Every Friday, I will be writing a feature about a new/up-and-coming band or artist that the public should be aware of. The first entry is still one that I am kicking myself for not getting into sooner.

This entire past year, I’ve heard word of mouth of fun., but never took the time to actually listen to them. Even when they came out with a single with Panic! at the Disco (their label-mates), I still turned my backs to them. But after I saw their new single “We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe)” on my iTunes, I had to stop and give them a once over.

Safe to say, “We Are Young” is now one of my favorite singles of the year. Their New York-style romp of rebelion mixed with innocence made the single work. With lines like “So let’s set this world on fire/We can burn brighter than the sun” made me start a one-man singalong in my car, which I am in no way embarrassed about.

This sparked my curiosity about fun.. As I dug deeper about the New York trio, I found and bought their debut album, 2009’s Aim and Ignite. As current as “We Are Young” sounds, the feel of their debut was the polar opposite. Using everything from pianos to brass, they embodied an older sound that could appeal to all ages; from the hipsters at the mall to adults looking for music that’s not electronic.

The lead song off of Aim and Ignite “Be Calm” sounds like it was influenced by Danny Elfman and The Nightmare Before Christmas. “At Least I’m Not As Sad (As I Used to Be)” is a great rock song, featuring some impeccable musicianship and easy going lyrics that will get stuck in your head for days to come. The catchiest of their songs, “All the Pretty Girls” is a pop-rock dream; the catchiness of this three minute pop song will keep you from moving on to another song. I still have a hard time moving on through the album, as I keep hitting repeat to listen to it one more time. I’m not saying that the rest of the album isn’t as good as it, but “All the Pretty Girls” is the song that stood out the most.

It’s amazing that this band is a trio. I’ve watched their live show (which contains three more artists), and is amazed at the quality sound that they can all put out. This is one of the bands that can sound just as good as their albums, and a band that I wish could come to town. Their easy sing-a-longable lyrics makes their performances incredible easy to get into.

fun. is definetly that…fun. Their first album’s older sound breathed new life into the alternative scene, while still keeping an older sound to them. Their first single off of their next album, the aforementioned “We Are Young,” is a different direction for the band to be taking, but I will no doubt welcome it with open arms. Fueled by Ramen is hitting a home run with this band, as I hope more people acknowledged their presence in the alternative scene. I highly recommend you take a listen.

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