Unlocked: Download The Fleeting Ends’ “Operator”

Eclectic Philadelphia pop / rock trio The Fleeting Ends wrapped up production this fall on Our Eyes are Peeled, their second full-length release and their most sophisticated work yet. Like Spoon, these guys are a rock and roll melting pot, and in the record you can hear hints of ELO’s lush arrangements and harmonies, the hooky melodies of The Beatles, a little bit of Hall and Oats soul and Smiths-y snappy melancholia. There’s a lot going on, it’s a fun ride to listen to it, and we’re pleased to be digging into the record this week on Unlocked, The Key’s regular series on new and significant releases from Philadelphia-area artists. Tomorrow we’ll review the record, and later in the week we’ll interview the band, get into the artists that influenced their songwriting, and see a video or two. Today, we start things off by showcasing the album’s first single, “Operator.” A sweet string section guides us to into the piano-driven verse and Matt Vantine’s suave delivery describing a late-night phonecall, a cry in the dark out of lovelorn and lonely desperation – but total ear candy at that. Listen to the song below, grab a free download at The Fleeting Ends’ bandcamp for the next 24 hours, and check beck for more all week on Unlocked!