Action Action
Sure, Action Action is a rock group and fits well into the “indie” world. (Of course, “indie” has changed from a movement to a genre). But music from this Big Apple team includes some rather rare synthesizer and keyboard/ electronic ingredients. “Ghost Town” starts with some techno/electro items and slides into an interesting “Warhol” or late-British ballad. Maybe it’s Divo in new clothes. No, that can’t be. “The Ones Who Get It” is too straightforward for this to be the case. Nice melody here, but that feel remains.
The unusual sound/style probably stems most from the fact that all band members contribute some vocal and synth work. Action Action music is created by Mark Thomas Kluepfel – vocals/synthesizers/guitar; Adam Manning – guitar/synthesizers/vocals; Clarke Foley – bass/synthesizers/vocals; Dan Leo – drums/synthesizers/vocals.
The group lists Elvis Costello first on their influence chart. That influence certainly comes through in “Paper Cliché” (An Army Of Shapes Between Wars) and “Let’s Never Go To Sleep (Don’t Cut Your Fabric To This Year’s Fashion). Then there is the influence of greats like Billy Bragg, The Zombies, The Cardigans, Blur, Echo and The Bunnymen, and David Bowie. Personal note: I knew there was a reason I like these guys. With influences such as these, it would be hard to go wrong.
Action Action tours from coast to coast, accompanied by The Cult and others.
Tags: action action, indie, music, independent music, indie music
An 80’s style indies band mixed. They definately show this with the synthesizer and sounds very similar to the style of Elvis Costello. This would be a good band for people who are stuck in the 80’s to listen to.
As Attagirl said, it’s great for those stuck in the 80’s. Which makes it PERFECT for me.
I am one of them 80’s kids. So, I just can’t stop listening to these guys. Although, they sound like a bonus level on Mario with Vocals.
I’ll have to agree with the both of you. I can “totally” hear some 80’s influences and definitely some sort of British influence. I like them because they are unique, and Kluepfel’s voice doesn’t take on that typical whiny, nasally sound that seems to have become so huge lately.
Leighdu, “Kluepfel’s voice doesn’t take on that typical whiny, nasally sound…” you are so right on both levels. Kluepfel’s voice is excellent and a wonderful change to so many of the popular artists. That “typical whiny, nasally sound” has caused some permanent damage to my love of music I honestly believe. Action Action has drawn me in by the wondrous sound of Kluepfel and the 80’s type feel.
The first thing that has caught my attention is the graphics. After reading the whole article I have found another talented rock band. Elvis Costello must be a fan from the 80’s since their music is about this things. I couldn’t blame because most of the music back on 80’s are good. Reviving them seems to be a good way to make a name for yourself.