With only $600 in their budget, members of East Lansing's the giveaway didn't have much to work with in the production of their new EP "wake up."
The album's seven tracks could see the giveaway get a foot in the door much the same way as bands such as Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers have done - with a low-budget album and a local following.
Financed with the help of family members and recorded in just a few takes or less, "wake up" is a creative statement with plenty of raw feeling.
A floating melody of four gentle keyboard notes, an obvious acoustic guitar and just the right touch of drums lead into the EP's first song, "Undeveloped."
The vocals on the track interlink with the flow of the music, especially in the chorus, but aren't always as strong with the backing music of the verse.
The track, one of the strongest on the album, has the best shot at a strong and successful radio single, though it could be mistaken for the band's other song "Never Again."
Songs such as "Colorful" and "Just the Way Things Are" have noticeable change in the vocal arrangements.
The tracks are definitely hit or miss, depending on your own specific tastes, but are both smart and thoughtful.
Lead singer Travis Shaver's voice bears haunting similarities to another Travis, most notably between his voice on "A Better Tomorrow" and UK smash-band Travis' lead-singer and songwriter Francis Healy.
The album as a whole could be mistaken for a really good Travis tribute, but after a full listen it's apparent each song on the EP is different in the giveaway's own style.
Respectable in each musical area, it's obvious the band experimented and tried different things before settling into its style.
The lyrics throughout the EP are a perfect fit for a college audience.
Although they aren't whiny, thank God, they aren't annoying or depressing either (unlike some songs entering the scene). They speak the truth and then they move on.
They don't dwell, and that might just be the theme of the EP.
Suggested listening: This is definite relaxation music. Great to listen to if you can read a book and listen to music at the same time or matched with a good strong cup of coffee in the morning.
If you liked this, you'll also like: Travis' "The Invisible Band" (2001) and Brad's "Shame" (1993)
Price: $10
Where to find: At area music stores starting Wednesday: Flat Black and Circular, 541 E. Grand River Ave., CD Warehouse, 228 Abbott Road or Marshall Music, 3240 E. Saginaw St. in Lansing. To contact the band, visit its Web site at www.thegiveaway.net
Previous albums: Besides demos, none
