We have some good bands here in Vancouver, some of whom i'llmake a valid effort to see every show they play around town. One of those bands is the Tranzmitors, Vancouver's sharp dressed purveyors of power-pop. Over the 2+ years i've lived here the band has released quite a handful of records, mostly 7"s and 1 full length LP/CD. This past week the band released a 4 song 12"ep, which has been recorded and in the works for well over 8 months now. I was lucky to hear this recording just after it was finished and i was jonesing for the rest of the world to hear these songs as i feel it's the Tranzmitors strongest songs to date. Sure we all loved those early singles, and yes the LP has some "bangers" on it.... but this ep is close to perfection. The first song "Live A Little More" has been a live staple for the past few months, and to me it sounds like a 50's or 60's power ballad played by a Robert Smith (the Cure) fronted power pop band. Track 2 is the first song sung by Mikey and it's fuckin' great! I think the record should've started with this song, but i guess it would be weird to start a record with a song not sung by the usual vocalist. But this song sounds like it's a long-lost 70's era Elvis Costello track. Side 2 starts off with off with "Best Dressed Man", and it's a bit faster and upbeat than the average Tranzmitors song. At times i hear some old pop punk influence on this one, especially with the little guitar leads that Nick does. The final song is a cover of the Moondogs song "Who's Gonna Tell Mary?", and in my opinion they do a great job of a great song.
The band really went all out on the production of this ep, adding little tricks like 12 string guitar on parts and distorted bass one part of a song, but even though the production is loud and amazing it doesn't come off as sounding too clean or hollow. The production adds another layer to the great songs.
I highly recommend everyone pick up this 12" ep, either from Deranged Records (www.derangedrecords.com), from the band at one of their upcoming shows, local stores like Scratch Records (726 Richards St.) or from distros like Ebullition (www.ebullition.com).
Below is pictures of the limited white vinyl pressing (limited to 150 i believe) as well as my copy of the test press!
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