{"id":226,"date":"2015-03-19T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2015-03-19T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.nysmusic.com\/2015\/2015\/03\/19\/hearing-aide-professional-victims-fathom-the-cosmos\/"},"modified":"2015-03-19T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2015-03-19T00:00:00","slug":"hearing-aide-professional-victims-fathom-the-cosmos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.nysmusic.com\/2015\/2015\/03\/19\/hearing-aide-professional-victims-fathom-the-cosmos\/","title":{"rendered":"Hearing Aide: Professional Victims ‘Fathom The Cosmos’"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"fathom-the-cosmos-actual-cover\"<\/a>Professional Victims are an alternative rock duo based in Syracuse have released their third EP, this one is a five song offering titled \u201cFathom The Cosmos\u201d. Ashley Cox and Shawn Sullivan recruited Jeff Moleski (Smashing Pumpkins, Local H) at Moletrax East and the recording is what they describe as ‘D.I.Y. alternative, exploring the space between synth pop and alt rock riffs’. Having reviewed their stunning last release \u201cMotivational Speakers\u201d I was excited when they sent along this new EP. It\u2019s with high expectations that I give it a spin and share my thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuman\u201d sets the initial tone for this release, a dreamy, layered vocal set on what seems to be a strict power-pop keys\/guitar line. Dig a little deeper and it has some teeth despite its oooh refrains.<\/p>\n

\u201cGimme Space\u201d switches gears dramatically as an expose of swirling emotions matched by Sullivan\u2019s ripping guitar solos. The keyboard and vocal effects twist the lyric audibly sending the listener on the roller coaster of the mixed emotions portrayed. \u201cRun\u201d cranks up the volume further exploring the human condition, the questioning of self and the self-entitled need for escape. The mix is monstrous and the balance of the guitar tracks from acoustic to melodic, then searing, all blending to the next verse, brilliant stuff. The vocal play is next to perfect, especially the rave-up ending.<\/p>\n

PV stretch their eighties power-pop muscle on \u201cStrangest Thing\u201d Cox\u2019s vocal rising and falling with Sullivan\u2019s guitar line driving her along. She\u2019s convincing, but not contrived, it\u2019s a very fine line she dances on deftly, confidently, without need of a net. \u201cPirate Flag\u201d reminds me of a favorite song I haven\u2019t heard before, reminiscent, familiar, yet carrying the excitement of something fresh and new. The melody line and hook grab your ears, propelling one finger toward the repeat button well before the end. A fitting closer that leaves you wanting for more, more sweet vocals, more biting guitar, more ear candy, which this surely is.<\/p>\n