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    The Phantom Tollbooth 2004/University

    University

    Make Believe (Side B)

    (2004)

    Reviewed by Trae Cadenhead

    Label independentThe Phantom Tollbooth2004
    indie rockpop rockpower pop

    Chicago is a growing home to a number of talented bands. These are included, but not limited to, Sleeping at Last, Matthew, Duvall, and now University. The band University does not yet have a full length on their resume, but a pair of EPs show the band's pop sensibilities with a good sense of when to rock out. Make Believe (Side A) was the first EP from the band and now we have Make Believe (Side B), which shows an improvement in the band's sound.

    The opening track "Silly Lyv" is pretty explosive right out of the gate as Aaron Mortensen sings, "I bet you'd like to find the answer." The following track "Dirty Smile" is probably the catchiest of the batch and even includes a bit of synthesizer work. On the closing track "Make Believe" we hear a distinct Beatles influence as the band slows things down a little. All three tracks here are distinct from each other and stand out as solid songs on their own.

    I guess now we just have to hope for a full length from University because it sounds like these guys have some great songs inside of them. Here's hoping.

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