About a month ago I wrote this post about the idea of friendship being more than a bracelet. It was a little longwinded, so I’ll just say that it’s right here and you can click that if you’d like a closer look inside my life because right now I’d like to focus on a new friend, Beta State. The name Beta State had me thinking I was in for an indie rock ride that I’d compare to Foster The People, but instead they surprised me with their album #FRIENDSHIP. This wasn’t a band with muffled vocals and ironic lyrics; they were a pop rock outlet that I could actually keep in rotation in my personal time.
#FRIENDSHIP is solid for those who are anywhere from 12 to 26 (because hell, I like it). Right away I was imagining these guys on the road with everyone from All Time Low to The Summer Set, playing advice giving tracks like “Start a Clean Slate” to the inescapable “When I’m Too Weak To Know.” The only reason I mention ATL is because like Alex Gaskarth, the man behind Beta State’s pipes can sang, yes, sang. You can hear the runs in “Stay Awhile” and the range in “Nobody Knows.” It’s there that I thought it was a baby Tyson Ritter singing to me. #FRIENDSHIP also includes some remixes and a cover of Bjork’s “Unravel.”
This record was produced by Erik Ron and since I’ve started this blog, I’ve noticed that this man can really do no wrong, working with Beta State included. When you’ve shared a bill with the likes of Linkin Park and got a shout out from their own Mike Shinoda, you know you’ve got something. If you’re into bands like The Drama State and There For Tomorrow, then make a new friend and see what’s going on with Beta State. #FRIENDSHIP is out May 21st.
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