Band: The Innocent Bystanders; Members: Ben Nieberg–acoustic guitar and lead and background vocals; Kath Rogers–lead and background vocals; Steve Berenson–drums and percussion; Jessica Lafave–tenor saxophone; Donny Samporna–electric 5-string bass; Steve Semeraro–electric 6 and 12 string guitars and vocal on ‘Working Man’s Daughter; and Kaimi Wenger–electric piano and Hammond B3
EP: ‘Attractive Nuisance’
Highlighting qualities that are equally dangerous and seductively attractive to people of all backgrounds isn’t always an easy feat. But the seven-piece San Diego-based band, The Innocent Bystanders, has naturally crafted an unparalleled and hybrid style for its music, which dares listeners to embark on their dynamic musical exploits with them.
Those adventures are chronicled on the group’s recently released, eclectic debut EP, ‘Attractive Nuisance,’ which features four compelling and funky old-school, sax-driven songs. The edgy, soul-alt rock tracks not only feature exiting and classic sounds, but also innovative new vocals and instrumentation that focus on the menacing parts of life that ultimately prove to be provacatively appealing.
‘Attractive Nuisance’ begins with the ska-punk-centric entry, ‘Gotta Get Outta Here,’ which features intriguing undertones of the pop-rock genre. Singer Ben Nieberg’s intense baritone vocals, which are akin to Bruce Springsteen’s sounds, are driven by an energetic saxophone, drums and guitars. The enthralling lyrics chronicle how a love is making the singer’s mind unclear, and he’s therefore unsure about where to go in life. But he’s now determined to embark on his own path that will ultimately lead to his own redemption.
‘Gotta Get Outta Here’ then delves into the sophomore effort on The Innocent Bystanders’ debut EP, which is titled ‘Highways.’ The song features Kath Rogers on lead vocals, as well as a stunning blend of pop, punk and country hues. Backed by captivating horns and an electric guitar, the track’s lyrics question if the person the singer loves would follow her anywhere, if she asked him to. Rogers also intriguingly croons about how she seeks to find comfort in any environment she finds herself in, even if the memories of her love are fading.
The penultimate tune on ‘Attractive Nuisance’ is titled ‘Emerald Eyes,’ which is a funk and alt-rock-infused jazz song. Driven by an enticing piano, Rogers once again smoothly croons, in a style that’s reminiscent of ’80s pop female singers, about her experiences with love. She emotionally admits that she felt she didn’t truly find meaning in her life until she discovered love, and can no longer imagine being without the person she’s devoted to.
The Innocent Bystanders’ debut EP ends with one of its best entries, ‘
Working Man’s Daughter.’ The pop-alt-rock-inspired song features a divinely-driven and slower-paced instrumentation, as well as distinct emotional vocals from Steve Semeraro. The singer sentimentally croons that he just wants a chance with the title woman. He also affectionately admits that life feels so much lonelier without her, and there will always be a bond that hold them together.
Focusing on qualities that are equally dangerous and seductively attractive to people of all backgrounds isn’t always an easy feat. But The Innocent Bystanders has naturally created an exceptional hybrid style for its songs, which dares listeners to embark on their dynamic musical exploits with them.
Those adventures are chronicled on ‘Attractive Nuisance.’ The edgy, soul-alt rock and eclectic tracks not only feature inspirational and classic sounds, but also innovative new vocals and instrumentation that focus on the menacing parts of life that ultimately prove to be provacatively appealing.
For more information on The Innocent Bystanders, visit the band’s official website, as well as its Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud and YouTube pages.
