MUSIC - JANUARY 28, 2004

The Singles bring Beatles-influenced sounds to the Temple

By Julie Thomson

The Singles are quickly catching the attention of Detroit’s vibrant music scene, while also gaining fans throughout Europe. In the wake of their international touring, music fans in Lansing will have an opportunity to see this talented four-piece on Friday at The Temple Club.

The Singles formed from Vince Frederick’s love of 1950s and ’60s pop. The Singles are composed of Frederick, who is lead singer and guitarist, guitarist Will Yates, bassist Dave Lawson, and drummer Eugene Strobe. All members add crucial vocals to the band’s infectious songs. Strobe, who has played with other Detroit bands, including The Witches and The Sights, is the newest member to join The Singles.

“The band has been around since ’99. The lineup changes all the time,” Frederick said. Rainbow Quartz released the band’s first album, “Better Than Before,” in August 2003. The influence of The Beatles is unmistakable, but unlike so many other bands who have been influenced by these giants, The Singles stand on solid ground with “Better Than Before.”

Frederick said about his songwriting, “On this album there are definite influences I’m wearing on my sleeve. Those who got me into playing guitar, the Beatles from the ’60s and Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry from the ’50s. I listen to music from all eras. I wouldn’t be able to create anything if I wasn’t inspired.”

The songs on “Better Than Before” focus on the quintessential pop subject of love and guy-girl relationships. The skillful arrangements include guitars that range from slow to jangly and upbeat; drums that are solid, quick and smart; and driving bass that rounds out their sound. Harmonies and handclaps are also skillfully sprinkled throughout the album.

The Singles put on a powerful and impressive live show. On playing live Frederick commented, “It’s fun to get out and play rock and roll. When you play live there’s a performance factor. You have to entertain a little bit. You get energy from the people watching and go for it live.”

The Singles have had some positive album reviews in some of Britain’s leading music magazines, such as Q, Mojo and Uncut. When asked about it, Frederick replied, “We’ve been well-received more than we thought.”

The Singles are one of many Detroit bands to be more applauded and recognized in Europe than the United States. “The United States is really big. Promotion is really hard,” Frederick said. “You have to be hands-on and out there. Europe is a lot smaller. There are fewer channels and the majority of the people see them. Of course it stills takes work. The album is just picking up steam. In Germany, it’s going to radio now.”

The next album, however, is definitely on the horizon, with plans to record in May. “The songs on the next album are not so Beatles-esque. They will still be melodic pop,” he said. They also plan to “make a name for ourselves and get more established… With the first record the ball is still rolling.”

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