If you haven't already heard, there is a new sound emerging from Los Angeles. It is a sound that is itself indefinable and yet at the same time the very definition of all things relevant, of all things current, of all things now. And the world, it seems, is eager to listen.
To everything there is a season, and the season of The Now People is upon us. The Now People is a vocal and instrumental quartet consisting of Steve Stanley (guitar, keyboards and leading vocals), Alan "Ruby" Rubens (keyboards, bass and vocals), Probyn Gregory (horns and other exotic instruments, also in the Brian Wilson band, Wondermints) and Nelson Bragg (drums and percussion) also in the Brian Wilson band. Together, these four gentlemen are carving out a unique sound that has been described as "sonically balanced, totally integrated pop," marked by 60s-flavored melodic hooks and memorable choruses with a contemporary perspective. Although the band traces much of its influence to the late monophonic era, their captivating harmonies and inventive arrangements, punctuated by an expansive use of major-seventh chords and smooth, hook-laden lyrics are totally state of the art. Stanley, Rubens, Gregory and Bragg are too knowing, too modern, to give in to lame retreads of the past.
So what does that leave you with? Four chaps with a penchant for stacking memories against melodies while never overstaying their welcome. Not a bad deal, if you think about it. But watch yourself. These guys would love nothing better than to insinuate themselves into your deepest romances and your worst heartaches. For in the final analysis, these are our most basic common links. Stand easy children, there is beauty to be found everyday, and now you have today's.
