At first listen, you may think this band hails from Sussex or Liverpool. Acclaimed Columbus, OH indie rockers Exceptional Edward's EP Rush Of Parachutes is an addictive, six song collection of BritPop straight from the Great Lakes area of the United States. But, with comparisons to Coldplay, Oasis, Travis and U2, Exceptional Edward has managed to appeal to a wide audience reaching far beyond its midwestern home. Much like the Minneapolis-based and critically acclaimed band The Replacements, this group has artfully managed to capture a similar sound spot on.

Exceptional Edward combines effusive arrangements with effortless songwriting sensibility to reverently capture the BritSound essence. The CD embarks on its journey across the pond with the standout track "So Strange". This is not to say that the EP drops off from there. Indeed, all of the tracks are remarkably exceptional, including "Elephant" and "Things Happen", defining their sound without being excessive in their genre. The arrangements are tight, the melodies infectious and the hooks, particularly on "So Strange", are enduring. It gets inside, and then stays there.

The group, Jason Turner (lead vox/guitar), Brian Gillis (drums), Garth Heasley (bass) and Dan Gillis (lead guitar), has been together since 2005, refining their midwest indie-pop sound, playing as many shows as possible, and making their mums really proud. A full length album is also in progress and expected to be released sometime soon.
--Michael Canter
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