One of the freshest sounding new bands to emerge from Los Angeles in the past handful of years is Fitz and The Tantrums. Though they’ve been pigeonholed as a neo-soul ensemble, there’s much more to them than this. For starters, they’re dynamic entertainers with an incredible, high-energy live show. Having seen them last year open for Ben Harper at the Hollywood Bowl and then dazzle the crowd in a festival setting at Outside Lands even without a new album to support, I can say with confidence that if you haven’t heard of Fitz and The Tantrums yet, you will in the very near future.

The Michael Fitzpatrick (known to the masses as Fitz) and Noelle Scaggs fronted outfit first came to prominence in 2010 when they released their acclaimed debut record, Pickin’ Up the Pieces via L.A. indie label Dangerbird Records. The album shot up the Billboard Heatseekers chart, eventually hitting No. 1.

Before climbing up the charts, the group had modest beginnings. The group was formed in late 2008 after Fitzpatrick purchased an old organ and wrote, “Breakin’ The Chains of Love” the same evening. From there he contacted his old pal from college, saxophonist James King, who in turn suggested that he add singer Noelle Scaggs and drummer John Wicks. After that Wicks brought in bassist Joseph Karnes and keyboardist Jeremy Ruzumna and thus an indie pop-meets-neo soul band was made.

Things moved fast for the sextet. They booked their first show at L.A.’s Hotel Café a week after their first rehearsal and released their first EP, Songs For A Breakup Vol. 1 in 2009, which was well received and landed them on a spot on Maroon 5’s college tour that same year after singer Adam Levine heard the band’s music first on popular Los Angeles public radio station KCRW. In early 2010, the band signed with Dangerbird and the aforementioned record was released later that year to much acclaim.

After earning accolades for their live shows, Fitz and The Tantrums landed coveted spots on late night programs like Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Conan, The Tonight Show and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on the strength on the catchy, neo-soul infused single “MoneyGrabber.” They’ve toured extensively both as a support act and a headliner.

On Tuesday, Fitz and The Tantrums will be releasing their anticipated sophomore effort and major label debut, More Than Just A Dream. When we caught up with Scaggs and Karnes last summer at Outside Lands, they told us to expect bigger songs with a more progressive direction that expands on what they did with the first record. We’re excited to hear what’s to come from this promising outfit and if their performances are any indication of what’s to come, their second album should surpass the accomplishments of the first. That in itself would be something