The Postelles Claim New Album Will Be 'Bigger Than Avatar'

Though they may speak with the pomposity of chest-thumping Mancunians, the Postelles are unmistakably a New York band.

"It's not something we do on purpose," lead singer Daniel Balk tells Spinner while he and drummer Billy Cadden hang out backstage in Gotham's Bowery Electric -- where the band recently held a weekly residency. "We're from New York so naturally we've got a bit of a gritty sound."

On new EP 'White Night' -- the group's three-song introduction -- that gritty sound is best encompassed by the insolubly catchy title track that leads off the release.

"'White Night' was one of the first songs we ever wrote, it's the start of the EP and it's the start of the album so we wanted that to be the first thing people hear from us." Balk says. "It's exactly where we are: a bit of '60s, a bit of Motown."

While both the melodic simplicity and pop aesthetic of '60s groups and the rhythmic chugging of Motown feature prominently in the group's sound, the end result is perhaps mostly kin to another New York band whose 'grimy' sonics and aesthetic shook the music world: the Strokes. It is no coincidence then that both the EP and the upcoming album were co-produced by Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr.

"I think the Strokes are a great band, it's nice to be complimented with that comparison," bassist John Speyer explains. "Obviously we've worked with Albert, so we feel like, if there are any similarities, they came about very naturally."

"Considering we're very influenced by the Strokes, we're going to get those comparisons," adds Balk. "Honestly though, we really don't care. I love the Strokes!"

While the band is currently in the midst of a national tour with fellow party-rockers Hockey, their sights are firmly planted on their future and their upcoming major label debut, currently set for release later this year.

"It's going to be bigger than 'Avatar,'" Daniel exclaims with assured bravado. "James Cameron can suck...on a piece of candy."