Heartbreak 101

Featuring brothers Chris and Cody Groom, Berkeley Heights is trying to be both a nod to the past and a look towards the future. By combining songwriting structures from synth pop, classic rock, alternative and new wave the band is hard to categorize. Take a shot of the Beach Boys, mix it with some New Order, then toss in equal parts Postal Service and the Everly Brothers and you come close. Regardless of instrumentation the band is concerned foremost with great songs. Catchy chord progressions, memorable hooks and tight arrangements are the bands mainstays. If you are afraid of pop music the band might not be for you but don't be surprised if you catch yourself humming along. Officially formed in 2007 after many nights of drunken musical banter, the project was an idea that had been gestating for the previous two years to no fruition. Finally, in August of 2007, the brothers decided to sit down and start demoing some songs to see if the idea would work. The song quot;Blind Eyesquot; was the result and immediately the brothers knew they were onto something. The song was instantly likable, catchy and fresh sounding. Even more promising, as far as the brothers were concerned, was the way their voices matched up perfectly for harmonies. Sufficiently encouraged, the pair decided to press on. Six months of late weekend sessions, countless pints at the local pub and 5 songs later, quot;Heartbreak 101quot;, the bands first EP, was finished. To say the two are proud of the record is an understatement. The brothers have even coined a term for the music, creating the phrase, quot;unapologetically popquot;. Currently the duo is preparing to take the music to the people with a live show and print and internet marketing campaigns. The band is also in the process of putting together music videos for two songs from their new CD. In the future, they have plans for contributing to several compilation albums and are launching their own website.