Edelweiss

Ah, youth. Kids are somehow older than their age these days. The internet can weather a mind right quick. Luckily, it keeps old fogies in their late 20’s young at heart…and anonymously secure. I could be 42. You. Just. Don’t. Know. So when I say that Pennsylvania quartet Edelweiss, is young – ages 15-17 – it shouldn’t mean much. A motivated tyke can learn guitar from YouTube if he sets his Sesame Street heart to it. But when you listen to the quality of their brand new single: “Icarus”, you should be surprised by how fluid the sounds flow, and how well right they throw homage to the likes of Foals or early Minus the Bear and Bloc Party. It’s all centered around tapping guitar rhythms and snappy bass underlay. You know you’re not an elitist when the kids (these days) can win your ears over. Neat stuff.

They have a new EP out July 12th, entitled Pre-Columbians. It was produced by Jeremy Sklarsky (Freelance Whales, Morning Benders) at Threshold Studios in New York. Jeez. Somebody knew somebody. Saunter on over to their Kickstarter page to pledge allegiance. - The Wounded Jukebox

If you’re into Phoenix and/or Arcade Fire, you might love Edelweiss’s “(NO)”. The song has the trippy, hollow feeling that Arcade Fire evoked when they won that Grammy for Album of the Year earlier this year (hmm). It’s definitely an interesting sound; almost otherworldly. You could picture a bunch of Cosby-sweater-clad hipsters sitting around in an undisclosed location listening to this. You can also picture five years from now, the boys of Edelweiss touring and revolutionizing the whole indie-pop genre.

This song is literally on repeat for me today, and their originality and ironic catchiness might reel you in, too. - Truth or Sarah

Music so often strives to capture that breathless, exciting, exhilarating and terrifying quality of being a teenager, but so rarely does it actually do so. On their self-released debut EP Pre-Columbians, Edelweiss do just that. It helps that the median age of the band members is sixteen, so they're really living in those mixed up teenage years we all miss but might not ever actually want to return to. It also helps that they're all really awesome musicians. They play big, sweeping pop-rock in the style of Bloc Party and Joy Division--still gritty and real but with hints of glam and bombast to glittery to ignore.

If the EP is any indication, we're going to see big things from these young men. Stay tuned. - Purevolume

It might seem unfathomable for a small known band from Stroudsburg, PA to raise over $2,800 with only two recorded tracks. The idea of a band comprised of teenagers making a mark throughout the East Coast is also a hard pill to swallow. However, Edelweiss are all this and more proving that you really can never doubt a hardworking band. With sophisticated pop sensibility rivaling that of bands like Two Door Cinema Club the quartet has proved that you CAN in fact gain a fan base and attention through their (NO) deluxe single comprised of “Fiasco” and title track “No”. Edelwiess has recently wrapped up recording their debut EP in New York City and thanks to their succesful Kickstarter Project hope to release it very soon in addition to touring throughout the East Coast. Be sure to keep an eye on them, they’re one of our favorites, and probably will become one of yours.

-Briana Boyd - Unsigned & Unleashed

Edelweiss are a four piece indie band from Pennsylvania, comprised of Tommy, Niko, Tony and Coby, and are set to release their debut EP ‘Pre-Columbians’ on September 13th. Think Foals style drumming and guitar riffs augmented with a noticeable 80s vibe, giving musical nods towards the likes of Joy Division and New Order. Edelweiss achieve a contemporary-yet-aged musical juxtaposition with these influences, producing their own diverse sound.After a New York meet up with the band’s two brothers, Coby and Niko, they divulged that Foals were in fact the reason that they became a band. 1965’s ‘The Sound of Music’ starring Julie Andrews however, was not, for they admit to having never seen the film and so is not the origin of the name for those wondering. Furthermore, they pronounce their name “Idle-veiss” which should provide further differentiation from the song in the musical.

The band’s feat is even more remarkable when you consider that the band is of school age with the youngest member, Coby, being fifteen. You shouldn’t be deterred by their youth; their sound is distinctive and fully fledged, most bands of this age would just be finding their feat. Furthermore, they are the true role models that the industry craves, for I couldn’t have met pleasanter people. I also commend them for their originality; it would have been easy for them to replicate the sound of Foals as most teenage fans would have done. Yet incredibly, the band has produced something new and quirky that I much prefer.

Having been listening to Pre-Columbians in its entirety for a few weeks now, I’ve really grown to love the tracks and they have found their way in to my day-to-day playlists alongside names such as Bloc Party, Two Door Cinema Club, Bombay Bicycle Club, Tokyo Police Club and the Strokes. They firmly compliment any library with similar tastes and rack up nicely against the big boys in the industry. More surprisingly however, they’ve found their way in to my Dad’s library alongside the Stone Roses, James and New Order.

This really practically demonstrated the wide age demographic to which this EP could potentially serve and the whole ‘old-new’ ambiance that they sport. Despite their American upbringing, it has a distinctly English sound, undoubtedly from their influences. It even manifests in them singing with a slight English accent. It’s reminiscent of how people mistake the Killers for being British. The EP encompasses five tracks, but how do they individually tally?

1. Icarus
Icarus (also the band’s second single) sets the standard high with a heavy beat and almost haunting vocals, yet it still retains an air of positivity. From the first track alone you can note the high quality of the production and a quality of lyrics rarely seen of new or young bands. The track hits the ground running and continues to deliver with quirky guitar melodies and a kind of fanfare affront every line of the chorus that works really well. The instrumental bridges also really work well.

2. A Sound From Pennsylvania
For me, A Sound From Pennsylvania is like a tamed version of You! Me! Dancing! by Los Campesinos. The fully instrumental track starts at a gentle pace and builds to something altogether more exciting and climactic. Coby envisages it being used in adverts, and I could most definitely see it being used to build tension towards a sporting montage or such on television. After the tension building plateaus, it has an almost metropolitan sound and sends images to my brain of those long exposure videos of car lights in a city centre. It also throws to mind a kind of chase and of footsteps gaining pace. The track adds texture to the EP and breaks it up nicely, given that the other tracks share more similarities. It’s the sore thumb that you’ll relish.

3. (NO)
Whilst the tracks all individually shine, (NO) is the true gem on the record. The lads had previously correctly identified it as the track to be their first single. It’s an upbeat track with clever melodic vocals, but what really stands out here are the instrumental segments and the chorus. There’s a beautiful guitar riff behind both, making it the catchiest of the set for me. Luckily, there’s a version of the track available for you to sample, have a listen below.

4. Witches & Vampires
Witches & Vampires is the true underdog of the record. It’s perhaps the most simplistic track on the EP, yet it is bold and defined. Its structure is more regular than the other tracks. But it works, with a fast paced intro and remaining pacey throughout, it’s one I expect to have the crowds dancing at gigs. It also pairs nicely with Icarus in terms of haunting vocals. My hat goes off to them for the ending also, it’s original and works fabulously. I’ll leave it for you to discover yourself.

5. Fiasco
Fiasco sounds a little more Two Door Cinema Club than the other tracks. It deviates from them enough to bring the EP to a gentler end. It was originally the B-Side to the (NO) single and you can see how the two pair well, as they both kind of have that indie-pop feel. Fiasco is another solid track with a memorable and catchy chorus. The close of this track seems to mimic the beating heart which the lyrics portray, a really fitting and satisfying end I found.

The EP’s roots themselves deserve a mention. Being unsigned the band had to fund the studio time and production themselves, but luckily were able to attain funding through internet donations from supporters. Having listened to a couple of tracks before the EP, I have to say I had high expectations. But none as high as what they have produced, I was blown away. I’d be astonished if they remained unsigned for much longer. They seem very suited to the likes of Kitsuné – so the pressure is on them! Considering that we are now ten years on from the Killers first being showcased to the world; we could easily have just discovered the Killers of the new decade. I wish the band luck and every success, for they are certainly promising. ‘Pre-Columbians’ will be available on CD and digital download from September 13th. (Joe) - Svana Paper

When I hear Edelweiss is comprised entirely of kids between the ages of 15 and 17, I’m a little shocked. Although at first that might seem off putting, after just seconds of listening to their debut EP “Pre-Columbians” you’ll swear you’re listening to 80’s clones with their incredible indie rock, New Order 80’s vibe. For such a young band, they have an incredibly mature sound, which matches and in several cases exceeds the likes of several bands who are well into their careers.

With a sound reminiscent of what I imagine the Flock of Seagulls to have sounded like had they become more main-stream, Edelweiss delivers smooth, transient instrumentals and melancholy, haunting vocals.

“A Sound From Pennsylvania” is particularly captivating, as it is entirely instrumental and offers a very tranquil opening-though it soon gives way to more upbeat melodies with enough continuity to keep the song familiar, yet enough musical obscurity to keep the listener engaged.

The album is one I would expect to hear in an indie dance club, or perhaps penetrating through the walls of college dorms or even playing through the speakers of Joe Businessman’s car on a Friday afternoon. In short, although the target audience seems to be a younger crowd, I believe that Edelweiss is able to capture the attention of all ages through their use of danceable yet nostalgic beats.

With traces of Duran Duran, and even The Cure, it’s easy to see why Edelweiss is already making waves.

Make sure to check out their EP “Pre-Columbians” which comes out September 13th. - Infectious Magazine

Watching the band Edelweiss perform felt like sitting in a high school cafeteria, witnessing the utter and glorious transformation of the school’s music nerds into one of the coolest indie-rock bands around. As a former (and secretly current) music nerd myself, the pride and nostalgia brought about by these budding indie-rockers made the show that much better. That being said, for a bunch of kids in their early teens, and really by any musical standards, Edelweiss is an incredibly tight band.

The frontman, Tommy Vitale, is as engaging visually as he is musically; at the show his ensemble included pink nail polish, a dream-catcher attached to his bass, and a hairstyle that was popular well before any of the band members were born. The performance was impressive, with few reminders of the band’s youth besides the drummer’s braces and the lack of beer on stage. I can only imagine the possibilities for a band playing at this level at such a young age. - Buzzchips

If this was KROQ circa 1982, Edelweiss would be making their zillions within the company of luminaries such as The Police and The Cure. Seeing that terrific indie pop music is always timeless and appreciated, here in 2011 Edelweiss from Stroudsburg, PA is sure to find a thoroughly rapid fan following. Unsigned for now, but don’t expect that status to linger for too long. The five songs heard on their new EP Pre-Columbians are wildly infectious and will be dancing around in your head long after the disc spins to its conclusion.

The Pre-Columbians EP starts out with the cool pop rockin’ sounds of Icarus, melodic, atmospheric and even danceable. One could imagine this one being remixed into a 12-inch extended version. A Sound From Pennsylvania is a wondrous instrumental cut starting out as a gentle reverie before sweeping the listener off their feet with its stunning beats and dazzling guitar work.

(No) is a standout track, with its swirling musical interludes and classic vocal meanderings – this song could have been recorded by The Police back in their heyday. Witches and Vampires is a sweet guilty pleasure that you’ll want to gleefully sing along with each and every time the song invades your musical space. And the final track Fiasco closes out the proceedings with its playful guitars interweaving through the cosmic tunage like a perfect dream.

Did I mention that the average age is this band is 16? You would never know it judging by the memorable songs and highly resourceful musicianship of all involved. Produced with ace precision by Jeremy Sklarsky (Freelance Whales, Teenage Fanclub), Pre-Columbians by Edelweiss is a magical debut from a young act with a decidedly rosy future ahead of them. If they are this proficient now, just imagine what the band will achieve on subsequent recordings!

Edelweiss is Thomas Vitale on vocals and bass, Niko Porlier on vocals and guitar, Tony Young on guitar, and Coby Porlier on drums.

(Review by Kenneth Morton) - Highwire Daze

More from Lauren for you. Here’s a recommendation of some up-and comers from PA way.

A four piece all teenage Indie band from Pennsylvania don’t necessarily sound like something you’d want to listen to. So when you find out they’re called Edelweiss, you’re about as deflated as you can get. Well, we’re here to tell you not to judge a band by its bio; because this unsigned act are about to release their EP, “Pre-Columbians” in September and then you’ll regret not heeding our warnings.

Produced by Jeremy Sklarsky (Teenage Fanclub) the band have already started making a name for themselves on the New York club scene and have played to crowds of 16,000. For a band whose average age is 16, you’ve got to admit they aren’t doing too bad. The hype you might be thinking is merely that, but for once the scenesters are on the ball as Edelweiss throw together the sharp angularities of Foals with the gleaming melodies of Minus the Bear. This is Indie for the dance generation.

“Icarus” builds and releases layers of repetitive percussion, sanitary guitars, and soaring vocals by Niko Porlier whose 17-year-old voice awkwardly oozes pubescent distractions. “(No)” is much more subtle in its strengths and much more potent in its desire to be considered amongst the ‘intellectual’ bands. On the barely three minute track you begin to understand that this band genuinely love experimental fun as the band members shout in unison, “and I said No”. It’s short, sharp, and sweet and shows the group for what they truly are; a tightly controlled machine. Edelweiss are organised and clearly know what they’re doing as each track aims simultaneously for sensory deprivation and sensory overload from your brain, to your heart, to your feet. Bloc Party only wished they were this good.

Edelweiss have captured the synthetic sound of an age where past, present, and future are no longer any different. The genre-less digitised Shoegaze of ‘Fiasco’ is brimming with energy, it’s the haunting sound of transient states and it’s probably what the void at the end of the world should sound like.

A truly young band that deserve your attention Edelweiss have cracked the formula for the problem we haven’t even invented yet. - Musicovered

This is still kinda blowing me away, but let me first off dispel any thoughts you might be having of yodeling from the Swiss alps or lists of some of my favourite things.

I was just heading to bed (it’s 3:29am on a Monday morning) and I checked out the last couple of emails I had unread and there sat an email about this band Edelweiss. Without reading anything about the band I just clicked on the Bandcamp page and started listening. What I heard was like a cross between The Virgins, These New Puritans, and Foals; atmospheric and electronic, choruses sung by multiple voices adding texture to the sparse and frigid guitars echoing around the room, and a rhythm and beat that’s reminiscent of each of the above bands.

Oh, I forgot to mention the part that’s blowing me away. These guys are all aged between 14 and 17. Yeah, 14 and 17. Yup. 14 and 17. Between the ages of 14 and 17 I was growing a shitty beard, playing football (proper football, not the American shite), and learning how to drink irresponsibly. Maybe that’s why I’m resigned to being a facetious donkey-nozzle online (but at least I’m good at it). Anyway, it’s not that they’re so young and so good that’s taken me by surprise, but that they sound nothing like young teenagers and more like a band who’ve been playing together for years.

What are they gonna sound like ten years from now when they’ve been recording and touring for years and are just getting outta rehab (hopefully like The Libertines meets LCD Soundsystem)? The four-piece from Stroudsburg, PA (PA repreSENT!) just released their debut single (produced by Jeremy Sklarsky who’s worked with Freelance Whales, Teenage Fanclub, and The Morning Benders) and below you can hear both songs from said single.

They’re currently unsigned and I don’t see that lasting much longer, but if you wanna help them out then spend the $2 and download both of these tracks from their Bandcamp page. Enjoy! - Listen Before You Buy

So I just learned about Edelweiss. Twice. Apparently it’s a European flower prominently featured in The Sound Of Music. Luckily, Edelweiss is also a band, specifically the one behind this whirling dervish of dance-pop. Ranging from 14 to 17 years old, these guys were recently let out of the house long enough to record the “(No)” maxi-single with producer Jeremy Sklarsky (Freelance Whales’ debut). Thank goodness for liberal curfews because this is just the kind of jam to warm the blood on these brisk winter days. Crank the volume and get angular! Pick up “(No)” and the nicely complimentary b-side “Fiasco” for 2 bucks at their Bandcamp for more portable warmth. - The Burning Ear

Whenever conversation turns to the youth of today, I’m never shy about sharing my opinion that their obsession with gaming, coupled with their insatiable craving for Doritos and Mountain Dew Game Fuel, has created the perfect storm for creating a generation of human veal. Trust me, it’s not fun hanging out with me.

Regardless, Edelweiss is a new band of fresh-faced youngsters (the youngest is 14, the oldest, 17) that just may force me to change my tune, or at very least add an Edelweiss clause. The band recently recorded two songs with producer Jeremy Sklarsky (Freelance Whales, Teenage Fanclub, The Morning Benders) and their dense danceable pop will certainly find favor with fans of Editors, Interpol or White Lies, as well as many of their female classmates as soon as they get to a small private liberal arts university in the northeast and discover Sylvia Plath. - My Old Kentucky Blog

Edelweiss
Pre-Columbians
[Self Released]

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of speaking with Niko Porlier, the 17-year-old guitarist (and oldest member) of Pennsylvania-based Edelweiss. Since we talked, the debut album from the quartet has been in heavy rotation.

In today’s music landscape, there are plenty of bands. Bands that are imitating other bands, ripping off styles, and it’s becoming more and more difficult to keep up and follow bands that are truly original. Edelweiss unfortunately, isn’t original. The influence from UK bands The Wombats, Arctic Monkeys, and Bloc Party is easily heard in this 5-song debut from these teenagers.

Thankfully for them, I’m not a fan of any of those bands. And while that may sound like an insult, it’s not at all. Pre-Columbians has stayed in my rotation for many reasons, none of which has to do with their personal music influencers. Their beats remind me of an early Panic! At the Disco. The vocals aren’t as front facing as a lot of bands that have a typical egotistical lead singer, and their guitar licks are as slick and catchy as Phoenix’s from Wolfgang Amadeus.

Since the members of the band are all under 18, this is an impressive debut, and an EP that will turn the heads of music aficionados all over. - The Owl Mag

We hate to latch on to the incredibly young age of the Stroudsberg, PA-based quartet Edelweiss (because, really, the fact that they are from Stroudsberg is almost as unlikely), because that is usually the sort of thing we'd argue does not matter. But the band's new EP Pre-Columbians is remarkably accomplished, so the fact its members' average age -- average -- is 16 is kind of mind-blowing. Perhaps moreso because Edelweiss traffics in '80s-tinged, UK-styled guitar pop, a sound and era that it is mathematically impossible for guitarist Niko Porlier, drummer Coby Porlier, bassist Tommy Vitale and guitarist Tony Young to have experienced firsthand. So we hate to latch on to it, but there, we did it. These guys are young, and their music is great (albeit not overly original). Pre-Columbians presents songs that sound as if they draw from greats such as Bloc Party and The House Of Love. The song "(No)" is its most potent calling card, an uptempo toe-tapper appointed with cascading and noodly guitar leads and shouty backing vocals that sounds capable of starting a sensation for the quartet. Hit the stream below to hear for yourself. Pre-Columbians was self-released Sept. 13 and you can buy it from Edelweiss at its Bandcamp page right here. The upstart act has a handful of gigs lined up into the fall, check them out below. - Clicky Clicky Music