Song/Week: "Gamma Ray," by Echosmith

Over the last few months, I have heard Echosmith’s song “Cool Kids” on the radio and have liked it but had not given it much thought (besides I liked it a lot more than Pitbull or Jason Derulo). But recently, two days ago exactly, I stumbled upon their YouTube channel and I have to say, I am blown away.

First, these are some talented kids. They are all under the age of 22 and they are super talented and already have a sound that is unique to them. Their music has a maturity that many musicians in their 30s and 40s struggle to attain. I also like their music because it reminds me of the music I loved in the late 80s; it is funny how music, like fashion or any type of art, is cyclical.

Second, these are some cool kids. They seem to be very real in their videos; they never seem to be burned by fashion or glamor. Since they are all so young they could easily be obsessed by fashion and the pressures of pop-culture but they seem to be very strong or are getting some good guidance.

Third, these kids have been working hard. In going through their videos on YouTube they have videos that are four-years old; they have been working on their sound, crafting their personas, and practicing. Like my favorite YouTube singer/songwriter Daniela Andrade they have been learning their art by covering songs from the best artists out there.

The song I am highlighting is “Gamma Ray.” I like this song because it showcases their sound and it sounds like two of my favorite artists from 20-years ago; the Smiths and early REM. Three other Echosmith songs that I particularly like,  besides “Cool Kids” are “Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me”, “Two Way Street” (no one covers Kimbra), and  their excellent holiday song, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”