Music
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"Manufacto" 7" Single b/w "No One You'd Know"
The b-side is bettr than the a. "No One You'd Know" is all power pop with a smidgen of late '70s punk. The boy/girl vocals on this song alone outshine the old school, mid-'90s punk of "Manufacto." It's nice that they have two sides to their music, but I'd stick with side B, guys. - The Big Takeover
"Manufacto" 7" Single b/w "No One You'd Know"
The b-side is bettr than the a. "No One You'd Know" is all power pop with a smidgen of late '70s punk. The boy/girl vocals on this song alone outshine the old school, mid-'90s punk of "Manufacto." It's nice that they have two sides to their music, but I'd stick with side B, guys. - The Big Takeover
Minimum R&B
SERVICE GROUP
3 1/2 stars (out of 4)
reviewed by compgeekgirl
Imagine an incredibly radio friendly sound that comes across with a sound that seems to incorporate elements from numerous long time favorites and more "right now" music leaders. Think a bit of REM and the Smithereens mixed with just a bit of the lounge campiness of Lit. Throw in just a bit of Teenage Fanclub flair and drama, some Elvis Costello style smarts and just a bit of 50's rock influence and you've got a really fun and eclectic listen.
Radio friendly? Yet is is. But it's not overdone. It's got it's own unique vibe and appeal in and above it's radio friendly factor, ensuring it will appeal to both casual listeners (the type who change the radio station whenever they leave a broadcast area) and the indie enthusiast who never listens to mainstream radio, rather relying on a CD collection for drive time and relaxation listening.
While this disc has retro elements, "na na na na na" choruses and early rock riffs ("Manufacto"), it also has a modern edge, with it's bit of jangle and minimalist, but still crisp production.
The vocals are boyish and charming, fitting in perfectly with the whimsical music, which is at times soft and simple, and at others fast paced and frivolous, but always fun.
Favorite Tracks:
#4 | Good Mourning (Take It Like A Mantra)
#5 | Manufacto
#7 | Nikki's Gone - southofmainstream.com
Minimum R&B
SERVICE GROUP
3 1/2 stars (out of 4)
reviewed by compgeekgirl
Imagine an incredibly radio friendly sound that comes across with a sound that seems to incorporate elements from numerous long time favorites and more "right now" music leaders. Think a bit of REM and the Smithereens mixed with just a bit of the lounge campiness of Lit. Throw in just a bit of Teenage Fanclub flair and drama, some Elvis Costello style smarts and just a bit of 50's rock influence and you've got a really fun and eclectic listen.
Radio friendly? Yet is is. But it's not overdone. It's got it's own unique vibe and appeal in and above it's radio friendly factor, ensuring it will appeal to both casual listeners (the type who change the radio station whenever they leave a broadcast area) and the indie enthusiast who never listens to mainstream radio, rather relying on a CD collection for drive time and relaxation listening.
While this disc has retro elements, "na na na na na" choruses and early rock riffs ("Manufacto"), it also has a modern edge, with it's bit of jangle and minimalist, but still crisp production.
The vocals are boyish and charming, fitting in perfectly with the whimsical music, which is at times soft and simple, and at others fast paced and frivolous, but always fun.
Favorite Tracks:
#4 | Good Mourning (Take It Like A Mantra)
#5 | Manufacto
#7 | Nikki's Gone - southofmainstream.com
http://www.adequacy.net/reviews/s/servicegroup.shtml
Service Group
Minimum R&B
Squid Vs. Whale Records
File Under:
Mod pop
RIYL:
Teenage Fanclub, Supergrass, The Who, Apples in Stereo
Service Group is a great new band that does one thing really well: genu-wine power-pop with great rock hooks. It’s funny, because while Minimum R&B is a fantastic and totally enjoyable album, releasing a record like this in today’s metal- and hip-hop-centered culture is complete commercial suicide. It’s like the band is admitting, right up front, that it doesn’t care about selling a bunch of records or doing arena tours or having groupies.
Which means that either Service Group really loves the music, or that these musicians have a fear of success. I think that we can rule out the fear of success thing, though, because half the band comes from more established and fairly popular bands such as Big in Japan (Todd Smailes, guitar), Ozma (Ryen Slegr, keyboards), and Crushstory (Kirklyn Cox, drums), and Service Group’s main songwriter and creative force, Dylan Hay-Chapman, is/was a (crew)member of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer (show). Songwriter/bass player Kevin Whitman rounds things off for this outfit of power-pop disciples.
From the beginning to the end of this album there are tons of great rock moments within each catchy, sublime, and intoxicating song. “Dream vs. Dreamer” starts things off with a perfect pop beat, crunchy guitar, and splashy samples. It’s followed by "C.M.E.M. (Complicated Man Eating Machine)." This song has one of the sunniest guitar hooks ever played on it, and beautiful harmonies that soar through the verses, bridge, and chorus. “Good Mourning” and “Manufacto” rock, too.
This is a great debut album, and it's awesome to hear new bands flying the power-pop flag. Each song has great lyricism, hooks, and guitars on its side. While there’s not much of a chance this will turn up on MTV or your local mega-radio station, it’s still worth seeking out and hearing.
- Ryan C., 9/29/03 - Delusions of Adequacy
http://www.adequacy.net/reviews/s/servicegroup.shtml
Service Group
Minimum R&B
Squid Vs. Whale Records
File Under:
Mod pop
RIYL:
Teenage Fanclub, Supergrass, The Who, Apples in Stereo
Service Group is a great new band that does one thing really well: genu-wine power-pop with great rock hooks. It’s funny, because while Minimum R&B is a fantastic and totally enjoyable album, releasing a record like this in today’s metal- and hip-hop-centered culture is complete commercial suicide. It’s like the band is admitting, right up front, that it doesn’t care about selling a bunch of records or doing arena tours or having groupies.
Which means that either Service Group really loves the music, or that these musicians have a fear of success. I think that we can rule out the fear of success thing, though, because half the band comes from more established and fairly popular bands such as Big in Japan (Todd Smailes, guitar), Ozma (Ryen Slegr, keyboards), and Crushstory (Kirklyn Cox, drums), and Service Group’s main songwriter and creative force, Dylan Hay-Chapman, is/was a (crew)member of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer (show). Songwriter/bass player Kevin Whitman rounds things off for this outfit of power-pop disciples.
From the beginning to the end of this album there are tons of great rock moments within each catchy, sublime, and intoxicating song. “Dream vs. Dreamer” starts things off with a perfect pop beat, crunchy guitar, and splashy samples. It’s followed by "C.M.E.M. (Complicated Man Eating Machine)." This song has one of the sunniest guitar hooks ever played on it, and beautiful harmonies that soar through the verses, bridge, and chorus. “Good Mourning” and “Manufacto” rock, too.
This is a great debut album, and it's awesome to hear new bands flying the power-pop flag. Each song has great lyricism, hooks, and guitars on its side. While there’s not much of a chance this will turn up on MTV or your local mega-radio station, it’s still worth seeking out and hearing.
- Ryan C., 9/29/03 - Delusions of Adequacy
Service Group
"Minimum R&B" CD/LP
Snappy tunes, played by clever young men. On the poppier side of indie rock, with a slight retro bend to it. Catchy and fun and easily recommended for fans of such. (JC)
(Squid Versus Whale/ PO Box 11252/ Portland, OR 97211) - AMP Magazine
Service Group
"Minimum R&B" CD/LP
Snappy tunes, played by clever young men. On the poppier side of indie rock, with a slight retro bend to it. Catchy and fun and easily recommended for fans of such. (JC)
(Squid Versus Whale/ PO Box 11252/ Portland, OR 97211) - AMP Magazine
"Manufacto" 7"
Jangly guitar-pop mania hat's total fun for your ears. It's got the Supergrass influence that makes you shake your bootay. (AA) - Punk Planet
"Manufacto" 7"
Jangly guitar-pop mania hat's total fun for your ears. It's got the Supergrass influence that makes you shake your bootay. (AA) - Punk Planet
http://smashintransistors.homestead.com/alwaysdusk.html
SERVICE GROUP "Minimum R&B" (Squid vs Whale CD) I just don’t think my music collection is broad enough to categorize these guys. I’m lost for a description, fumbling for words. Hell I’ll try this... House Martins, Dag Nasty, Beatles with some Johnny Marr thrown in for shits and giggles. Kinda reminds me of those 80's valley girls, watchin’ thier heads go back and forth while they twirled their gum around a finger. And I mean this as a good thing. (Squid vs. Whale)-bb - smashintransistors.homestead.com
http://smashintransistors.homestead.com/alwaysdusk.html
SERVICE GROUP "Minimum R&B" (Squid vs Whale CD) I just don’t think my music collection is broad enough to categorize these guys. I’m lost for a description, fumbling for words. Hell I’ll try this... House Martins, Dag Nasty, Beatles with some Johnny Marr thrown in for shits and giggles. Kinda reminds me of those 80's valley girls, watchin’ thier heads go back and forth while they twirled their gum around a finger. And I mean this as a good thing. (Squid vs. Whale)-bb - smashintransistors.homestead.com
Service Group - "Minimum R&B" CD 9/35:49
Most members of Service Group hail from more established and fairly popular bands such as Big in Japan (Todd Smailes, guitar), Ozma (Ryen Slegr, keyboards), and Crushstory (Kirklyn Cox, drums). That isn't all, I'm almost afraid to tell my friend that Dylan Hay-Chapman, (a cast member of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is the principal songwriter of the Service Group. It will just feed his fascination with the brilliance of that show. In any case, the experience of these band members is apparent all over the place in the great melodies, with sunny guitar and fun samples and hooks all over the place. It's power-pop love. Pam
@ www.squidvswhale.com - http://www.shreddingradio.com/rev-s.html
Service Group - "Minimum R&B" CD 9/35:49
Most members of Service Group hail from more established and fairly popular bands such as Big in Japan (Todd Smailes, guitar), Ozma (Ryen Slegr, keyboards), and Crushstory (Kirklyn Cox, drums). That isn't all, I'm almost afraid to tell my friend that Dylan Hay-Chapman, (a cast member of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is the principal songwriter of the Service Group. It will just feed his fascination with the brilliance of that show. In any case, the experience of these band members is apparent all over the place in the great melodies, with sunny guitar and fun samples and hooks all over the place. It's power-pop love. Pam
@ www.squidvswhale.com - http://www.shreddingradio.com/rev-s.html
Tim Bornemann, AAM, June 12, 2003
[Service Group]... have simply crafted one of my favorite pop records of the year so far. - aampromo.com
Tim Bornemann, AAM, June 12, 2003
[Service Group]... have simply crafted one of my favorite pop records of the year so far. - aampromo.com
Discography
Manufacto 7inch single (2002)
Minimum R&B - LP & CD (2003)
"Seaside" and "Trusty Ground" from Minimum R&B have been featured on the Nickelodeon show "Zoey 101." "Seaside," "Trusty Ground," "C.M.E.M.," and "Manufacto" are still in rotation on XM's Channel 43 since their release.
Photos
Bio
After a four-year hiatus, Service Group is back in action with the upcoming release of their second full-length album, Principals of Electronic Circuitry—as much of a pop-rock masterpiece as their first. The Southern California quartet, whose inspiration comes primarily from 60’s and 70’s rock, mod and punk, creates a sound that is like sugar to the ears. The surf-rock guitar riffs, smooth harmonization and cheerful beat make it the perfect soundtrack for a summertime beach party, but the refreshing melodies and surprising tempo changes keep it from sounding like just another stale Beach Boys throwback. Service Group hits the nail on the head when it comes to balancing the music of the past with that of the future, producing a cool, retro vibe that still feels vivacious, fun and completely unpretentious.
Service Group was formed with a love for 1960s and 1970s pop- plus the '77 punk and the mod revival- and found themselves to be a hefty meatgrinder of a band; taking all of those influences in one side and then finally churning out new and tasty offerings for the contemporary palate. Like rock sausage with an old family recipe. They aren't out to "change the course of modern music" or "take over the world," but they wouldn't mind if everyone thought they helped to make it a better sounding place.
Service Group is that small pack of nice, jocular fellows you saw last night at the dimmest table of your favorite noisy bar, and now you sit there the next morning and wish to goodness that you had approached them. Actually, that's pretty much how they started in 2001. Often likened to XTC, Squeeze, Guided by Voices, and Supergrass. They hope you'll bring a bunch of friends to the next show. Service Group has opened for The Apples In Stereo, Dressy Bessy, The Deathray Davies, The French Kicks, Ozma, The Hot IQs, Dios Malos, Big In Japan, Ben Vaughn, and AM Radio. Their debut album, "Minimum R&B," hit #153 on CMJ's charts in the middle of the summer, making nearly a dozen Top 10 lists and over 20 Top 30 lists at college radio stations across the United States and Canada.
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