(ed. note: When putting this piece together, we had some technical difficulties with the music player. They’re fixed — full album stream after the jump.)

Solid pop music is a commodity these days and, too often, the things I hear are simply “pretty good” or “okay”. However, in the mailbag today was an email from Brooklyn band called Anthem In. I don’t know how else to say it: I haven’t stopped listening to it from the second I put it on, so I’m very pleased to tell you about the band and about the record itself.

The self-released debut from this foursome comes out on June 24th and is well worth more than a cursory listen. Instant comparisons to lots of other bands will come to mind — Teenage Fanclub, Sloan, Rogue Wave, Death Cab For Cutie, Pinback — but the comparisons are only to give you a place to start from. There’s no Xeroxing going on here — if anything, there’s subtle referencing that never sounds forced.

So, if you already like any of these bands, Anthem In’s self-titled debut will be instantly gratifying. This is the kind of beatific album which walks the fine line between indie pop and radio rock, never stepping too far in either direction, always pulling you further and further in until they’ve got you right where they want you. More music and a giveaway after the jump.

Anthem In – Down

The chance union of Allen Orr and Ashley Proffitt eight years ago in Atlanta was the catalyst in the creation of Anthem In’s dynamic sound. The addition of Keith Vogelsang on bass and Paul Pettito on drums in 2007 completed their gregarious performance module, and the band set out to create these 13 songs. The result is consistent: songs that make you think, make you sing along and make you want to shake your ass all at the same time. The bittersweet harmonies and melodies enmesh perfectly with staccato guitar parts, faux-Fender keyboards and a driving rhythm section. With repeated listenings, I start to wonder why I haven’t known about Anthem In all along, like I’ve been cheated by some mystery of time to not have had the opportunity to enjoy their music for years.

If I can think of one unknown young band deserving of your full and undivided attention in 2008, Anthem In is far and away and the one. So much so, I’m devoting this column to this stream of their entire album for you to hear along with these two approved MP3′s you can download and share, “Down” and “Hold On To Me”, both of which appear on their debut.

Furthermore, I have five copies of the CD to give away to the first five commenters to respond below. When you respond, make sure you include your current and correct email address so I can write to you for your mailing address. I’ll make sure that you get your very own copy of the CD to enjoy.

Anthem In – Hold On To Me

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