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The Onion AV Club Pick of the Week
"Madison's 8889 play smooth, earnest, and accesible jangle-rock with luxuriant harmonies. Mid-tempo jaunts are flavored with keyboards and layered guitars, and singer Ross Benbow provides a strong sway factor as the songs roll and flow through Crowded House territory."
Isthmus "The Genuine Article," by Al Ritchie
"8889 exude all the sincerity and innocent charm of the proverbial boy next door: It comes through in their songs - polished pop rock statements draped in the classic hues of the Beatles, Beach Boys and Motown, and it comes through in their lyrics, which feature candid reflections on loving and living in a world that sometimes moves too fast...Behind the tireless drive of the band's talented songwriting tandem, Benbow and Teteak, and the astute guidance of co-producer Lucas Jorgensen, 8889 have authored a document in 'My Music Plan' of passionate delivery and meticulous craftsmanship. The very definition of genuine."
Check out the full article here.
Rick’s Cafe 'My Music Plan' Review by John Payne
“A Precious Pop Gem - 8889 took their time in developing their catchy melodic style, but with their first full-length release My Music Plan, it has become clear that the wait was worth it. My Music Plan is near-perfect guitar pop, a Midwestern spin on a grand British tradition. The melodies are gorgeous and infectious, the rhythm section is solid and sufficiently varied, while vocalists Ross Benbow and Jason Teteak consistently find unique ways to harmonize. They write lyrics that range from clever to heartbreaking and pensive. And former glam guitarist Casey Collins unfailingly spices up the chord progressions both with subtle accent/texture playing as well as straight-forward, melodic lead lines…
Capable of turning relatively simple melodies into giant, sweeping epic moments…the production is slick and radio-friendly, without being excessive or lifeless. The lyrics are sincere and heartfelt without being sappy. If you’re weary of both lazy songwriting posing as underground, and bland, formulaic radio tunes, you’ll want to check out ‘Dandelions,’ ‘Two-Way Dream,’ and, well, pretty much the whole damn CD.”
The Daily Cardinal "8889 Launches Grand ‘Music,’" by Bridget Maniaci
“With a Brit-pop sensibility that hearkens back to the late ’90s and channels Blur with a dash of Oasis, local Madison band 8889’s first full length album ‘My Music Plan’ shows a healthy disregard for all trends indie and moves decidedly into the genre of smooth guitar pop. 8889 clearly demonstrates potential and the possession of songcraft building blocks necessary to become lasting musicians...
Radio-friendly track “Dandelions” is a well-constructed song with guitars that are very cleanly executed—especially its solo—and its vocal harmonizing has a pleasing light quality...The album’s most complex song, and perhaps best written, is its last, “The Exit Song,” which radiates for nearly seven minutes with clean guitars, well-sung vocals, and a dominating creative genius that closes the track with a cascade of piano, strings and a heightened sense of accomplishment.”
Isthmus "Liner Notes," by Tom Laskin
"Madison's 8889 appear on the just-released A Tribute to Elliot Smith, a compilation CD that salutes the memory and the bittersweet music of the late indie-rocker-cum-Grammie nominee. The band contributes the gossamer original 'It Takes All Kinds,' which hints at Smith's famous melancholy without being overwhelmed by it. See www.doubledrecords.com for more information."
Isthmus "Face Time," by Al Ritchie
"One of the most promising new entries on the local scene, 8889 filter a modern alt-rock sensibility through their devotion to classic pop styles of the '50's, '60's, and '70's. With strong, honest songwriting and pleasing harmonies, they're crafting the sort of songs that could easily cycle through one's brain for hours on end."
Rick’s Cafe EP Review by Rick Tvedt
“If I heard ‘Dandelions’ on the radio, I don’t care what the station, program or time, I would be trying to find out who it was and where I could find it. When I did I would probably be more than a little surprised that it was the product of a Madison band. It’s been a long time since there was a tune so instantly appealing, catchy and well produced.
‘Dandelions’ leads off this four-song EP from 8889, who are clearly one of the best new bands of 2004. 8889 have all the essential components for a top-notch pop band: hummable, instantly memorable melodies, dead-on vocal harmonies that rival the Beatles, chord progressions that hook you in and won’t let go, and lyrics that are easily remembered even if they’re silly love songs. This is a welcome breath of light, sweet fresh air in a world that grows increasingly dark, heavy and stinky in each passing day.
EP was recorded, mixed and mastered by Jim Teteak, brother of keyboardist/vocalist/co-writer Jason Teteak, and is given credit as the sixth member of the band. This is entirely appropriate as the sound is full and clear and the drums sound excellent."
Onion AV Club Pick of the Week
"Loaded with a jangly pop sensibility, the band should please fans of simple, earnest pop from the lighter side of R.E.M. to every side of John Mayer."
Not Lame Records - Fort Collins, Colorado
"An extremely promising young band from Wisconsin...they deliver 4 outstanding songs on EP that have succeeded in teasing us into wanting to hear more from 8889!"
Kool Kat Musik - Sewell, New Jersey
"EP is a very cool 4-song debut by this Brit-inspired fivesome from Wisconsin...we need a full-length guys! EXCELLENT!!!"
Isthmus Critics' Choice
Coreweekly Best Bet