Descendants Of Billy

Release Date: April 6, 2010

 

Teen rock band Population 5 crank out a big sound that's savvy beyond their years,

like the title of the opening track on their debut album Descendants of Billy—it's called "Thank God for Science." They sport an enviably big sound and lush, crisp production. "Virgin Birth of Sympathy" sounds like they've been listening to The Strokes. But influences only go so far. Thirteen-year-old songwirter Sam Griffin-Ortiz was a finalist in the 2009 International Songwriting Competition for "Dream," a 6-minute ballad that starts off like a military funeral march on mushrooms and swells into an anthem with cutting lyrics ("I'm scared straight cuz I got no fear...Got an empty life Jesus can't save...Bobby's little dream home with the blood spot on the floor") that make you scratch your head and ask, "A 13-year-old wrote that?" "Run Away," sung with deadpan rock ennui by Emma Griffin-Ortiz shreds like Lenny Kravitz jamming with Zep and Queens of the Stone Age. When she chimes in on Sam's songs with her counterpoint harmony, it conjures Exene and John Doe from X. Nevermind that they're kids, though it's an intriguing novelty, these youngsters just plain rock. [WR]
-Monterey County Weekly

 

 

If you miss an earlier show Saturday night at Gemini, you may be kicking yourself later.

Seaside-based teenage rock band Population 5 plays an early show (6:30) the same night as Don Carlos (whose show starts at 11:30!).

I've listened to the band's new album "Descendants of Billy" several times this week (even as I write this) and I still can't believe I'm hearing four 14-year-old boys (you heard me, boys!) and an 11-year-old girl.

The music is mature, sophisticated and at times daring, especially for a band that still has to have their parents shlep them to gigs in the mini-van.

Singer-songwriter Sam Griffin-Ortiz, who has been writing and playing his songs since he was 10, has a good ear for melody and writes compelling and idiosyncratic lyrics.

And the rest of the band (Ellis Lindenthal on guitar, bassist Zakk Colburn, drummer Harrison Spencer and Sam's 11-year-old sister Emma) are no slouches either, adding accomplished instruments and vocals to the overall sound.

And you would think a band this young would wear their influences on their sleeves, but the music is diverse enough to sound unique, although the full-speed rocker "Just Because" sounds like an unholy alliance between the Ramones and the Runaways, which is a good thing.

And check out the ripping '60s garage rock guitar solo (shades of MC5!) on "Thank God for Science."

Check out population5.com or myspace.com/populationfive and judge for yourself. Or catch them out in person Saturday night.

- Monterey Herald

 

Population 5 rocked Planet Gemini tonight! Amazing band

consisting of four 14-year-olds and an 11-year-old! Great songs you wouldn't expect would come from the mind of a 14-year-old, Sam Griffin-Ortiz. Check out their myspace site and you'll be pleasantly surprised. I was blown away how good they are live, so it's not studio tricks or anything. And they're just starting out. Keep an eye (or ear) out for this band.

- Mac MacDonald, Mac About Town -

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Interested in hearing some rough mixes from our upcoming album? Click on our EPK link below:

Population 5's SonicBids EPK (Electronic Press Kit)