The Band POPULATION GAME - Justin lead vocals and keyboards, Joe on bass, Brett on guitar, and Jevin on drums. Way down on the other side of the Sunset much off the beaten path. One interesting, warm Wednesday night at the Silver Lake Lounge, I ventured this far to watch a band… POPULATION GAME and well worth the trip, as they did not disappoint me. I have seen Population Game on a few occasions and once by accident, this is how I actually discovered them. I was out to see another band but I went on the wrong night no less, trying to be over prepared but to my surprise I was elated to see this band play. Justin I would compare his voice to a meld of Steven Perry, Prince and Freddie Mercury his voice, flawless clean and clear. The stage was lit with a neon sign that says “Salvation” and when you hear Justin’s voice you’d think you died and went to heaven. They opened with a bit of a dance tune called “Shake Your Body Babe” this got the crowd up and moving’. “Untouchable” is one of my favorites for you really get to hear the range of Justin’s voice. By the third song you could really hear the Prince influence in some of the sounds of his voice and the highs he hits are piercing yet flawless.
The band has been recording for the last month, and hasn’t been outperforming. But it doesn’t show their chops are tight. Justin’s up there dancing while playing the keyboards getting his little moves in between beats played out on the keys. The guys in the audience join in and they have a little tangent where they have this dance off, it was entertaining.
While on stage Joe has this massive fro that when he is head banging his hair bounces and it looks like a little bobble head keeping time with the song. “Dreamers” starts out show with a solo of Justin and the keyboards and an unblemished voice mellow great story being told. Then the rest of the band to bring the song home for a strong finish joins Justin. Personally Justin could sing the phone book and it would be enjoyable for he would make it lyrically interesting, they have a song called “Nobody” that is a play on the word and the different ways it can be used a real upbeat and fun dance song.
To end the night on his knees singing “Sky” with the power of ten men, Justin sings this one with full force ending up on his back exhausted and lying there as if dead. Lights up and they are done to the crowds’ cheers and adulation. You can go to their myspace.com/Populationgame or their site www.populationgamemusic.com. Be sure to watch for their CD release party!
