Making Movies

When was the last time you heard a band that said it liked the Police actually sound like it? Kansas City's Making Movies isn't exactly tearing up the charts like Sting yet, but the group is off to a good start with its debut EP, Tierra Firme Vol. 1. Packing a tight sound that emphasizes funky, offbeat rhythms, the EP targets both English- and Spanish-speaking audiences by presenting the same five songs in both languages. Minus the classic-rock and Latin infusions, Making Movies is essentially a stage-ready melodic-rock band that should win favor with fans of Death Cab for Cutie and other groups that value the interplay of a solid groove and a smart hook. Go see these guys live, and you'll quickly realize they've come a long way since recording Tierra; in the meantime, we can get by with this muy bueno introduction.