If you’re into pop music posing as “eclectic,” then you might have heard of the band Eclectic Approach. However, their mediocre sound and trendy look makes them difficult to distinguish from any other boy band.

Unfortunately there is nothing eclectic about their repetitive hooks and interchangeable lyrics.

Eclectic Approach claims their goal is to get people dancing with songs titled “Cool” and “Jump into Life,” though they lack the energy of exceptional bands like The Killers, M83 and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

It’s perplexing as to how Eclectic Approach managed to win OurStage’s unsigned artists panel in March.

There is nothing about the band that makes it stand out amongst the sea of boy bands in its genre, including Maroon 5, Linkin Park, and The Wanted. Sure, such bands may get hours of radio play, but is any of it truly appreciated by anyone over the age of 14?

The problem with today’s popular music is that it all sounds the same. It’s difficult to find an album with any diversity and rare to find a band that connects with their audience through creative sounds and thought-provoking lyrics.

Fortunately, independent bands like Modest Mouse, Phoenix, Matt and Kim, and Passion Pit, continue to produce new music that can be heard on independent radio stations such as 92.9 and online through Pandora Radio and Spotify.

Eclectic Approach could be taken seriously, if only they spent more time writing music and less time picking out bow ties and fedoras.

But don’t just take my word for it. Eclectic Approach will be performing live at Central Oregon Community College during the Warrior Challenge II event on May 31. Hear the band for yourself and you be the judge.

–Anna Quesenberry

The Broadside

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