Ben Folds and Queen, as simple as that. Usually this sort of flat out description puts the expectations of a virgin listener at an extremely high level. However, when listening to the DC based rock group Jukebox The Ghost, I found myself as musically satisfied as I’ve been in a long time.

The collaboration of Ben Thornewill, Tommy Siegel, and Jesse Kristin, the unsigned trio conjurs memories of Brian May guitar licks and feelings of Ben Foldsian piano angst. Thornewill and Siegel prove to be quite the songwriting team, offering distinctly different ideals.

In the Queen-like “The Difference,” Thornewill’s piercingly dramatic vocals are such an homage to the Freddie Mercury that I found myself doing a sonic double take.

Similarly, in Thornewill’s “Hold It In” the playful piano harkens back to the most boyish and joyful melodies Ben Folds and his illustrious “Five” ever offered.

After listening to Jukebox’s online sampler and some of their other unreleased tracks, I can only describe the experience as one of simple joy. Their songs are organically poppy and yet extremely self reflexive. Check out their myspace or try to see them live (as this is the type of act whose merit increases exponentially when seen in person) in the DC, Philly, NY area.