Playradioplay - Texas

*SEE BOTTOM FOR OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DANIEL HUNTER!!!!***

Band: Playradioplay!
Album: Texas
Genre: Poprock/Electronic
Label: Island

Tracks:
1. Loco Commotion
2. I'm A Pirate, You're A Princess
3. Some Crap About The Furniture
4. Madi Don't Leave
5. Without Gravity
6. See You Soon
7. I'm Afraid There's A Hole In My Brain
8. More of The Worst
9. My Attendance is Bad, But My Intentions are Good
10. Corner Office Boredom
11. Forgiveness, The Enviable Trait
12. Texas

The Myspace balloon has yet to burst even though many of the artists and "celebrities" produced from the site seem to have already hit the limelight and disappeared. One example of the opposite of this would be Daniel Hunter. The Texas native with a passion for electronic music has come from simple beginnings in the family garage to touring the country and recording on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Dan is the mastermind behind Playradioplay, the runaway Myspace sensation that caught the attention of Island Records through constant work, touring, and well, just being himself. He is a self proclaimed nerd and definitely someone we should all keep our eyes on.

Texas is the 2nd largest state [next to Alaska] with a wealth of tradition and a legacy of big sports teams and influential people. It's these thoughts I had in mind when I first saw that Dan had name Playradioplay's album, "Texas," and because of this, I had a big expectations. The album begins with, "Loco Commotion," a slow builder [like many songs on the album] that becomes a fast paced dance song. It screams for Friday night top 40 radio play and brings the listener into the world of Daniel Hunter. I know you're asking yourself, "Isn't there more to the band?" Well, when he is on tour, the answer is yes, but the sounds found on the album stem from his mind and his mind alone. "Texas," hosts a few previously released PRP! songs, but they've all undergone an extreme evolution. First, we find, "I'm A Pirate, You're a Princess," which has long been a fan favorite, though now seems to have finally achieved the sound Hunter was going for in the song's origin. It's a catchy piece that screams crowd participation. Hunter's vocals on this, as well as the majority of the album are like young Ben Gibbard [The Postal Service] with an airy twist. The lead single, "Madi Don't Leave," is found four tracks in and could be a huge success for Hunter. It's a love song about his longtime and still current girlfriend named Madi. She's an art school student in Texas, if you were wondering and can always be found in PRP's top friends on Myspace. It's all about running away and being together in their young love which is a perfect way to market the entire album and the fact that it's coming out so close to prom season only adds to possibility for this album to blow up. As the album moves along, your taken on a ride through the life and love of Hunter and how he's come to be where he is now, but even though that sounds serious, the entire album is quite fun. Some songs slow down, but with witty, albeit at times cheesy, lyrics and pop infused synth tones, you feel the album fits perfectly on a rainy day or outing with friends. "My Attendance is Bad, but My Intentions are good," which is found on the last half of the album may be the perfect choice for a second single due to a great beat and a chorus anyone who knows the title can sing along to. Hunter's favorite track however, is the more somber, "Forgiveness The Enviable Trait," which plays like a b-side to Death Cab for Cutie's "Plans," and really showcases the vocal capabilities as well as lyrical talent Hunter has developed over the years. This song leads us to the 59 second closer, "Texas," which is a simple song that leaves you wanting more, but alas, we've reached the end of Daniel Hunter's story.....thus far.

While Daniel Hunter may only be 18, he's come a long way musically. From humble beginnings he has risen through the ranks of the musical world seemingly overnight and is now set to be the next big thing on radio and in the hearts of everyone from pre-teens to adults. The songs may be simple, but they have a lot of heart and you can tell Hunter has worked hard to bring his best to the table. As far as continuing the legacy of big things in Texas, there's still room to grow, but if Daniel Hunter continues to work as hard as has been, I don't doubt he'll make it there someday.

GRADE: 8/10

MYSPACE

**On March 12th, I was given the opportunity to sit down with PRP mastermind Daniel Hunter on his stop in Lansing, MI.

Stream the interview: HERE
Download the interview: HERE