This band reminds me so much of Gene! Good thing, because I love Gene (even more than The Smiths). This is a must have for anyone who is into Brit-Pop.

Aveo are so much more than simply a "soundalike" band. Although there are parallels between them and the Smiths and Talk Talk, they are something entirely their own. Their lyrics are beautiful and their live shows are inspired and inspiring. As well, they are the nicest people. I can't believe they aren't more popular than they are.

As a fan of Britpop, I find that bands from the UK struggle mightily for a market here in the US. Every few years though an American band, mining the Briypop sound carves a niche here. In the early 90s, Majesty Crush brought the woozy sound of Ride and MBV to the scene. IN the latter part of the 90s, there was Portland Natives, Dandy Warhols with more of the glam sound of Pulp or The Charlantans. Now from Seattle, we have Aveo.

All of the local Seattle press tab Aveo as Smiths-sound alikes. They do have the same jangle and croon mentality but vocally more reminescent of Martin rossiter of Gene. They toss in a healthy blend of the American Indie sound of Death Cab For Cutie and Ocean Blue, giving them a unqiue but familiar sounding record.

Pop in Bridge to The Northern Lights and that is what you will notice, it sounds comfortingly familiar, and before you know it these songs are etched in your head.

These 3 tracks are good samples but you could pretty much pick any 3. Look for these guys to make a splash in the coming months.