Bring on the sound!

Lead Singer/Frontman Kevin Ridel opens the show full of energy, working the stand and mic during "End of the World". He makes pretty immediate personal contact with the crowd, not only through his words, but also through physical contact, shaking the upraised hands of their fans as he sings.

The band progresses vibrantly from one song to the next, no pause, just strumming into the popish bouncing sound of "Hush", making you want to bob your head side to side and do a little dance! Once second you think you're rocking out, and next, the melody disguises the dark lyrics as a pop hit. Regardless, it should be a hit!

Musically, this band has it together. The guitarists, Jason Moore and Rowan Robertson, work steadfastly creating variety. Then, all of a sudden, a solo by guitarist Robertson begins to show us there is more than pop, bounce and variety to this music, there is technical substance! Rowan moves his fingers vigorously, working the frets and strings, with powerful finesse.

Bassist Bryce Soderberg makes the funky bass rhythms soundly progress into "I Just Wanna Be Loved", an anthem to which many can relate. This song showcases Ridel's crooner status, a very nice plus!

AMRADIO brings on a full impact show with the steady percussions of drummer Joe Higgins rounding out the crew. Though steeped in pop, that alone is not what this band is about. Infact, it is just the proverbial edge of the . um...EDGE. Throughout the show the audience is taken from fresh to furious, and back again. This is music with a great listenability, danceability, and suitable for fans of many musical genre.

As I said before, bring on the sound! No need for cheesy choreography here. These guys are musicians. Their interactions tie into the music but have absolutely no feel of the preplanned choreography one sees in too many bands. As for applying a label to Ridel, it just has to be. He IS the consummate frontman. He is comfortable with his band, confident in his lyrics, and in tune with his audience. Not one to stand and simply sing, he gets involved with his music, raising his hands in the air, doing a little air guitar, pumping the air and the crowd as he punctuates the show he is performing.

Many thanks go out to manager Rivers Coumo for bringing this group into the spotlight, however, let it be known that this band will stand on its own. Tune your dial to AMRADIO!