. Their EP "The Things We Think And Do Not Say" was highly anticipated... to say the least. Before it was even released [September 1, 2007] they had a cult following that began on MySpace, and grew weekly with hundreds of teenagers adding themselves as online friends and spreading the word about "SOR." Even I could not wait to see the finished product from these five talented guys.

Streets of Rage, which was originally started by Addison Kowalski, Brandon Bonfiglio, and Dan Kinsner, has quickly become one of the most watched bands to emerge out of Southern California. Their sound - a brilliant blend of electronic pop rock reflects New Found Glory, NSync, and of course, Hellogoodbye. Each song on their six song EP gratifies every inch of the ear with a perfect mix of heartfelt lyrics and vocals with thick guitar and dance beats. The album, and these five gentlemen are infectious, and the buzz around these boys is continuing to grow in leaps and bounds.

Back to the music - My two favorite tracks from the EP: "Thumbs Up" and "Me To Offer" are guaranteed to become anthems for every high schooler and college kid in the US. In "Me To Offer" Kowalski sings in the chorus "I'm not part of the in crowd I don't wear tight jeans or band shirts I'm just the boy who sits next to you on the bus" making every kid who may not be "cool" suddenly feel like they don't have to be part of the in crowd. The lyrics even get a little risque in "Thumbs Up" saying "thumbs up to zippers down I want to see your clothes on the floor" and "we're touching behind locked doors I never thought she could be so sexy." The lyrics are just edgy enough to make parents squirm, and have teenagers chanting along at live shows.

Streets of Rage sold out their first show ever at the famed Glasshouse in Pomona on September 1, 2007 – and they are proving to be an unstoppable force. Their second show on November 17th, in which they will be opening for Teddy Geiger at The Glasshouse is already projecting to sell out. Their EP is quickly turning into a cult classic and it is now ready to be exposed to the world.

I give this album five stars - and I am always looking forward to what new material these guys have up their sleeves. I have a feeling that they may have some surprises in store for fans for their next show - and I will definitely be covering the progress in their success in this crazy industry.