Comprised of Chris Martin and Chris Phillips, the Ann Arbor, MI-based duo IAMDYNAMITE came to national attention with the 2012 release of their debut effort, SUPERMEGAFANTASTIC. Martin and Philips have spent the past couple of years writing the material which will comprise their forthcoming sophomore effort, Wasa Tusa, slated for an August 7 release through Brando Record – and the album finds the duo experimenting with and expanding upon their sound. As Chris Martin explains in press notes, “Our first record was more of a documentation of our live show. This is our first record where the recording was the art form.”
Reportedly, the material on Wasa Tusa draws its inspiration from The Police, Hall and Oates, Klaxons and Simian Mobile Disco and the album’s latest single “Be There” is comprised of infectiously catchy hooks that pair atmospheric synths, sinuous bass, angular guitar chords played through washes of reverb, handclaps and seductively cooed vocals. But interestingly, because of its slick polish and moody sensuality, the song reminds me quite a bit more of The Fixx – in particular “Red Skies at Night” and “The Sign of Fire.”
You can catch the band as they’re embarking on a tour to support the new album, and it’ll include stops in some of the following cities:
8/18: Lacrosse, WI @ The Warehouse
8/19: St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
8/20: Sauget, IL @ Pop’s
8/21: Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room
8/22: Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater
8/23: Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep
9/10: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
9/11: Mertyle Beach, SC @ House of Blues
9/12: Charlotte, NC @ 1065 The End’s Weenie Roast
9/13: Raleigh, NC @ 95X Big Shindig
