Some say cheaters never prosper, but in this case we hope they do. Berkeley band the Cheat seem to have what it takes to make it big, and they're making their way because of good old-fashioned talent rather than wandering eyes. Inspired by the noir-sounding suits of Interpol, the quartet's music is indie rock of the dark and cerebral kind. Singer Jesse Nolan alternates between Thom Yorke- and Alex Kapranos-style crooning, while garage rocky guitar and drums round off their mournful lo-fi sound. While they could easily provide the soundtrack to the streets of New York at three in the morning, the Cheat aren't all dark looks and brooding; they've been known to break out a Beatles cover every now and again."

"I really liked the juxtaposition of your unconventional and angular verse melody and your gorgeously melodic chorus, with its almost Beach Boys harmonies. I think this song is a great example of the latest in state of the art melodic evolution. This is a trend I'm noticing more and more in the new crop of modern rock bands. But what a lot of bands do that I don't like is completely ignore the principles of the emotionally satisfying melody line, probably because they have no idea how to write an emotionally satisfying melody line. But you demonstrated that, when you want to, you can, and this legitimizes your use of the dissonant and angular elements. Great job!

Lyrically it's very obtuse and impressionistic. There's not much in the way of visual imagery or anything that tugs on your heartstrings, but there is a certain poetic and literary quality about it that, once again, legitimizes the absence of conventional emotional triggers. Good stuff!

The recording, production and arrangement is good. I felt that it's missing some of the brightness and glossy quality of higher budget recordings, especially the drum sound and the lead vocal, which I thought could have had more high end e.q. But I'm betting this was done on a shoestring budget and, if that's the case, you guys did a great job. This is plenty good enough to present to record companies and/or potential producers, managers, etc.

I liked the vocals a lot, but felt the lower range stuff could have had a bit more edge and a quirkier, more deranged quality (think David Bowie). I loved the high range falsetto stuff and the harmony section was superb. Excellent pitch!

I felt the musicianship was excellent. I especially want to give a shout out to the drummer, who came up with some of the hippest parts for a rock song that I've heard. I only wish your sound was better. All of you established yourselves as having done the hard work and developed the chops that earn you the right to innovate.

I would rate both the song and the record as highly original. Right on the cutting edge of what's happening now in modern rock.

I can easily envision this song getting airplay, not only on college radio, but also some of the new indie "neo" radio stations that feature local or unsigned bands. This is better than a lot of the new stuff I've heard on the air.

I feel you have oodles of potential and, if you have another 8-11 songs this good, are on your way to a successful career. I don't really have any suggestions for improving the song. It is what it is and it's fully formed. Of course, I heard room for improvement in both the production and the lead vocal (solo section, not the harmonies). But, by and large, I feel you guys are right on track and on your way to good things. As you probably know, record companies want to see the following things: youth (no one over 30 – and that's stretching it), lots of live performances and touring, a big fanbase (which comes from the touring and building a mailing list), and CD sales – the more you can sell of your own CD, the more you will impress a label. You're on the right track. Rock on!"

"The Cheat EP is filled with great songwriting and arrangements. This group is loaded with the potential to be one of the greats."