Every kid who has picked up a guitar or belted along with his or her favorite song has dreamt of making it big. Typically such a dream is slightly out of the realm of reality. But not for Port Townsend band New Faces. With the insatiably catchy debut release, Two Years, the band proves hard to shake, the album bursting with songs that linger for hours after listening. It might not be the greatest pop release of the summer, but it does prove that these guys, all in their teens, are on their way. The baby-faced trio, who won this year’s 21-and-under battle of the bands, Sound Off!, has released Two Years on Seattle’s Loveless Records, and it’s apparent why. The simplistic and likable guitar licks and precise drum rhythms make for fun rock you can bop around too. And Nico Janessen’s vocals are incredibly articulate; you’d never know the guy had just graduated from high school. It is refreshing to see talented, young musicians making it in a scene that isn’t easily infiltrated.
Standout Tracks: “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” “Melts Like Ice”