The New Connection is a 5-peice Philadelphia based band that plays their own blend of rock music. They are music for the ADD generation, drawing influences from bands like The Beatles, Bob Marley and the Wailers, The Talking Heads, The Clash, Elvis Costello, NOFX and The Police. They sound like a music nerd's iPod on shuffle and can be compared to newer artists like Minus The Bear, Vampire Weekend, The Mars Volta and Local Natives.
Press
"this new album showcases the individual talents of each member and their broad range of influences; tracks range from sexy dance grooves to sublime, cosmic vocal journeys to chakra-tingling riffs that will keep your feet tapping while your soul swirls in indie rock bliss. The New Connection shows growth and musical maturity from their first album, Mentally/Physically, while staying true to the eclectic roots, which have planted them deep in the hearts of Philly music lovers."
- Katie Feeney, the Examiner (May 25, 2011)
"Fans of reggae-informed, radio-friendly pop rock need look no further than The New Connection's latest record. The songs bounce and cavort in a new wavey kinda way – think The Police, circa Ghost In the Machine. "
- John Vettese, The Key XPN blog (May 26, 2011)
"[The New Connection] draw influences from well-known bands like The Beatles, Minus the Bear, Queen, The Clash and Bob Marley & the Wailers. They bring together the best parts of lesser-known bands, like Paulson and The Hush Sound, while aspiring to be as good as indie rock harmonizing geniuses Local Natives."
- Brandee Nichols, Jump Magazine (Aug 30, 2011)
".musical influences that range from BeeBop to Bob Marley and NOFX. They are essentially a group of music dorks (this is a compliment) with a laconic sense of humor about themselves. Musically, The New Connection are a hard band to describe as each song encompasses a range in styles and genres as eclectic as their influences. Songs like the "Real Sea" and "The Flow of the Century" are strong examples in the band's range in songwriting and musicianship. Guitarist Rory and drummer Todd Mecaughey add a balanced mix of showmanship and melodic lines that add to their sound without being the least bit distracting. I love the folk styled song, "A Giggle," which has a slew of honestly written lines that listeners can personally relate to. The New Connection is a fun band that you should definitely check out and have a beer with. "
- David Turcotte, Tri State Indie (Feb 02, 2011)
"In comparing the band's sound to something the reference which comes most readily is The Police, especially in tracks like "Jolene," with its expansive, languid but precise bass-playing and jazzy keyboard and trumpet intro; both bands have the same lilting syncopation and punk DNA in their veins. The futility in categorizing bands like this is the reason Indie is a genre, even where it would be laughable to call many of the acts of that genre "independent", of which it is a derivative term. Modest Mouse is Indie but not independent; TNC is independent and Indie"
- Cameron Sima, Philly Broadcaster (May 31, 2011)
Why do I like The New Connection? It's simple, really. Listening to their music brings me back to my high-school days, an era of punk rock shows that shook the foundations of the smoky, crowded basements in which they took place - something that might not sound like bliss, but for me and the dozens of loyal fans who embraced the local underground scene it really was. The New Connection isn't as loud as some of those bands I liked in those days, and they're certainly not as abrasive, which is why, in my mid-twenties, I can enjoy them without worrying about the future of my eardrums. But they still have the refreshing flavor of a band that knows its roots, would be totally willing to play those shady basements shows, and - above all - makes music just for the sake of music itself.
-Rachel Perry (Play Magazine)
Though the debut album "Mentally/Physically" from Philadelphia's The New Connection is definitely good. The sound of blessed Irish/Italian lead guitarist Rory Geoghegan is delicious, and at moments he taps into the cosmos. The bass and drums interplay, provided by the simultaneously chill and wild Alex Baranowski and Todd Mecaughey, are juicy with complex and exciting rhythms. Lead singer Gerry B's voice is clear, expressive, and empathetic, and the lyrics aren't too bad. It should be especially noted that for a young, homegrown project, the production is beautifully mastered with calm perfectionism.
There are moments when they seem like they might wander into a mysterious universe, but then they snap back into a solid driving rock beat or a nice Beatles bop. The compositions are solid and architectural; each one sets up its bones on a slamming guitar riff, builds on drums and bass, and finally eases in tight four-part vocal harmonies. The songs take a nice turn in the road at the chorus ('Sorry About the Polar Bears.'), and your toes can't help but tap. There are nice spaces, and generally things build to exciting climaxes and chillout breakdown sections, followed by a nice resolution. The lyrics are conversational and unpretentious.
-Victoria Jacobs (Ins & Outs Magazine)
