New Republic is not your average mainstream rock band. Sure, they have the hooks, melodicism, and smooth production (by none other than
No Doubt and
Porno for Pyros producer
Matt Hyde) on their 2006 full length debut,
Libertad. But singer David Julca's falsetto brings to mind
the Mars Volta's
Cedric Bixler at times (especially on the album-opening "Pride.Time.Love"), while he can also croon a love song in a foreign language à la
Mike Patton (on "La Verdad," which is included in both Spanish and English versions). Additionally. the quartet also knows how to pen songs aimed straight at radio, as evidenced by such easy to digest material as "In My Life" and "Live Forever." The music may be your average (albeit it not as predictable) mainstream rock, but singer Julca is definitely the most valuable player here, which makes
Libertad an impressive debut -- especially from the lead vocal standpoint. Fans of
Incubus should definitely take note of
New Republic. ~ Greg Prato