Way to Go Einstein is a five-piece modern rock band from Vancouver, Canada, which has recently completed its second LP, Pseudonym, released in early 2009. This second self-produced album was recorded over a period of eight months at the band’s studios in New Westminster, Burnaby, and at The Hive Creative Labs.
The band, originally composed of members Andrew and Kevin, completed its line-up in early 2007. Each member comes from his own separate musical background, making for an eclectic mix of ambient and at times heavy guitars, melodic vocals and piano, synthesizers, hypnotic bass lines, and creative rhythms.
In the last few months they have been playing around the Vancouver scene and working on bringing the intensity of the new album to a live setting. Building on the buzz of their first release, Hide and Seek Champion, the second album promises to bring much more attention, stimulated ears, moved souls, and ironic-band-name-loving fans.
WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING:
Allow me to go out on a limb and say that if I want a dose of melancholy rapture, sparkling production, and a surging chorus that takes its sweet time to bring me to headphone apotheosis (two minutes and 11 seconds, in this case), I’ll take Way to Go, Einstein’s “The Flood” over any of the droopy nonsense on Viva La Vida….While the rest of Pseudonym is no less pristine, huge, or international sounding as that opening track, WTGE also changes the backdrop on its big emotions to fashion grown-up alt rock into something it can call its own—skittish verses preface the wailing guitar choruses of “Shiver in the Sun”; “Everywhere You Turn” introduces almost-flamenco guitar to a 7/4 time signature; “Parallax” is Andrew Carter’s beatific vocals above, and uptight, quasi-NIN distortion below. It’s the album you might expect from a band that lists Sigur Rós as an influence, along with “contradictions” and “childhood obesity”. (The Tyee)
With vocal inflections that bring to mind alt-rock genius Thom Yorke, Carter leads his bandmates through epic soundscapes heavy with hypnotic guitars and quivering synths. Building on the musical archetype perfected by Brit-rock icons Coldplay and Muse, Way to Go, Einstein imparts its own vision of modern rock with slow burners like “Shiver in the Sun” and “Insensate”. (the Georgia Straight)
WTGE caught my attention as soon as they hit the stage. It wasn’t just the unicorn on the mic stand, but it was the musicality of the group…. They are heavily piano driven, but also having the necessary oomph of a rock band to make them unique above the rest. Andrew’s falsetto is soothing and effortless, and at the same time quite vulnerable…. Sure he’s a great vocalist, but he also brings it back down and you realize what he’s doing is quite sincere. The highlight of their set was definitely when they pulled out the double keyboard for ‘Walk Through Fire’. To put it lightly, it was easy on the ears. The harmonies were undeniably pleasing and the instrumental arrangements were something to be amazed by. (Ronatron.net)
Singer Andrew Carter’s melodies soar to the heavens, and are backed by lush beds of reverb-treated guitars and synthesizers. It’s a gorgeous sound. (the Georgia Straight)
Singer Andrew Carter’s vocals are reminiscent of the band’s influences—you’ll definitely hear hints of Coldplay and Muse. The boys reveal a mysterious poetic edge that reflects the Vancouver indie scene. (Youthink)
They have a bit of a Radiohead thing going on.…very melodic and pleasant to listen to. (Capital Rock City)
Way to Go, Einstein sound like Radiohead if they played in more eclectic time signatures. Songs such as "Everywhere You Turn" and "Parallax" are both in 7/8 time, with an interesting groove and floating synths. Soaring vocals with driving guitar riffs create a nice contrast that holds the listener’s ear and make the music pleasing to listen to…. For fans of indie and experimental music, this is almost a must for you.
(The Other Press)
(read less)Way to Go Einstein is a five-piece modern rock band from Vancouver, Canada, which has recently completed its second LP, Pseudonym, released in early 2009. This second self-produced album was recorded over a period of eight months at the band’s studios in New Westminster, Burnaby, and at The Hive Creative Labs.
The band, originally composed of members Andrew and Kevin, completed its line-up in early 2007. Each member comes from his own separate musical background, making for an eclectic mix...
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