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Coming from a genre that I'm not too familiar with and don't pay a lot of attention to, The Spirit Of '76 has managed to completely hook me from my first listen. Raw, positive emotion is what made me fall in love with All Talk, the bands first actual release. This EP has completely met and exceeded all my expectations, and here's why.
The Spirit Of 76' rocks a synth-pop sound that's similar to that of Bloc Party or Hot Hot Heat. Interestingly enough, the band also spreads the groove and rock of the 70s across all of their songs, and it works. The drums are poppy and steady, the guitars are catchy and smooth, and the strong rhythm section will make listeners want to get up and dance. The vocals are emotional and powerful, and, overall, provide the majority of the record's emotional personality. The Spirit Of 76' really proves that energy can be a band's best friend. Throughout the whole EP, the band never gives up, keeping listeners involved and attuned to the music. I've got to give the Spirit of '76 even more brownie points because All Talk is one of the most original collections of songs I've heard in a while. The mood of the music makes the listener sway back and forth in their chair, chanting along to its lyrics. Plus, "We Don't Have To" is easily the effort's standout song; it's "dance" the way Bloc Party is "dance" and proves to be the biggest hit.
This is another one of those bands whose early work could get them signed with Vagrant Records, spots on MTV2, and huge tours; the music is so fucking focused and intensely fun to listen to that it wouldn't be a bad thing. I highly recommend The Spirit Of 76' if you are into any type of dance/pop/rock that gets you grooving. Yeah, I said grooving. So what? - Geekburger.com
Discography
All Talk Ep (2007)
The Jason Martin Sessions (2008 Online only)
Self-Titled Full Length (Jan 2009)
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Bio
Although the name, for some, may conjure up images of discos and bell-bottoms, The Spirit of ’76 is all rock n’ roll. In Mid 2005, coming off of the end of a previous band, Douglas(Vocals), Ryan(Guitar), Nathan(Drums) and Travis(Bass) began experimenting with a new sound. With Ryan bringing to the table, raw, brash guitar riffs, Travis and Nathan were able to fill in the rhythm with smooth moving bass lines and solid beats with a dancy flair. Doug’s classic rock voice and catchy, finger snapping melodies, with a little added Rhodes Piano were the perfect finishing touches.
After a few shows and a handful of songs, drummer Nathan Decided to leave the band to study abroad. By the summer of 2006 they had found a replacement and were ready to go in the studio. Later in the fall they emerged with their debut recording. An Ep entitled All Talk. The recording was released locally in the Minneapolis area and sold over 400 copies the first weekend it came out in mid November.
Since then The Spirit of ’76 has been playing all over the Minneapolis metro area playing venues like the Triple Rock Social Club, Varsity Theatre, Fine Line Music Cafe and more. They’ve opened for such national acts as The Oranges Band, As Cities Burn, Joy Electric, Frog Eyes and others.
In March of 2007 the band traveled to California to work on a couple tracks with producer Jason Martin. (Starflyer 59, Cold War Kids, Page France) These tracks remain unreleased but the band continues to record has plans to release a full length this coming January.
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