TRANSMISSION PARTY

Given the up-and-coming nature of TJ Byrnes´s solo project, Transmission Party, I decided to begin this post with a little background info. Just so we´re all in the same channel.

TJ Byrnes, 21, is the sole member of the band, he writes, re-cords, produces and mixes everything himself in his home studio in upstate New York.

TRANSMISSION PARTY originally started as a 3-piece post-punk band under the moniker ‘Blank Generation’. TJ disbanded the group in his senior year of high school and began to write and record on his own. In the winter of 2009, TJ began recording with veteran indie group Joy Zipper. After recording sessions fizzled, TJ returned home and began working under the name TRANSMISSION PARTY.

Let´s talk about ´11 (EP) now, and the first thing I´d like to do is congratulate TJ for a great production effort. Listening to this EP made me realize that nowadays a big record label is not as important as it used to be. I can tell ´11 has a lot of effort and love in it which, by the end of the day, are very important ingredients to a good album.

On the music, my favorite track was Boredom, lyrics are great, arrangements throughout the track are very good and the effects on the bridge are awesome. Keeping a safe distance, this track does sound a little “beatle-esque”.

(You´re my) Lighthouse has a very catchy chorus, I first listened to it while walking home and by the second chorus I was already singing to it. But what I really liked about this track was the bass line, simple, yet perfectly seamed with the track groove.

I liked the story behind the lyrics in track #3, Don’t You Worry ‘Bout Me. Overall this is a very dynamic song and has a very happy feeling, vocals really stand out on this one.

The one thing I disliked on this song is the (flanger?) effect on the vocals just before the chorus, I found it to be just a little too much.

At last, my least favorite track on the EP, Right Left Good Bad. Being completely honest, it´s monotonous, which makes it kinda boring. In my opinion this shouldn’t be the opening track of the album. I would have chosen Don’t You Worry ‘Bout Me, I think it shows a bigger picture of what Transmission Party can achieve.

Maybe it´s just me, but I find opening tracks to be key elements to define the attention and opinion the listener is going to have on the album.

I wish the best of luck to TJ and Transmission Party, and I´m looking forward for a full LP album soon, I´m not a very big fan of pop music but this EP certainly left me wanting more.

Get to know Transmission Party !! - http://giant-crane-reviews.tumblr.com/

When I first listened to Transmission Party, it felt like I was listening to the soundtrack to “Across the Universe.” The EP has the trippy vibe that the Beatles conveyed back in the 1960s, but with a more modern and technologically-advanced polish. And that was essentially what Byrnes was going for. Byrnes says that the inspiration for the first song, “Right Left Good Bad” came from many older bands, such as The Who and The Kooks. Lyrically, the song is similar to Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” with its self-deprecating words:

If it’s just a joke

The joke’s on me


“Right Left Good Bad” sets the tone of “Transmission Party ’11? being an antitypical pop-rock album. The song leads into “(You’re My) Lighthouse,” which initially sounds like another Beatles-inspired track. But upon closer listen, it’s more of a Beach Boys tune (especially considering its lighthouse metaphor). Byrnes notes that his main influence for this song was chief songwriter of the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson. And anybody who has even listened to any Beach Boys song–”Kokomo,” “Kiss Me Baby,” “When a Man Needs a Woman,” “Good Vibrations (not by Wilson, but still)–will hear the influence in “Lighthouse.” Byrnes did well to pay respectful homage to Wilson, rather than turn the song into a farce. He arranges the instrumentals well and uses words that you could imagine hearing Wilson coming up with himself back in the 60s. It’s a perfectly beachy, slowed-down surf-rock song. It’s the token “love song” on the album but it doesn’t go completely cheesy, and you can tell from the lyrics and the overall sound that it’s a cool and memorable track.


Next up is “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout Me.” For some reason, this song sounds like I’ve heard it before. Like it’s been written before. Obviously not, but it just sounds like something I could dig up in my mom’s record collection.

*Watch:



Clearly Byrnes has loose influences in this song so it’s not surprising that it sounds familiar, but it does get a little oldies-station-ish. That said, Byrnes accomplishes the whole Talking Heads instrumental sound (see “Take Me To the River”; ignore the vocals).

The EP ends with “Boredom,” which was literally written when Byrnes was bored. It’s a pretty straightforward song. Though I will admit it is totally creepy. But creepy in a good way. It’s a good wrap-up for the EP because it incorporates all the facets of a trippy, Beatles-esque, instrumentally-accomplished, and lyrically-talented song. It’s just as zany and psychedelic as the Beatles hit, “I Am the Walrus.” If you are into the freaky psychedelia of “I Am the Walrus”, you’ll love this song. Otherwise, the beat alone will give the creeps.


Personally, I love the EP. It’s perfect for anyone who still hopes for a Beach Boys reunion, or who plays Beatles and Kooks albums while their friends listen to the normal pop music. Teens/young adults may find the vintage feel of the songs unique and intriguing, while parents won’t be embarrassed enjoying the music that is inspired by their generation. All around, it’s refreshing to hear the new and exceptional talent heard on this EP. - Truth or Sarah

Transmission Party are a one man band from Milbrook, New York. TJ Barnes writes, produces, plays and sings everything. ‘Beautiful Breakdown’ is the perfect song for Britpop lovers. There are hints of Oasis enthused Beatles riffs and even an edge of Star Sailor in there. It’s hard to believe it’s the work of one 21 year old. If you’re a fan of Blur, Talking Heads or other 60’s inspired bands, Transmission Party are worth a listen! - http://noinsultsallmorals.tumblr.com

Transmission Party have an upbeat,brit-pop sound that will have you tapping your foot to the beat and humming the chorus to their fresh and catchy tunes.
- Chris Wood