The Spin Wires have been introduced to me through a list of several interesting factoids. First off, the band (according to their press kit) was formed within the rather absurd, yet probable atmosphere of a Beer Olympics tournament. I have a feeling that meeting on these terms has its share of advantages; however, after listening to the byproducts, I have also come to recognize a flaw or two, the first of which is unwarranted jauntiness.

The new EP has its brilliant moments, well sanctioned portions of beautifully conceived tunes scattered among the less extraordinary. Most of The Spin Wire’s songs are easy to listen to, but the band revolves around the default mood that comes after a beer or two; singer Tyson Prince, and Joe Grasso’s drums do little to expose those radiant feelings on their own accord. Prince’s voice is just a little too sincere at times, and with the band’s buoyant dance beats it is easy to come away from this record thinking of The Spin Wires as simplistic and unspectacular. Some tracks — take, for instance, “Aren’t You Worried” — give off a Modest Mouse vibe, or even something akin to The Fratellis, but The Spin Wires are undeniably their own creation.

Having covered a lot of ground in the video game world, The Spin Wires have accumulated a wide base of exposure. Some of their tracks are featured in Beat Hazard Ultra, a game for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC that has sold over one million copies. While dealings like this are what make bands recognizable, this particular exposure could also serve to fulfill the easy grasp of a band that aspires to entertain an audience of zoned-out teenagers.

After listening to The Spin Wires’ EP several times, it is still difficult for me to pinpoint what differentiates these enthusiastic law students from the masses of peppy rock groups that spring forth across the nation each year. At times I find myself untethered to the web of creative force that The Spin Wires bring to life, and then that lofty tin guitar starts up in the background and I am drawn right back.

(self-released, no address provided)