“Thanks to a much coveted “Best New Music” label from lord Zeus, Cymbals Eat Guitars have been enjoying a bit of buzz this year from NME, mtvU, and, yes, even the New York Times. And we agree! With only the debut album Why There Are Mountains under its belt, this Staten Island band has shown off both its writing/composition chops and its rocking-out chops — which of course are the two most important aspects of any good band. Fronted by Joseph Ferocious (best name ever) with Brian Hamilton, Matt Miller and Matt Whipple (second best name ever), Cymbals Eat Guitars put on frenzied, possessed shows which belie their nice guy personalities.

Their most well-known track “And The Hazy Sea” is an epic 6 minute journey (yes! A journey! We said it!) that wails and flails like your favorite petulant nephew until it brings the room down for soothing jazzy cool-out moment. Yes, that’s a terrible sentence, and yes, many a publication has already made the Built To Spill comparison, but spend some time on the group’s MySpace (where you can stream more than half the album) and you will hear how the band has earned its kudos on the power of sheer songcraft. In fact, we’re declaring a moratorium on comparing this band to Pavement, Built To Spill, Modest Mouse, et al. You hear that, YouTube commenters? No more! Start evaluating the band on its own talent! There’s plenty there already to discuss! ”

Clear, melodic guitar that leads you down one path and then abruptly changes direction and heads for a distorted dystopia.  Add to that the pretty keyboards and you have satisfying song craft that leaves you wanting more.