Push To Talk is a great new Bay Area indie pop band that has put a big step forward with a lush, tuneful and sparkling debut album. The band effortlessly blends the breezy California pop sensibilities of local compatriots such as the Orange Peels and Beulah with some splashy 80’s influences along the lines of Aztec Camera or the Housemartins. Vocalist James Leste’s clean tenor carries the songs, combining with the creatively orchestrated arrangement of dual guitar output from Leste and lead guitarist Peter Sullivan. What really helps PTT’s songs shine is the inventive rhythms of drummer Arjun Singh whose varied, lock-step beats propel songs like “Walk it Off� and “Talk Is Cheap� beyond the cookie-cutter pop formula worn out by many bands of the same ilk. Standout tracks like “Problems� and “Yes Takes a No� also show the band has a knack for creating smart pop hooks while maintaining its sturdy originality and inventive song structures. Wrapped tightly with a clean production bow from famed producer Tim O’Heir (All American Rejects, Sebadoh, Say Anything), Push To Talk has accomplished a confident, forthright debut album that will hopefully assure their longevity in the indie pop realm.
(Date of release: April 25, 2006)
