Smile Radio

Paul and Jimmy are the best Duo Orange County, CA has seen in the last decade. Their songs are fresh, fun, and catchy as hell. Paul spent the good part of a year recording their new release, Yes, Fantastic, by himself in a number of studios. He planned on Smile Radio being a one man show, however, all changed when he met Jimmy Tran. Jimmy has been in a number of bands as a percussionist extraordinaire, and studio drummer. They've both toured extensively with other groups, but with their powers combined, they are what we now know as Smile Radio.

Seeing them at a live show is a must, as they have the same number of amps and keyboards as a six member group, but remain a duo. Paul sings while alternating between guitars, keyboards, and sampling his own voice, almost like a DJ, but not. While Paul plays keyboards, signals are sent to his amps to give the same loud feel we all love about live shows. When he plays guitar, the same can be said for the "second" guitarist and "keyboardist." Jimmy heads up all things percussion adding a unique twist to indie pop rock, which can be attributed to his extensive Jazz background. What they're doing, and how they're doing it, is worth seeing. You're bound to leave a show with a song or two stuck in your head and a CD in your hand (or a LP if records are your sort of thing).

The two are taking Southern California by storm, and are ready to share their music with the rest of the US. They 're hitting the road in May, so check their website, www.smileradiomusic.com, regularly to see what new dates they post around the country. Signing up for their email mailing list is a good idea, as they've already released two tracks to their subscribers.

Oh, and the new record, Yes, Fantastic, is indeed, freaking fantastic. You have to pick one up. Smile Radio has yet to disappoint.