The Argument

There are at least two bands with this name

1. A indie rock/experimental duo from Sweden,

2. This tight pop quartet from Morgantown, West Virginia played together from 1997 to 2006. Legend has it they met at a Ben Folds concert, probably all singing perfect harmonies from the audience. Chris Russell on drums, Matt Warder on guitar, Brent Bunner on bass, and frontman Scott Simons on keyboards put on high energy but refined performances.

Their sound is a bright shiny vocal pop with flavors of new wave and mild jazz pop (think Joe Jackson, Elvis Costello, Billy Joel, Beatles, much more). All four are excellent singers who make luscious 3 and 4 part harmonies the centerpiece of most of their tunes. Some of their early tunes, like Matt's Ballad of Ernestine Jackson, are rather sophisticated and complex both in melody and harmony. Some of Scott's ballads, like Sick of Here, showcase hooky yet soaring melodies and familiar yet fresh chord changes. Lyrically they are generally a little less evolved, most of their songs are about a prospective girlfriend or an ex-girlfriend, though with clever little bits and some sardonic wit.

An early crowd favorite was Inflatable Amy, which they tended to torture toward the end of their 9 year run. Though their recordings were extremely refined and well-produced, their live shows were where they would really shine, developing a deeply loyal following across the United States.