That’s right. Darren Criss and his brother, Chuck Criss, have created the alt-pop band of your dreams. Possibly a nod to their childhood spent playing the deliciously addicting computer games (don’t we all know), the band combines the guys’ love of eighties and nineties beats with the fun pop of modern production. After attending the opening night in New York City (the band’s first live performance together! Squeal!) on March 8^th, I completely understand the funky title. Their music resembles that of our childhood, complete with the electronic beats that are fun to bop your head to.

The night I saw them, it was chilly and the line to get in the venue was long. My friend and I huddled together and discussed Criss’ musical past. Every so often, someone would tap our shoulders and ask what we were doing, who was playing, why was the line so long? (New Yorkers will forever wonder if they are missing out on something) Whenever we answered, it took a few responses before we finally just settled on “the actor from Glee,” to which the person would nod and walk away. As frustrating as it was to reduce Darren Criss’ creativity to his role on Glee, it felt special to be “in” on something people didn’t know about yet. Sure, not everyone will be into the electronic pop music that Computer Games plays, but those who are will love the new sound.

When we entered the venue, the special feels beganto wear off when the crowd filed into a small room, with people crammed shoulder to shoulder. Clearly, Computer Games had a bigger following than we thought possible for a band that had just released their first EP that day. (not kidding!) The boys made their way on stage—all in red for International Women’s Day, I might add—and started the show, making everyone dance together in a strange but happy mosh pit.

I have to say, the concert was short. I mean, they only had four songs to play, off their EP, so even though they wanted to stretch it out for us, it was over in less than an hour. Strangely enough, though, I didn’t feel the night was a waste. It’s possible that the reason for this was because I already knew about Darren Criss’ awesomeness and was not disappointed by the amazing band he and his brother had started. However, I favor the thought that the night was fulfilling because I enjoyed the music and loved the comradery.

I’m the type of person who truly enjoys all types of music, from classical to, yes, country. It’s no surprise that Computer Games has a style I enjoy, but I think that everyone who does not have a favorite genre would really enjoy their music. They do what they love and it really shines through. What’s there to lose by checking them out?