Like I was never gone, Or, I always find this sound in the summer.

As one who can boast to friends and family about jumping on the Strokes bandwagon early on, I will always have an affinity for both the band, and their lo-fi, back to basics, sound. As a result, when stumbling upon another seemingly random friend request from a Spanish band called The Blows, I was immediately ensnared by their mastery of the same musical formula. Combining a sound that quickly draws comparisons to that of The Strokes on their track, "Leaving this Town", The Blows come close to another 'Strokes copycat band brush-off'. What keeps the listener enthralled however, is a sound that echoes other prominent Indie innovators, making The Blows' music, in a sense, all their own. In the track, "We Want You" for example, the band bear a resemblance to fellow Indie forerunner, Franz Ferdinand. However, by exploring their music further, the influence of the Arctic Monkeys, and Interpol are also evident.

The Blows is a four-piece outfit from the "Spain" area (according to their Myspace profile). Dressing as hip as the music they perform, The Blows fit right into the modern music/fashion scene. Though sung in what seems like butchered English, the band prides itself on songs featuring a prominent bassline, carelessly passionate vocals that recall a mix between Ian Curtis and Julian Casablancas, playful guitars that pepper both the foreground and the background with a nonchalant air, as well as catchy melodies you know you could (and probably will) dance to.

The musical formula, in theory, is flawless for this hip band: Become equal with the modern innovators today, by taking a little from each one. This indie super-concoction is volatile however, and unless The Blows continue to play their cards right, the fragile balance they have created so far, may end up blowing up in their faces.

My verdict: I enjoy what they have done so far, however, the success of the band depends on their willingness to experiment and expand on their current sound. The foundation for success is sturdy enough, but the true test lies in where they go from here.

The Blows Myspace Page