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From the start, it’s easy to tell that the four members of the Awkward Romance are heavily influenced by bands like Jimmy Eat World and the All-American Rejects. With a sound rich with vocal layering and harmonies, it’s no wonder this band boasts over 7,000 albums sold to date along with several invitations to play nationally with the Vans Warped Tour. The band’s EP, Audio Bio, has a sound best described as emotional pop-punk — so much so that one might gather this band’s roots were grounded in Gainesville, FL instead of Conyers, GA.
Although the Awkward Romance’s lyrics are neither poetic nor profound, they are, if anything, extremely marketable. Lyrics like “Because my beliefs are only as strong as my doubts” and “What is a dream but a blueprint for courageous action?” would do well in a merchandising sense. Perhaps that’s exactly what these guys are up to. Perhaps they know that lyrics like these often sell albums.
The Awkward Romance has only been around for two and a half years but sounds far more mature for what some might call lack of experience. Perhaps it’s the band’s drive or its need to belt out tunes with such emotional intensity that makes the sound so believable. The EP is chock full of vocal effects only to be enhanced by the chanting of catchy lyrics.
In fact, the album ends with an almost sing-along (or chant-along) of the words “Wish champagne wishes, dream caviar dreams.” It seems that’s exactly what these guys are doing. They might be onto something. (Day Job Records)
www.theawkwardromance.com
- Performer Magazine
The thing that surprises me most about this band is the fact that they aren’t signed yet. While possessing all the elements that make up your typical rock/punk/pop band, The Awkward Romance seems to be separating itself from the rest of clichéd pack. Their second E.P., Audio Bio, is definitely a step in the right direction for the band, hailing from Conyers, Georgia.
Starting out with “Revel Without A Cause”, The Awkward Romance do not waste anytime showcasing their talent for songwriting and unique shifts in song progression. The track to track transition is also something that more bands should attempt. They end each song hanging on a “thought”, then the next song transitions from one “thought” to another. There is almost no pause between tracks, and although sometimes this can make an album “run together”, The Awkward Romance once again flaunt their ability to do things that the veteran “bigger” bands are doing. The final track, “For Now, I Think I’ll Go Plagarize The Sky”, brings the E.P. to a perfect close. The drumming is tight, the vocalist is right on key, and the production is smooth. For an unsigned band, they have everything going for them with this E.P.
Although Audio Bio contains only six tracks, don’t let the small track count deceive you. After a full listen, it’s easy to mistake this for a full-length. So much passion, effort, and talent is put into this E.P.; I find it hard to take it off of repeat. The only downside is now we have to wait for more. One last thing: Someone needs to sign this band.
- AbsolutePunk
Capturing the live energy of the band a bit more than their previous outing was what these guys were attempting to do here and I think they accomplished that and then some. Catchy pop punk is what they’re selling and business is good. “This Hurts Me More Than It Hurts You” is a summer radio hit if ever I heard one. “Wake Up, Wonder Twins” rocks a little harder and has a bit rawer sound but is just as full of hooks. “…Like Hypochondriacs Need Placebos” gets my vote for its title alone. Lots of good music here that the little girls would understand. - Ear Candy Magazine
A vast improvement over their first release, Covington. Gone are the generic riffs and dead notes; replaced with improved song structure, depth of melody, and a vocalist that’s grown into his voice. Georgia has spawned some good ones over the past couple of years. Look for The Awkward Romance to soon follow Cartel and A Small Victory out of the Peach State and into scene stardom. - UpBeetMusic.com
Discography
Covington (2004)
To Breathe is to Compromise EP (2005)
(had 2 tracks that were released and recieved internet and radio play, including Atlanta's 99x)
AudioBio EP (2006)
(also had 2 tracks that were released and recieved internet and radio play)
A 3 song foray into the dangers of pop
(had 2 songs played on local radio & internet)
Photos
Bio
The Awkward Romance have averaged 150 shows per year over the past three years. They have been selected to play Van's Warped Tour, have won over 15 battles of bands throughout the southeast (and placed second in a few), and have also played at Cornerstone Festival.
They have had almost 300,000 plays on myspace and over 250,000 on purevolume. They have experienced some success in local radio stations and on several internet stations.
They have released 3 eps, and recently recorded with Matt Goldman (Underoath, Copeland, Cartel) They are about to record a new full-length with Matt Goldman, and have written over 20 songs in anticipation of the record.
At the moment, they are unsigned, but that might change in the near future.
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