The Piano

It started with the rockers of old, whose massive bands included a pianist to belt out notes in the background. As time went on, music evolved. For a while, the rock genre seemed to have abandoned the piano.

In stepped artists like Ben Folds, who, even with his old band, used the piano as the musical centerpiece, and the piano was reborn. Folds was, and is, the man. He managed to overcome the "only an electric guitar can be the leading instrument" stereotype; to me, he started the re-emerging piano trend. Songs like "Army" and "Philosophy" were energetic, colorful, and lyrically diverse. Despite his obvious talent, it took years for him to even approach being a mainstream artist; despite the fact that he is signed with Sony now, you don't hear his music on the radio. Still, his fanbase is rabidly supportive and rapdily growing- and not without good reason. His latest album, Songs for Silverman is a great collection of songs, from the upbeat "Bastard" and "You to Thank" to the enchanting song for his daughter, "Gracie." And the deluxe edition comes with an excellent DVD showing how the album was made. You want to buy it. Now.

But Ben Folds, as great a man as he is, is not the point of this post. For there is an even higher mountain (in my mind) in the piano-powered category. This mountain is a band called The Exchange. Why do they call themselves The Exchange, you ask? Well, if you read the great summary on their site, they are three highly talented guys who are looking to harness the better parts of the Indie sub-genre. They all went to the same high school, but seperated for college; despite this, they have a close bond.

Derek, the drummer, just graduated; Jorge, who graduates in December, plays the piano. It's hard to describe the feeling that comes over people when they first hear The Exchange in action. I remember one of my friends and fellow Guster fans recommended them to me. Like any new band I listen to, I was very cautious as I started listening to the two songs PureVolume has available, because I am well aware of the fact that I start judging new music as soon as it starts. I was shocked to discover that I not only liked what I heard, but I loved it. Loved it so much that I emailed Jorge and ordered their EP from him on the same day. As soon as I got the CD, I let others listen to it. Every one of my friends bought Aperture, the amazing EP. It was four days before Christmas that "Waiting for Scars" first came through my speakers. And shortly thereafter, the even better "Anna Lee." Even more so than buying the Ben Folds CD, you should contact Jorge and buy this CD.

As he has now graduated, I expect that the band will begin touring shortly. And the genius of The Exchange will be revealed. Anybody even remotely interested in rock will like them- the lyrics are amazing, the sound non-repetitive. Every song is something new, but always with that piano knocking out the main notes. Bass guitar and drums support; all in all, not only refreshing because it takes me away from what can become monotony in only hearing electric guitars, but refreshing because it's SO good.

I'm done here. The Exchange will become big. You heard it here first.