Artist description There are elements of both Pop Underground and New Wave in the Southpaw Preachers sound sweeping British Invasion melodies and harmonies; sleek, mechanical rhythms; pseudo-sarcy lyrics; and ringing yet muscular guitars but, ultimately, the music on this Dallas quartet's debut LP Contender is power-pop pure and simple. The band's use of 70's era synth's, coupled with vocoder's, and guitar chomp, evoke the glory days of The Cars and ELO. Two weeks after its release, Contender earned the band a nod for Album of the Year, as well as Song of the Year in the 2003 Fort Worth Weekly Music Awards. The blending of elements on the disc's first track, Salvation is a good example of what the Preachers are up to. Its' opening blast of punk-rock guitar heat gives way to poppy backing vocals. A second guitar almost imperceptibly joins the fray in the middle of the first verse, then the band adds hand claps to the mix over the subsequent break. This leads to a chorus of obstinate followers who enthusiastically welcome you to sing along in this; their insightful new take on classic rock. Quotes by: Ken Shimamoto

Music Style Power Pop/Pop Underground/New Wave/Indie Rock

Musical Influences The Cars/ELO/Big Star/Cheap Trick/The Clash/The Beatles

Similar Artists Weezer/Fountains of Wayne/Dandy Warhols/Ben Folds Five/Nada Surf/Superdrag

Artist History formed in Dallas Jan. of 2001. Self-titled EP released 5/01. First full length, Contender self-released 6/03

Group Members Mike Merritt-Vocals/guitar/keys; John Daniel-keys/guitar/vocals; Greg Stoval-drums; John Goetz-bass; George Cain-guitar/vocals

Instruments Drums/Bass/Electric Guitars/Moog/Farfisa Organ/Vocoders

Albums Contender

Press Reviews Fort Worth Weekly...links coming soon

Location Dallas, Texas - USA

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