By: Walter J. Zalis - Sonar in Baltimore 

It’s been a while since the PEV crew took the right turn to prime music venue Sonar – the spot that’s been a mainstay in Charm City for some time now, bringing some of the hottest artists in today’s emerging music scene. And November 21^st was twice as nice – two PEV artists in one night: our good friend Trevor Hall and the unreal hot Push Play.  

You see, Sonar (like the city it’s in) is unique – their intimate rooms are big enough to hold hundreds and hundreds of fans with space for them to truly express their exhilaration, yet put together in a way where there isn’t a bad view in the house. And yes… I said rooms. Push Play and Trevor were playing at the same time… on different bills. Pretty badass, right? Go left – Trevor. Go right – Push Play. I’m telling ya – this is how live music should be! 

We’ve talked to Push Play before, all about their impressive rise from MySpace and iTunes stars to certifiable pop alternative hit makers. And it’s the fans that have put them in such a position, and the passion showed that Saturday night. People were going crazy. Absolutely nuts. It was absurd, and fantastic to witness. From “Start Again” to “Watch it Burn” and of course their hit “Midnight Romeo” (all off of “Found”), CJ, Derek, Nick and Steve knew exactly what they were doing. These guys are young, make no mistake, but they’re already veterans of the stage (which happens when such talent breeds such quick success).  

And if anyone took one thing away from the show, it was this: Front man CJ Baran has “it”. There’s no wondering why Push Play has the following they have after seeing this guy in action. He got into every head behind the eyes fixed on him that night… and into their feet as well. Drummer Derek Ries isn’t kidding when he calls their sound “dancey-rock'n'roll”, as fans brought the temperature up at least an additional dozen degrees with their dance floor attack.  

If you’ve been unwilling to give Push Play’s sort of hybrid trick a chance (Push Play tells us they’re an alternative band meets a boy band) – you gotta see if these guys can change your mind when dropped in front of you live. There’s a reason they’re on their fourth cross country tour, after all. Get a preview on “Found” and read up on their following – Push Play will surprise you – I promise.