While they are relatively new to the national scene, What Made Milwaukee Famous have accomplished quite a bit in their hometown of Austin, TX.  The band- whose debut record Trying Never to Catch Up comes out August 22nd on Barsuk Records- have headlined sold out shows, played South by Southwest, and opened for Franz Ferdinand as one of only a handful of unsigned bands to perform at the Austin City Limits festival.  Publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard have also sung the young band’s praises, calling them a ‘hot’ band to watch in 2006.  Very impressive credentials for a band who met via a series of ads placed by lead singer Michael Kingcaid in the Austin Chronicle. 

There really is a striking difference between the songs ‘idecide’ and ‘Sweet Lady’, both off Trying To Never Catch Up.  One is dark, dischordant and soaked in synth, the other is upbeat and sugar coated pop.  So what is it?  Synth heavy, dark-toned rock group or happy, upbeat pop band?  The magic eight ball says both.  What Made Milkwaukee Famous utilize both of these sounds, and although I’ve just begun listening to the record so far I am very happy with what I hear.  Check it out.

What Made Milwaukee Famous – idecide
What Made Milwaukee Famous – Sweet Lady