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LOST TRICKS’ self-defined 'Anti-Williamsburg' movement has begun. It's 2006 in New York City and they're not afraid to rhyme, take pleasure in harmonizing, and by and large are on a mission to give piano based indie-pop a good name. Where did such an ambitious plan come from? LOST TRICKS originated as the solo identity of singer/keyboardist Trevor Oswalt (of the movie HITCH and TV's 'Third Watch'), who was quickly joined by bassist John Galgano and Agustin Frederic on drums. The boys recently completed laying down the tracks to their debut EP that they affectionately coin, "a testament to the roots of pop songwriting." “If the last Ben Folds solo album bummed you out, one listen to the lead off track ‘Freeman’ will push your eyes heavenward,†says Bruce Brodeen of NotLame Records. Engineered and co-produced by Charles Newman (The Magnetic Fields, The Walking Concert) at NYC’s Mother West studios, the catchy and lush tracks are comprised of keyboard anthems, edgy arpeggiators, pop-sensible songwriting, and Oswalt's upfront vocals. Listeners and luminaries have already likened the spirited and unique radio-friendly sound to performers ranging from Keane to Green Day, Koufax to New Radicals, as well as the sounds of the 70's and 80's (while ever evading 'hipster fads’). LOST TRICKS' high-energy live act is powerful. The trio consists of Oswalt on lead vocals, vintage Rhodes and acoustic piano, as well as synth arpeggiators and computer based accoutrements, with Agustin Frederic on drums, and John Galgano on bass. The resulting sound is pure earnest fun. It’s an energizing translation of the densely arranged EP while exposing a volatile immediacy that is as raw as it is personal and sincere. And judging by the rapidly growing devoted fan base, LOST TRICKS' distinct brand of melodic piano pop is definitely on to something good. Oswalt grew up on the West Coast in scenic Oregon and woefully admits he was never shot 9 times. From a young age he studied singing and piano. He was influenced by a wide variety of sounds including jazz greats such as Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock, West Coast hip-hop, and early 90’s pop. As a solo performer, composer, and actor, Oswalt has worked all over the world, including performances in Los Angeles and Moscow. Oswalt's LOST TRICKS is already creating a hot underground buzz via the internet and hand to hand distribution of the debut EP and LOST TRICKS' infectious live shows. LOST TRICKS is currently performing throughout the Northeast and beyond in promotion of their fresh EP. NEW “FREEMAN†VIDEO NOW ONLINE EXCLUSIVELY AT, WWW.LOSTTRICKS.COM/video REVIEW FROM ENTERTAINMENT WORLD - This is the epitome of fantastic unsigned indie rock. With a sound resembling superstars Coldplay and rising stars Keane, they will instantly gain a place in your heart. A spectacular choice of five tracks that are unbelievable. Blissful piano and superb harmony on "12" exemplify the deep lyrics and open up into a flashy musical arrangement complete with bellowing trumpet play. The highly electronic and synthesized "2nd Chance" is explosive, catchy, and futuristic sounding. A sweet female voice tied in on the chorus only adds to the already greatness. "Wanted" has some more electronic sounds yet powerful vocals to upstage them. The song title is also what this band is going to be as soon as listeners across the globe hear there music. This band is the next big thing, so sit back, enjoy this EP and watch their success rapidly grow. Review by-Geoff Dellinger REVIEW FROM SONICSLANG - Many of the better-known "piano pop" bands out there these days drop a healthy dose of irony and smirking cool in their tunes. Lost Tricks founder and songwriter Trevor Oswalt has no such pretensions and the man has little concern for appealing to the hipster cool, post-punk audience and the blogs they frequent. Yet, they sent us a promo anyway, and the truth is, Lost Tricks is damn cool, and certainly some of the catchiest straight-ahead melodic pop to arrive in some time. "Freeman" is the kind of earnest, sunny piano anthem that recalls the best tracks on Keane's recent disc. A top-down, summer's day driving tune, the song would put a smile on the face of even the most jaded pop cynic. "12" is the most restrained track on the self-titled EP, sounding a bit like a good Coldplay ballad, as interpreted by Ben Folds, with some 1970's pop flourishes thrown in. "Second Chance" brings out the band's soulful side, and "All Around You" also resembles the aforementioned Folds, with some Billy Joel piano licks from his late-70's heyday. It's all very lush, atmospheric and heart-on-your-sleeve, without sounding overblown. Lost Tricks' debut has no agenda other than creating soaring, infectious pop melodies. On that level, the band succeeds brilliantly. http://www.sonicslang.com/sonic_slang/2006/01/lost_tricks_ep.html Check out the artist's website: http://www.LostTricks.com Track List: 1. FreeMan 2. 12 3. 2nd Chance 4. All Around U 5. Wanted Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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