Search - World Leader Pretend :: Punches

A Music Purchase You'll Never Regret

Amanda Smith | Charleston, SC | 10/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"World Leader Pretend's major label debut "Punches" made it's way to me through a series of completely bizarre and random events on the evening of July 17th, and I haven't been the same since. Self-produced prior to signing with a label, the CD sounds like no other I've encountered, a pleasant surprise from a Warner Brothers' CD. The music itself is amazing, and I would be truly happy listening to it with or without lyrics. There is, in fact, a gorgeous instrumental track on the album called Appassionato. Each song seems to highlight a different instrument, allowing each of this fantastic quintet's members to shine. Nothing ever feels forced or out of place. One song flows naturally to the next. You get the feeling the album was written from the listener's point of view, written as a CD rather than a pile of independent songs that were later sifted through and arranged into some kind of order that made sense only to the band and the producer, which makes Punches a CD that can be put in the stereo and left there. As for lyrics, I've always been a sucker for music that uses unusual words and phrases, and with the inclusion of words like "crass" and phrases like "hunky dory," WLP does not disappoint. Another lyrical aspect I find intriguing and refreshing are the girls' names that they chose... Nothing trendy and tired here. Instead we find names like "Carol Ann" and "Suzette," which spark the imagination. I could go on forever about the music and the band, the nicest guys you'll ever meet. I no longer feel the need to take every CD I own when I hop in the car. I know exactly what I'll want to listen to. WLP is truly a purchase you won't regret."

Live Performance That Doesn't Dissapoint

Paul Cardon | Columbus, OH | 07/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"World Leader Pretend was largely unknown to music fans in Columbus, OH prior to their inclusion in the 2005 CD101 Summerfest lineup. Keith Ferguson's vocals were the primary surprise, blending aspects of Dave Matthews, Chris Martin of Coldplay, and dare I say it... Neil Diamond.



Oozing soul, excitement, and a solid work ethic, the band hung it all out for the crowd by presenting a good number of tracks from Punches. They stole the show from the other opening acts. Best of all they made themselves available to the fans, were extremely personable, and ended up selling a pile of CDs as a result.



Look for more good things from this band."

Incredibly Polished Label Debut

Austin Music Fan | Austin, TX | 08/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These guys came out of nowhere (New Orleans to be exact) and have come up with a phenomenal sound. They bring everything to the front---especially Ferguson's full-bodied, breathy vocals. Combine Badly Drawn Boy and U2 to get a sense of these guys. They are on to something---big!"