Let’s Get It – Digital Spaces EP

When I start reviewing a new batch of albums I rip everything to my hard drive, place them all onto one playlist in what I like to call “albumalogical order,” and hit play.  The first time around can be pretty exciting – you never know what’s coming next.  I happened to be on vacation when I dug into my current batch, and was finishing a review by Boston’s The Cold Beat when Let’s Get It’s debut Digital Spaces EPstarted up.  If there was ever a polar opposite to The Cold Beat’s simple, barebones rock, it could be found in Let’s Get It’s flamboyant electronic powerpop.

The band, consisting of five members from Dayton, OH, can only be described as the world’s most overt Panic! At The Disco imitators.  Lead vocalist “Joe’s” vocals are a carbon copy of Brendon Urie’s energetic cabaret eccentrism, and the instrumentation matches early Panic! sounds right down to the backing violin, and playful piano strokes.  In fact, the first track, “To Catch A Snipe,” feels nearly identical toPanic!’s radio hit “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” right down to the suspenseful instrumental introduction, and scandalous lyrics about a couple’s heated assent to a hotel bedroom.

The band deserves some kudos though; lyrically most of their narratives channel an inviting playfulness full of rich and meaningful descriptions.  For example, in “To Catch A Snipe” descriptions of “mechanical breathing” help build a picture.  It’s the small things that help distance Let’s Get It from the typical power-pop fair.  There are some forgettable love ballads like “Maps” but they are easily forgiven.

But Panic! isn’t the only band Let’s Get It draw from.  Let’s Get It also draw upon other early 00’s power-pop pioneers.  For example, “Shoot For Teams” has a distinct Fall Out Boy feel, stuffed full of hooks and poppy twists.  Meanwhile, the previously mentioned “Maps” features Hellogoodbye-inspired electronic vocals and made-for-radio melodies.  Even so, the most notable tracks remain those inspired by Panic!’s early cabaret foundation.

Overall I found myself enjoying this the Digital Spaces EP a fair amount.  Although imitators for the most part, they imitate the hooks and intrigue that originally placed their inspirations on the map.  In other words, they have heart, and their passion feels genuine.  This is fun, glossy power-pop that fans of any of Let’s Get It’s aforementioned influences should check out.