Austin Sound

Progressively, the ties between original rock n’ roll and modern day music wane ever more thin. A genre that was once centered on lighthearted entertainment has nearly been choked and forgotten by the infinite amounts of bastardized genres that take themselves too seriously. There is, however, the occasional old soul musician that Father Time seems to have misplaced into a different era of music altogether. We have found that musician in PJ Valletti, front man of PJ and the Bear. Valletti’s songs bring a sound that would have fit well in the malt shops of yesteryear, but with a loud, fast punch that would have done The Ramones proud. Scarcely a year ago, a chance meeting between Valletti and drummer Mike Fonseca lead to the first demos that would comprise their first full length album. The seventeen minute self-titled debut speeds through Chuck Berry inspired songs with punk rock tendencies.

PJ and the Bear have a familiar sound, but with an execution not quite like anything you have heard – or at least within the past few decades. The make up of the band is simple: guitar, bass, drums, and an able lead singer; but the quartet produces music that grabs, but not forces, your attention, without sounding overdone. The punk-rock n’ roll hybrid coupled with deliciously raunchy lyrics goes down sweet, like a thick milk shake. The songs capture you at first listen, but often end before they have had the proper time to develop. All under three minutes, the nine tracks are easy to swallow, but leave you hoping for more. The shortest tune, “Banana Split,” plays with the audience’s emotions. Immediately blasting to life with promise of being the most infectious song on the album, it ends just as suddenly as it started – a 45 second affair. The length, however, works to the collection’s advantage when the standard, four-on-the-floor pace slows down for the reminiscent love ballad “Back to Me”, whose length seem just right alongside the fast songs.

The album springs to life with “Loose Lady,” whose tight drums and frantic guitar set the perfect tone for the album, with simple but effective chord progression. The first six songs will give you the intense and undeniable need to dance. The entire album is a call to the dance floor, which is what Valletti, known for his explosive dancing during shows, would want. “Scarlet,” a sexy, 50s bop style tune, could inspire even the most ardent of wallflowers to twist along. Valletti’s music has become as much of a visual experience as a listening one. Sequined and drenched in sweat, he delivers spastic dance moves that exhaust even the listeners.

Overall, the album provides an intriguing trip back to a simpler time. It is a fun and unassuming, quipped with melodies made to stick in your head. PJ & the Bear refuse to take themselves too seriously, but have managed to come out of it with a decent, danceable collection of songs with a vintage crunch.

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