Electrogram- Vinyl Theatre

Vinyl Theatre are a young, indie-rock band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They have an electronically inspired sound with a large emphasis on the vocal work; every other element of the band is used to enhance the Keegan's (lead singer) voice. This band presents themselves with the class and talent of musicians twice their age. Vinyl Theatre makes good music that people should listen to, and I could easily see them making it onto mainstream radio stations.

Electrogram is their debut album, and it is a lot more organized and mature than what a young band's first album usually sounds like. They know what their sound is and they have done their best to perfect it. The great thing about Vinyl Theatre is the that they aren't experimenting with sounds that aren't what they usually play; this album all has the same basic sound, but that being said this album contains eight very unique songs that have their own individual charter. Their songs have a way of worming their way into your head whether you like it or not; they are the perfect mixture of catchy and good quality music. 

Vinyl Theatre uses the basic instruments that are expected from a rock band, but with the addition of some synth that gives them their own original twist on the alternative rock sound. Keegan has a very strong voice, so they use that to their advantage by using his voice like another instrument to enhance the melody during instrumental parts and then having him singing a cappella. The drums are the most prominent instrument in their music, and it makes the music sound a little more hardcore than other indie pop. Guitar riffs on this album remind me of 70s and 80s hair metal at times, but sometimes they sound like they belong in a mellow coffee shop indie song. Vinyl Theatre has mixed a lot of genres to create their sound that is different from the other stuff that is playing on the radio.

The song "Summer" begins with an intricate drum beat that leads into calm then catchy lyrics. This seems like the type of song you'd play while you're partying with your significant other; getting kind of flirty. It sounds like a song about young love and becoming 'involved' (*wink wink nod nod*) with another person for the first time. Some of my favorite lines from this song are "There's no spell on me I swear, but I still feel so damn impaired. Something in that summer sky, bringing me to my demise." They seem to describe a very deep and beautiful love; that is something I hope to experience one day.

"Shine On" is an energetic song with catchy lyrics that have an unclear meaning- at least to me. It feels like a fun song to blast in your car while you're driving on the highway with your windows down. To me, it seems like the song is about growing up and hanging out- getting into trouble- with your friends. "Shine On" could become an sort of anthem for teens and I know I'm going to be listening to it a lot throughout my sophomore year. 

Vinyl Theatre has gotten some airplay- mostly on alternative stations- with their song "Breaking Up My Bones". I know that it is only a matter of time before these guys 'hit the big time'. Right now, they are on tour with The Mowgli's and are gaining more and more fans after each show. They also have a very loyal band of followers on social media that have their back no matter what. I wish nothing but the best for these guys, and have no doubt that they will succeed.

Vinyl Theatre's Website
Buy Electrogram