Face Time Police have come a long way since their first live show in the summer 2007 as a part of a online talent competition in Texas. And that same fall they went on to open for legendary hip-hop aritst Common in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The music world is taking note too as well-known mastering engineer Roger Lian has given them praise. Lian was impressed with their production and believes they are on their way in the music business. Lian has worked with the who’s-who of artists like Mariah Carey, The White Stripes, Madonna, and LL Cool J.
This band is a true example of indpendent music. Brothers Brian and James Serra have coined their own unique sound as ‘pop macchiato’. A sound which they describe as pop, but marked and stained by their influences. They have a long list of influences which include Green Day, Jewel, Kanye West, and Nine Inch Nails. They produce and write their music from their home in Schaumburg, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. They also created their own graphics and promotions. They even shoot and edit their own videos.
The Definiton of Deviation is their proper EP and it lives up to their motto of “This isn’t about thinking outside the box..it’s about destroying the box entirely.” You can defintely hear their influences throughout each of the five tracks as well. “None of the Below” has a catchy punk feel to it that sounds a lot like something Green Day would do. “Seashells” is a great hip-hop and dance jam. It has many elements to it and would sound great in a club. “Nothing Left To Break” is a nice and smooth accoustic ballad. “Minute Made” is a clear cut alternative hip-hop track. It possesses catchy lyrics and a memorable chorus. “Of Man and Monster” is their heaviest attempt toward rock and metal. There is also a unique tempo change during it.
Overall this is really enjoyable. I think they have excellent production and catchy lyrics, but some of their vocal style seems awkward and forced. This being said, they do deviate from normal pop music standards nicely. Their take on hip hop and club music is great as “Seashells” and “Minute Made” are the stand out tracks for me. “Nothing Left To Break” is also another stand out for being their sofest song. It holds the strongest vocal performance on it as well. Face Time Police have a one of a kind genre bending style. It will be interesting to see what is in store for them in the future.
Aaron Bontrager—MuzikReviews.com Contributor
November 2, 2009
