The Americans

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THE AMERICANS IN NYLON MAGAZINE!!!!!!!!
************************************************************ ****THE AMERICANS ON THE HEAVY ROC MUSIC BLOG!!!!!!!!!!
The band name is somewhat of a parody, considering the bass player is a Canadian and they aren’t touting any “freedom” slogans. The Americans R&B music is really about the sensitive experiences of life and romance in New York City. But what makes great music if not some heightened reflection of everyday life? Charlie Klarsfeld, the founder and leader of the band, takes his perspective and presents it to us with poetic grandeur, meticulous production, and bustling horns. In the throes of his dramatic single life (hey ladies!), the former Hysterics singer/songwriter/guitarist has broken away from his old band and quickly roused up the equally gripping new group: The Americans. Also feauturing Julia Tepper (whose voice is mesmerizing), Xan Aird (who already looks like a rock star), Roobin (an eccentric bearded drummer) and featuring accompaniment from the highly acclaimed Dap Kings’ horn section (just featured on the new Mark Ronson and Al Green albums), Klarsfeld’s new EP is a big departure from the psychedelic rock pedigree of his last group. It’s more Stevie Wonder and less The Byrds-- and that isn’t a bad thing. The Americans are a pop group if not a rhythm and blues one who also take their cue from classic doo-wop. However, rather than limit themselves to a formula we have been listening to for fifty years, The Americans’ record has a motley barrage of influences from Brian Wilson to Prince. This pastiche of pop and R&B creates something entirely new that is truly a joy to listen to.