LoveCapades: Homegrown Version of the British Invasion?

LoveCapades has finally released a slew of new recordings that I think are top notch (check 'em out on iTunes).  In a marketplace dominated by quirky styles, this group has a solid underpinning of talent.  Led by Colin Rivera, a British implant, with his sister Jesse laying a foundation of strong backup vocals, this band has it where it counts.

Colin is a strong lead vocalist with a great London accent like those punctuated the original British invasion. (Jessi's complementary vocals are matched in a way that only a sibling can accomplish). But it doesn't stop there.  He's a songwriter with a heart, with the performing skills to make you feel it.  Colin has the attitude of a winner and a disarming charm that has helped him snag some great opportunities for the band. He carefully drafted this mix of American and British players that works really well together, on stage and off.

Jon Campbell is lead guitar player and owns the role. I've seen better "shredders" - they all begin to sound the same after a while - but Jon has "the touch".  Equally at home on acoustic and electric, Jon doesn't just play the notes.  He plays the guitar.

 The drummer is always last, but Justin Curtis is not an afterthought in this band.  The boy plays full kit with finesse, and has a nice touch on the djembe when the band is in acoustic mode.  Justin has a feel for dialing in the dynamics that set the stage for the others to bring the full power of their talent to bear on the audience.

Add Phil Forte who, when he isn't busy with his own band, or touring Europe, often rounds out LoveCapades with very smooth bass lines, and you have a really great mix.

Overall this band is more than just a great listen.  They are crowd pleaser with some skills that only the more sophisticated listeners will detect. For most of us, they're just a great show, and that's okay too.