ISS

The self-described "time-warping boy band" I.S.S. is led by vocalist/songwriter/producer Tim Smolens, who is better known for his work as bassist in the genre-hopping Santa Cruz, CA, band <a href="spotify:artist:1xieC6GkoG1VsMEcD3A07K">Estradasphere</a>. The quartet is rounded out by fellow vocalists (and occasional songwriters) Joey Riken, Joel Robinow, and George Smith. The group's album art, lyrics, and overall musical approach are a mixture of homage and parody concerning the decades-long history of the boy band genre/phenomenon, from <a href="spotify:artist:7eAF64ZiDwK2rDPSrr97D9">the Four Freshmen</a> to <a href="spotify:artist:3oDbviiivRWhXwIE8hxkVV">the Beach Boys</a> and on through more modern groups such as <a href="spotify:artist:5rSXSAkZ67PYJSvpUpkOr7">the Backstreet Boys</a>. While on paper they may seem to possess the trappings of a mere novelty band, they surpass that sort of designation on the strength of their songwriting and musicianship; listening to them, it becomes immediately clear that they put a great deal of effort into their music and not just the concept behind it. I.S.S.'s songs are built around four-part vocal harmonies that are at times uncanny in their similarity to Pet Sounds/Smile-era <a href="spotify:artist:3oDbviiivRWhXwIE8hxkVV">Beach Boys</a> (Smolens is a devoted, largely self-taught acolyte of <a href="spotify:artist:3oDbviiivRWhXwIE8hxkVV">Beach Boys</a> mastermind <a href="spotify:artist:4Q82S0VzF8qlCb4PnSDurj">Brian Wilson</a>). I.S.S.'s debut album, Forget About the Girl, came out in 2002 on Mimicry Records, the label of <a href="spotify:artist:2zq0uqN9Wq12tqrQQt1ozw">Mr. Bungle</a>/<a href="spotify:artist:3H6yIZ1GLpc1WV51iuyZgp">Secret Chiefs 3</a> member Trey Spruance and the home of <a href="spotify:artist:1xieC6GkoG1VsMEcD3A07K">Estradasphere</a>'s first few releases. Forget About the Girl included contributions from Smolens' brother, Doug Smolens, on drums, along with backing vocals and instrumental assistance by fellow <a href="spotify:artist:1xieC6GkoG1VsMEcD3A07K">Estradasphere</a> members Timb Harris and John Whooley. ~ William York, Rovi