Label: Independent Artist

Sounds Like: Weezer, Good Charlotte, All American Rejects, Postal Service

Technical Grade: 10/10

Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10
Commercial Value: 10/10
Overall Talent Level: 10/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Performance Skill: 10/10
Best Songs Runaway, Blame Me   

Weakness: None

NOTE: 10 star rating are reserved only for Full Length CD's.   

Los Angeles 5 piece band known as Phlying Saucer releases their debut EP entitled Runaway EP in 2010. The band features lead singer Phil McDonald (also plays guitar) Chris Miranda (guitars/vocals) Lydell Valdriz (drums) & Evan Brass (bass)

The EP quickly kicks things off with rocking “Grow on You” an impressive intro piece that dishes out low end rock groove, with driving rhythms against a mean sounding guitar & hooky vocal harmonies. Infectious vocal hooks & phrasing from lead singer Phil McDonald makes a solid first impression delivering a grand slam chorus. Track 2 “Blame Me” serves-up another strong piece of music combining melodic guitar ambience with raw vocal passion that methodically flows & ebbs its way through emotional fruition. Track 3 “Runaway” presents more poppy, sing songy rock flair combining mesmerizing melodic guitar that leads you head first into an amazing vocal finale.  As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical textures reminiscent of classic Weezer, Good Charlotte, All American Rejects, & just s splash of Postal Service. The music has everything you would expect from a 5 piece rock band Solid low end rock grooves, driving distorted rhythm guitar with catchy melodic vocals & even impressive solo guitar action. The vocal style itself of McDonald goes down smooth & fills the space peacefully & unobtrusively. As the EP slowly reveals more & more to you its obvious Phlying Saucer is an accomplished rock band that is fun to listen to providing catchy melodies & a solid rock vibe. If these guys had a solid live presentation they would indeed be even more deadly. All songs themselves are solid across the board with the lyrical content that is short & sweet, even providing flashes of clever conventional wisdom. The EP ends with “Ruin” the prefect final statement for an EP like this.

Song for song it’s fair to say this EP is just a bit repetitive sounding overall. I also wish the drums (kick drum especially) had just a little more bottom-end bite.