Photo: Brett Wilshe

The Hype, a three-song collection, is Maltese-American band Ser Xerri's first release, coming less than one year since the group was founded by singer Ser Xerri.

Though the album is very distinctly born from the personalities of Ser Xerri, an attentive listener can pick out a myriad of bands that seem to have influenced the songwriting.

There are distinct flavors of Parliament Funkadelic, Phish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Frank Zappa, mixed with the quirky humour that makes Ser Xerri distinctive.

The title track, The Hype, combines a driving and bouncy groove with fun and memorable lyrics that will have you singing.

The next track, Sympathetic Response, might’ve been a hit in the 1990s, and somehow playfully alludes to the body’s anatomical responses to anxiety with an unlikely catchy chorus.

The album’s closer, Applegate Mountain, showcases what Ser Xerri's sound, with all the guitars playing a unison melody.

Engineered and mastered by Keith Kenny, The Hype  is available for streaming and download at www.SerXerri.com and all major platforms. The band is made up of 
Ser Xerri, Brandon Broderick, Ryan Lesinski and Tyler Chiara.