By Valerie Dunn
Elm Staff Writer
As warm weather draws students out of the library and onto the Green, the radio waves tantalize these students with the sounds of impending summer. Mixed with the heady heat and restless minds, music propels even the most studious folks to put down the books and dance. With lyrics promising that, “we can burn brighter than the sun” it is little wonder that listeners continue to clamor for the anthem of fun.
Nate Ruess, formerly of The Format, formed the band fun. in 2008 with Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff. Based in New York City, fun. is an indie pop band whose music sounds much like its namesake. The band fun. features incredible lead vocals by Ruess, dynamic backup by Antonoff, and diverse instrumental talent by Dost who has played everything from bass guitar to glockenspiel to beach ball.
The trio released its debut album, “Aim and Ignite,” in 2009. The album received positive reviews and established the band’s versatility and enthusiasm. Though the diversity of the album’s compilation lends to an almost overwhelming listening experience, the album is an enjoyable one. Particularly delightful is “Be Calm” the album’s explosive opening song. “All The Pretty Girls” also deserves a dancing to, while “The Gambler” manages to give mellow melodies epic proportion.
More recently, in February of this year, fun. released a second album, “Some Nights.” With influences of theatric rock and hip-hop, “Some Nights” differs from Aim and Ignite while still maintaining fun.’s signature sound. It is from this album that fun.’s most popular song, “We Are Young,” originated. Though “We Are Young” launched fun. into fame, the listener should consider the album’s remaining tracks. Indeed, “Some Nights” and for that matter “Intro to Some Nights” immediately establish the album’s fervency for all-consuming music. Similarly, “Carry On” unites the musicians with the listeners with lyrics that successfully inspire without crossing into a corny level.
Perhaps that is the strength of fun., though it is nearly impossible to highlight merely one aspect of the band. Nevertheless, fun. surpasses its pop contenders because the music of both “Aim and Ignite” and “Some Nights” is absolutely endearing. Even the first listen conveys the sincerity Ruess, Dost, and Antonoff have for the music they produce. This dedication to expression through any means of music transforms fun. from the average pop band to a group with a sound that is completely their own.
With a long list of summer gigs, fun. continues its 2012 tour throughout America, Canada, and the UK. Merriwheather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD will host fun. as part of the Sweetlife Festival on April 28. Whether in concert or on the radio, fun. will certainly resonate throughout the summer.