The Envy Corps

When did Iowa move to the United Kingdom? In my experience, there seems to be a particular British "sound" that bands like Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Muse, Radiohead, etc. have that bands in the U.S. are unable to replicate. Perhaps it's one of those things where your sound is based on your environment and as much as the U.S. and the UK are alike, they are also very, very different. Or perhaps it's the mystery of the British accent, something that here in heartland USA I don't hear on an every day basis so when I hear it in song I instantly gravitate to it.

Somehow, a group of kids in Iowa (of all places) are tuned into the UK frequency and have created a Brit-rock sound influenced by cloudy skies, fish and chips, dark and smokey pubs, and NME magazine.

The Envy Corps released a stunning album, Soviet Reunion, in early 2004 though I suspect unless you read a glowing review, you probably aren't even aware this album exists. There are a few used copies on Amazon and I can't recommend it enough if you're a fan of the bands already mentioned (and others like Travis, Starsailor, Keane, The Verve).

The following tracks are from the band's new EP, Lies are Best Told in Pairs, and while I wish I could point you to a link where you can buy the EP, unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the link myself. I sent the band a message via their MySpace account and I'll pass along any information I get. For now, enjoy a few songs from The Envy Corps.

MP3: Baby Teeth
MP3: Rhinemaidens