BURBANK, CA. (Warner Bros.) - At first listen, one can feel the commanding presence World Leader Pretend brings to their Warner Bros. Records debut album "Punches."
The pounding, echoing rhythm of the drums joins crisp keyboard melodies that flow effortlessly into a harmonizing guitar section only to be met, and melded, with the hypnotic vocals of one Keith Ferguson. World Leader Pretend will soon be known as a definitive band that took a chance on its own creative abilities. And those who know them would expect nothing less from this ambitious quintet, which has quietly emerged from the city of New Orleans.
World Leader Pretend Says drummer Arthur Mintz of New Orleans, "Our competition was washboard zydeco bands and men in suits with trombones. There wasn't a scene, let alone a race to make it to the top. We had time and freedom -- freedom to take things at our own pace and do whatever we wanted, which in our case was to make something beautiful and artful."
"Punches" resembles a beaten and well-worn path that is too exciting to walk away from - you cannot help but want to take yourself through its unexpected turns and wonder what lies ahead. And in a sense, that's exactly what World Leader Pretend did as they took to the road from Louisiana on a pilgrimage to New York City. The Marcata Studios in Harlem is where they wound up - and it's there where "Punches" took shape.
"Bang Theory" opens the album with its sensational drumbeats, pounding piano and striking vocals. Next is "Dreamdaddy," a song that sounds just as its title; painted as a dream-like ballad full of honesty...with a sultry touch. Halfway through "Punches" comes "Tit For Tat," a richly diverse song in its instrumentation, but still so friendly to any ear. It's easy to pick favorite tracks like we have done here, but "Punches" is simply more amazing in its entirety.
World Leader Pretend truly does have a sound all their own, and while they spend time on the road, it's a sound that is sure to grow. It's freedom that drove "Punches," and that's a tough thing to find. Listen to "Punches," and see them perform live, because World Leader Pretend is too exceptional to pass by.
Tour Dates:
Tuesday, 4/26 Baton Rouge, LA Red Star Bar
Wednesday, 4/27 New Orleans, LA HiLo Club
Friday, 4/29 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Tuesday, 5/3 Atlanta, GA Smith's Old Bar
Wednesday, 5/4 Nashville, TN Exit Inn
Saturday, 5/7 Chicago, IL Bottom Lounge
Sunday, 5/8 St. Louis, MO Creepy Crawl
Tuesday, 5/10 Louisville, KY Jillians
Wednesday, 5/11 Indianapolis, IN Birdy's
Thursday, 5/12 Cincinnati, OH 20th Century Theatre
Monday, 5/16 New York, NY Mercury Lounge
Tuesday, 5/17 Long Branch, NJ Brighton Bar
Wednesday, 5/18 Baltimore, MD Fletchers
Friday, 5/20 Philadelphia, PA Music Conference
Friday, 6/10 Cleveland, OH CMJ
Thursday, 7/7 New York, NY Spin Party
Saturday, 7/23 Chicago, IL Lollapalooza
"Punches" is due in the musical marketplace June 28, 2005.
