Cordalene

Philadelphia Weekly, Liz Spikol
Any rock band that wants to make it needs a combination of strong musicianship, hard-hitting lyrics and noteworthy vocals. But there's another element that matters more than talent in our sad, sold-out music culture: the cute factor. If you're lucky, you get talent + cute, as in the case of Philly's Cordalene. The local quartet is poised to blow up big, for two reasons. First, they've got Mike Kiley as lead singer, who--along with solid songwriting skills and a soulful voice--is undeniably Teen magazine material. Second, they've got the chops to back Kiley up, with Jamie Olson on guitar, Jim McGuinn on bass and Joe Boyle on drums. Cordalene's music is peppery, full-throttle rock 'n' roll that has smart-guy airplay appeal.

Kings of A&R
Raw, yet infectious lo-fi rock n’ roll with punk energy, pop hooks and garage attitude.

Alternative Dimension
There's one band that is starting to change my mind. They are Cordalene. There is honestly not one bad thing I can say about this band, so I'll leave it at this: GO BUY THIS EP. If your local record store doesn't have it, have them special order it. It's definitely worth it.

Philadelphia Inquirer, Tom Moon
Cordalene (Manic Pop Thrill ***1/2). The four bracing originals on this second Cordalene EP combine the best of rowdy rock and accomplished power-pop: They're twitchy in an early new-wave way, but unlike so much new wave, never fey. Tracks such as the two-minute "Ghost" hurtle along on the strength of jabbing guitars and Mike Kiley's bratty, don't-give-a-damn vocals. If the originals don't make you want a full-length album out of Cordalene, the bonus track, a genius reworking of Burt Bach-arach's "My Little Red Book," will.

All Music Guide
Throw XTC's first album, the Jam’s first album, Gang of Four's first two albums and maybe one or two Weezer singles into a blender, and you'd end up with something that sounds kind of like this bracing blast of jagged rock'n'roll from the Philadelphia-based Cordalene. It's tempting to call it some kind of pop-punk, but there's not enough posing or body piercing going on; you could call it power pop, but the sound doesn't have enough of a surface sheen. What you can definitely call Cordalene's second EP, just like their previous one, is "too short." And yes, that's a criticism; time to buckle down and come up with a full-length.

ND Spectrum, Matthew R. Perrine
Artist: Cordalene
Album: Blue EP
Genre: Immediate, urgent Philly soul
Grade: A
Blue is the most instantly engaging EP since Dealership’s Secret American Livingroom from ’98. But before that it was the Pixies’ Come on Pilgrim back in ’87, and being in that lineage is quite an accomplishment. Either way, Cordalene is sweet. While comparisons can be thrown out left and right, it must be noted that all of the songs somehow sound familiar upon first listen and, more importantly, all those comparisons should be thrown out the window at the same time. However, there’s a question that begs to be answered: If Cordalene could record this in one day, why doesn’t everything else in the record store sound this good?

itsdorkrock.com
The first time I listened to the Cordalene ep, I wasn't crazy about it. The more times I let in spin in my cd player, the more I grew to adore it. This band has a style similar to Weezer, The Vines, Jet, or The White Stripes, but a bit edgier. The songs are full of interesting and unexpected melodies and chord progressions, which makes it quite fun to listen to. I love this album. I can listen to it for hours on repeat. In fact, I did so on a trip to Boston once. I would recommend this cd to anyone who (like myself) is interested in a band who has some serious musical talent. You can tell that this band knows about music theory and the science associated with it. This album would also be good for some one who is a fan of the 'indie rock' scene. Congratulations Cordalene, you have been awarded the first 10. - Score: 10/10

absolutepunk.net
Ever wonder what The White Stripes would sound like if they were mixed with a little of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Jet? Well, the answer is Cordalene.

Exoduster.com
After the first song, "Back Where I Began," you are a fan and realize they could probably get signed by anyone if they wanted to. Playing up-tempo indie pop - stripped down but filling - Cordalene is driven by the vocal stylings of Mike Kiley. His honesty and intensity carries the day on the five relatively distinct tracks on the EP. This is a fun EP from these up and coming indie rockers and hopefully we will here more from them soon.

Kool Kat Music
Sounding like the American cousins of Supergrass, their new (“blue”) EP builds on the promise of the “red” EP! 4 catchy, energized, guitar-driven, hook-filled originals + a cover of “Little Red Book” (Love, etc) – making these guys a band to watch in 2004!

Indulged, A Boston Entertainment eZine
I've been listening to Cordalene's self-titled EP and trying to compare it to other bands my readers might know, but it's no use. Philadelphia's Cordalene have a sound of their own using familiar elements: pop, indie rock, and a DIY sound/attitude.

acclaimed punk.com
Cordalene's songs mix together the classic rock vibe with some new school pop stylings. Cordalene are good musicians, with the guitar playing standing out the most. Overall, this album would be a good listen for fans of bands like The White Stripes or Weezer that are looking for something a little different.

seaoftranquility.org, Jedd Beaudoin
What Cordalene does in the short 15 minutes that make up this EP should probably be considered dangerous: They whip up a batch of catchy, melodic tunes that won’t loosen their grip no matter what you do. One listen to “Would It Have Killed You (To Kiss Me Just Once)?” and about the only thing you’ll be able to do is walk around, singing the damned thing morning, noon and night. That could be dangerous is you think about it. Really. Imagine being at the water cooler when the boss stands in front of you. You start asking that eternal question and the next thing you know you’re liplocked with the great balding honcho himself. But let’s pretend for a moment that that doesn’t happen and you should be, by and large, okay. Just don’t try resisting the ultra-catchy pop of “Imaginary,” “Ghost,” or “Where I Began,” that’d be even more dangerous. A cross between the Monkees, the Ramones and a random sampling of what makes today’s hits today’s hits, Cordalene are a refreshing snort of fine whiskey after a night of PBR.

decapolis.com
What if OK Go and Pinkerton-era Weezer were to someday fall in love and get married only to find that the only way they could reproduce was if Hot Hot Heat were to carry their baby for them? … Give these guys a year or two and I’ll guarantee they hit it big. One of these days these kids are gonna make their folks real proud.

thepunksite.com
Fans off Weezer and The White Stripes will surely fall in love with this album; while other listeners may want to stay away. Mike Kiley's vocals have a great resemblance to that of Jack White from The White Stripes; especially on the fourth track, Imaginary.

Scratchmagazine.com, Rob Macy
After opening spots with Rooney, it was very easy for the uninitiated to cast Philly pop tarts Cordalene as another pretty-boy no-trick pony, but the awkward thrash and swinging pop music revealed on the group's second self-titled, color-coordinated EP reveals some aspirations for greatness that are not chemically-induced. Exhibiting their new line-up, they've got some of the catchiest songs going in their own little Elvis Costello- and The Cars-influenced niche (see Phantom Planet, etc.), making the perfect whispery croon meet with chopped squeals from guy and guitar alike. "Imaginary" shows all their tricks, with catchy hooks and swift beats that could be Semisonic if Dan Wilson knew how to dance. All the girls will faint and all the boys will get jealous—and Cordalene haven't even made their break yet!