Artist Of The Day: The Composure

Every year there are a couple of little pop rock EPs that I just can't stop listening to. Last year had Coyote Theory, Select Start and Farewell Fighter, all of which continue to pop up on my playlists. This year's early candidate for the title of "extremely catchy pop rock EP that has a easy song of the year candidate," is The Composure's Stay The Course. As part of Punchline's record label (and actually containing ex-Punchline member Paul Menotiades) and opening for Bruce Springsteen, The Composure has been on my radar for quite some time, but Stay The Course is the first time that they've legitimately blown me away. Upbeat opener "Stay Away From Me" is a powerful opener and a perfect introduction to anyone unfamiliar with the band, and "Satan" is perhaps the catchiest damn song of the year (other than "Somebody That I Used To Know," but that's just unfair to compare any song to that, and besides it officially came out last year). Handclaps, bells, brass instruments, strings and stunning guest vocals from Bright & Early's John Browne just add to the pop perfection of "Satan." The other four songs on the EP are just icing on the cake of Stay The Course, assuring it a place in the best that pop rock has to offer in 2012. You can follow the band's updates on Facebook, and download "Stay Away From Me" for free on their Bandcamp page here.