New Music Discovery: Imagine Dragons

The history of popular music is littered with countless examples of the indie rock band, slaving away at the local level and finding mainstream success only after spending several years as "unknown or undiscovered."  Bon Iver, formed in 2007, just won Best New Artist at the 2012 GRAMMY Awards.  Kings of Leon is an even better example, having been a band since 1999.  They eventually experienced major commercial success in 2007 with the release of their single "On Call."  The point being: it takes several years to really "make it" in the music industry.

Listening to 106.7 KROQ (LA's alt. rock station) and driving back to my apartment in Culver City last week, I heard something that really caught my ear.  The music was new and the band relatively unknown.  After some research, I found out more information about the song and the band that I was discovering for the first time.

Imagine Dragons was formed in Las Vegas in 2008 and began capturing local attention almost immediately.  After releasing two EPs, Imagine Dragons became "Las Vegas' Newest Must See Live Act" and "Best Local Indie Band 2010."  Despite this initial success and early touring efforts, they did not experience mainstream success until the release of their first major label EP entitled Continued Silence.  Released on Valentine's Day of this year, this EP is far and away the most exciting new music that I have heard since Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto.

The lead single on Continued Silence, "It's Time", is the song that I heard on the radio.  The track commences with a thundering drum rhythm united with hand-claps that gives way to the song's first hook, a simple melody played on mandolin with piano accompaniment.  The sound is both pure and raw.  The song unfolds in layers as the vocals of Dan Reynolds roar above the building accompaniment.  The first chorus further increases the intensity by adding synthesizer and a more pronounced piano melody.  The wails of an E-bow coat the following verse and bridge adding to the tonal palette.  The closing two choruses provide glimpses into the song-writing prowess of Imagine Dragons.  The entire song is perfectly paced and has a fresh quality in the realm of the pop song. I have no doubt that this band will be huge one day.  Probably very soon.

The rest of the tracks on Continued Silence are brilliant as well.  The album contains several dance-worthy tracks that incorporate hip-hop beats into a rock and roll setting.  If I had to compare Imagine Dragons to some bands, I would say that they are similar to Temper Trap, U2, Coldplay, and Snow Patrol.  The guitars are loud, the rhythm section is powerful, and the vocals howl with intensity and world-weary swagger.  Imagine Dragons have served their time on the local scene.  Now it is time to bring their music to the world.  Keep your eyes and ears open for these guys because they are on the rise.  Please give these guys a listen.  I promise that you won't be disappointed.

 

www.myspace.com/imaginedragons