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January, 2015
The
Prelude
Press founder, editor-in-chief Dom Vigil
Co-Founder, Managing Editor Shannon Shumaker
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Svetlana Joukova Shannon Shumaker Jordan Altergott Jesus Martinez Nick Reece Amaya Del Rio Annie Lindell
CONTRIBUTING Writers
Dillon Crader Gabrielle DB Jordan Altergott Shannon Shumaker Dom Vigil Blake Britton Kevin Menendez
Max Stern Scott Kelly Sam Lang Amaya Del Rio Dan Ha Seth Wood
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“2015 is already off to an awesome start! Last year
was incredible, and we’re ready to make The Prelude Press’ second year even better! We’re also really excited about all of the awesome content in this issue and have our incredible team to thank for that - this wouldn’t be possible without you! A big thanks also goes out to Skyburial for setting something up with us during the crazy holiday season. Thank you to Cruel Hand, Young Pandas and My Body Sings Electric for taking some time out of your busy schedules to chat with us! ” - Shannon Shumaker
Cover Photo by: Shannon Shumaker
Want to advertise with us? Interested in contributing to us? Questions? Comments?
Shoot us an email at thepreludepress@gmail.com THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 3
24. Skyburial
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06. My Body Sings Electric
8. Like Pacific
10. In Case You Missed It...
32. Young Pandas
36. Cruel Hand
38. All Inclusive - Every Time I Die in Buffalo, NY
44. Album Reviews
52. Staff Picks
MOST ANTICIPATED
ALBUMS
of
2015
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MY BODY SINGS ELECTRIC From the first time I saw My Body Sings Electric safe to say that they are veterans of the Denver hit the stage in a small, DIY venue back in 2007, I knew that they were destined for great things. Fast forward seven years, and I think it’s safe to say that I was right. While many of the local bands that they were playing alongside years ago have died out or broken up, My Body Sings Electric are still going strong and absolutely killing it. 2014 was a big year for My Body Sings Electric. On top of being one of the only local Denver acts that graced the stage at the city’s second annual Riot Fest, they also played other festival stages across the country, released their newest full length, Part 1: The Night Ends, in February and did quite a bit of national touring over the year. When I sat down to chat with the band, they were just finishing up their stint with Nick Thomas (The Spill Canvas) and I couldn’t think of a better end of the year for My Body Sings Electric than playing an intimate stage in their hometown. Great things (and a busy schedule) don’t come without years of hard work and experience, however. My Body Sings Electric are definitely no strangers to the tour circuit, and it is absolutely 6 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
music scene. In fact, if it weren’t for their years of experience as a local band, they wouldn’t be where they are now, but thankfully, they also seem to be in familiar territory.
“Now that we’re trying to be a national band, we’re back on the bottom rung. We’re fighting a bunch of old familiar battles,” vocalist Brandon Whalen explained, “When you book a show, you need to go out and find other awesome locals to help you out with the draw and you have to promote hard and be super courteous and try to make every friend you can make. You just take that and multiply it by twenty when you go on tour. It’s the same process and work, only a lot harder.” Locally, the music scene has changed quite a bit since 2007, and the members of My Body Sings Electric are absolutely aware of that, even if they don’t necessarily follow trends in the music scene. “I think that would be the main difference is that we feel unplugged,” bassist Jason Bower said when I asked what has changed since they first
show up to play a show, no matter what the bill is, you have to stick around for the whole show until it’s done,” Bower said with a laugh, “It would be a dictation at first, but everyone would learn to love it.” While he said it in a joking tone, the rest of his band mates nodded in agreement that bands should support one another. It’s for this reason “I work in a music venue, so I get to see a (among many others) that My Body Sings Electric lot of the local bands come through,” guitarist Jeff are where they are now, excited for another year Fedel added, “Honestly, at this point, we’ve seen a as a band and looking forward to the great things lot of our friends’ bands come and go. That’s been to come. a sad thing but it’s also been an awesome thing because we’re still fighting for what we believe in. “We want to put our heads together and figWe still believe in the passion and the dream be- ure out what we’re gonna sound like on the next hind the band and I think that seeing the music recordings and figure out what’s going on,” Whascene grow has been insane.” len stated, “We’re such different people now from even four or five years ago that it’s funny coming They havback to the table en’t just watched and figuring out the scene grow, how it’s gonna though. Over the work.” years, My Body Sings Electric has “Writing been one of the music is honestconsistent acts in ly the best part,” the Denver scene Fedel added, and in turn, have “People say it’s had the chance hard but it’s the to help out othfunnest part beer local bands. In cause that’s when we get to dive fact, that’s someinto each other’s thing that the personalities and band strives to do. “We’re the old dudes now, which is funny,” Whalen when we get to dive into what we end up being said with a laugh, “So many people gave us ad- together. Writing music is how you make yourself vice and helped us out and we try to do that when better as an artist.” we have a chance, when we find bands that we think are awesome that are coming up.” While My Body Sings Electric don’t have many definitive plans for 2015 besides South By Even after coming home from a nation- So What?! in March, the future looks bright for al tour and playing plenty of huge festival stag- these five men. They’re ready to start writing new es in 2014 (with even bigger plans for 2015) the music and excited for what 2015 might hold. As first thing on the men of My Body Sings Electric’s for how to keep moving forward? Whalen said it minds is the local scene. When asked what they’d best: “You need to focus on where you came from change about the music scene, it all started on and keep the bands that are coming up involved the local level - the building blocks for the national so that you can support the scene and make sure scene. everybody is growing with you.” started out, “It’s a little different for us, because we started as like a screamo band. We were plugged into that scene at that time, and here we are seven years later and we’re in a completely different scene, so we almost dont know how that scene is going or if it even exists anymore.”
“If I had ultimate power, I would make it a dictation for all shows, all the time, that if you
PHOTOS: Shannon Shumaker STORY: Dom Vigil THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 7
LIKE PACIFIC
Where did the band name “Like Pacific” music scene is that because we’re such a huge city, there is always something going on, so it can come from? get pretty competitive at times. Chris Thaung (bass): One of our very first guitarists always liked having the words “Like” and “Pacifc” Who are some bands or people that have in a band name. So he literally just put Like Pacific been instrumental in getting you guys besides each other, and that was that! I honestly where you are today? wish I had a cooler story of how the name came At the top of the list it’s Toronto’s most recognizable about, but this is it! Punk/Alternative Promoter Travis Porter. He’s givWhat is it like out in Toronto (in general, as en us opening spots on so many amazing shows that have rolled through here as well as some of well as the music scene there)? the worst hangovers we have ever experienced. Toronto is awesome, man, for real. Alot of Cana- He and the entire Sneaky Dee’s/Hard Luck Bar dians (depending on where you live) would argue family have had our backs since day one and they that, but we are essentially the metropolis of Can- continue to support this band. ada. It’s quite fast paced everyone always has somewhere to be, there’s definetly a strong pulse Our buddy Chris runs a blog called PopPunksNotDead.Net and he has been supporting us from the within the city. start as well. Genuine dude, doing genuine things. As far as the music side, again Toronto is alive Counterparts, Life Ruiner, We Were Sharks, Seaand well. Every major tour and/or festival always way, Handguns, and Pentimento are just a few makes a stop here, regardless of the genre. We of bands who have helped us along the way. We have a ton of great venues ranging from DIY spots have so many friends who have helped and supto clubs to stadiums to amphitheaters and every- ported us for so many years. thing in-between. On any given night, you can find live music. One of the only real cons to the Toronto What kind of response have you gotten 8 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
from the new material? Is it consistent with our favorite bands over the years, so it’s pretty surreal to think that we’re now label mates with all of responses to your previous work? them. We’ve met a bunch of bands off the roster Yeah definitely! The response has been really re- and they’ve been super cool and welcoming. Sually great so far! Everyone has been telling us that per stoked to be part of the Pure Noise Family! we get better with every release, which is a total relief because there’s always that thought in the I saw on one of your social media pages that back of my head of “I wonder if people will dig this you all are really proud of “Eviction,” callas much as they did with our older stuff.” I definite- ing it the best song you guys have done so ly think this is the best material we have written to far. What is it about that song specifically that makes it special to you guys? date. What is your favorite thing about Like Pa- Funny enough, when we first wrote it I remember hating it because I didn’t think it sounded “like us.” cific? I felt that way all the way until we actually got into I love the heart that this band has. We have had a the studio and tracked it. Throughout the recording ton of ups and downs as a band, but regardless of process I started hearing more and more of the the situation we always pull through in the end. Af- song and the possible final outcome, and by the ter every downfall, we always try to be better than time Jordan did his last take, I was like “Okay, this before when we pick ourselves back up. We have songs is a banger.” I think its the most mature we also been a band for a decent amount of time. You have ever sounded. It’s the most melodic we have ever been but we still managed to keep the grittiget to experience a lot in 5 years. ness. It’s a mid-tempo song but there’s still a lot of Ideally, how would you like your music to that punk rock energy. It’s the most honest song we’ve ever written. affect your listeners? Jordan always shoots from the heart with his lyrics, he’ll dig deep down and get as personal as he can. We strive to be as relatable as possible in our music. Jordan tends to reflect on his past experiences with depression, failed relationships, and one that he holds pretty close, coming out. There’s been a few times that kids have told Jordan at shows that they came out to their friends and family because they were able to relate and find encouragement in our music. That is one of the coolest fucking things ever. You should always feel comfortable in your own skin and always be yourself before you are anyone else. You should always feel proud of who you are and what you do.
As far as genre, I lump you guys in with bands like The Story So Far and Knuckle Puck, who are having lots of success recently. What is it about the genre of music that you guys play that makes people like me crave more and more? How does this kind of music affect you personally? I think it’s the honesty in the music. It’s raw, melodic and aggressive, but still has a catchy-ness to it. It’s to the point without sugarcoating. Back in the early days, Pop-Punk could be described as fast paced drums and loud guitars but with Pop influenced vocal melodies and themes. I think the current crop of bands now have taken that idea, but put their own spin on it.
What has you most excited about signing And finally, when are you guys coming to Colorado?! with Pure Noise? The idea of our band being showcased on a much larger scale now. We didn’t think our band would get signed at all to be honest, so this whole thing is pretty crazy. Pure Noise has signed a bunch of
Hopefully this year! PHOTO: Provided STORY: Seth Wood
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In case you missed it...
REGGIE AND THE FULL EFFECT
Friday, December 12th @ Summit Music Hall Denver, CO The first time I saw Reggie and the Full Effect, I was about fifteen years old and I had listened to them maybe once or twice in my lifetime. That being said, I was in no way prepared for the performance I was about to experience. The coolest thing about watching Reggie and the Full Effect live is the fact that they don’t take themselves too seriously. Vocalist and only permanent member, James Dewees has always been one for crazy on-stage antics and banter, and it’s good to know that not much has changed since the first time I watched Reggie and the Full Effect nearly ten years ago. This time around, Reggie was opening for Saves The Day and Say Anything on an incredible anniversary tour. While Saves The Day and Say Anything would be playing Through Being Cool and Is A Real Boy… respectively, Reggie and the Full Effect was set to play Under The Tray, and the evening promised to be amazing. Thankfully, Reggie didn’t disappoint. From the moment that they took the stage, Dewees’ sass level was high, prompting the crowd to scream a little louder before diving into their first song, asking, “Is that really all you’ve got?” Throughout their 10 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
set, Dewees peppered in jokes and comments, mostly about Colorado’s legalization of marijuana (even going as far as to ask why we haven’t legalized cocaine yet, which obviously got some hilarious reactions from the crowd.) It’s also worth mentioning that throughout much of their set, Dewees was clad in a (probably ridiculously hot) Santa suit, while the rest of the band were dressed as his elves. Throughout the set, though, Dewees shed most of his attire, ending the set hilarious and half-naked (per usual) for a ridiculous solo performance of “Love Reality.” Gimmicks, stage antics, and banter aside, musically, Reggie and the Full Effect’s performance was stellar. While much of the crowd was definitely there for Saves The Day or headliners, Say Anything, there were naturally quite a few die-hard fans of Reggie and the Full Effect in the crowd as well, and I can guarantee that they went home feeling fulfilled and satisfied with the band’s performance, even if they didn’t necessarily play the entire album (time obviously wouldn’t permit for seventeen tracks). Eleven years after releasing Under The Tray, Dewees was still more than capable of putting on an incredible performance, proving that not much has changed Reggie and the Full Effect are still killing it. PHOTO AND STORY: Shannon Shumaker
THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 11 CROWN THE EMPIRE Photo: Nick Reece
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THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 13 CAGE THE ELEPHANT Photo: Jordan Altergott
14 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM NEON TREES Photo: Svetlana Joukova
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16 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM THE WORD ALIVE Photo: Shannon Shumaker
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THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 19 EVERY TIME I DIE
Photo: Shannon Shumaker
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ASHESTOANGELS
For anyone who hasn’t had the chance to You guys also did an indiegogo campaign listen to you guys, how would you describe for this album - what was that experience like? Ashestoangels? Crilly (vocals): An electronic goth punk explosion, best enjoyed in a dark room and at high volume.
That was crazy. We are very lucky. From the day we launched it, people were so supportive. It allowed us to make the album that we wanted, too. You guys put out your third album, Hor- Without the support of our fans I don’t really know ror Cult back in October - how has the re- what we would have done! ception of it been now that you’ve had the A lot of bands seem to be going with the chance to play it for a few months? crowd funding route to raise money for reThe reception has been excellent. Our fans are cording/touring/ect… lately. What was apexceptional and always manage to somehow pealing about the fund raiser for you guys? know the songs before we put them out but it feels great to take these songs and give them a proper Honesty we were just looking for some help makthrashing. I love the way songs develop as you ing this record. We never expected the campaign to do as well as it did. But the whole thing just take them out on the road. 22 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
seemed to take on a life of “Ashestoangels have this thing where it doesn’t reits own. ally matter where they are on the bill, they are the headliner” or something like that. That is as much Was it nice to be able down to our audience as it is to us. I want people to work with William to come see us play, make some new friends and Control again for Hor- go home and start a band that night. ror Cult? Do you think you’ve learned anything If you or your music could change anything from being able to work about the music scene, what would you with him for your past want to change? couple of albums? We’ve only ever had one support tour. Would reWorking with William is awe- ally love that to change haha. Apart from that we some, we are good friends are pretty happy doing what we are doing. Just now so it’s cool having time building and building, seeing what we can make. together, we both have pretty crazy schedules so even Now, I know you have a live DVD show comthough recording is hard ing up - where did the idea for this come work, spending a couple of from? weeks living in the countryside playing guitar is great. I just think they are fun. Plus it’s cool to get updated I’ve learned a lot from him in versions of your songs. We are playing a couple of terms of how to write a song. really old tracks and I’m excited about getting new I used to just wait until inspi- recorded versions of them. Also any show where ration struck, which worked you are filming people are extra crazy! We’ve had okay for me, but since work- an amazing year, one last crazy show seems like ing with him I find it a lot easi- a good way to celebrate it. er to just sit down and write a song, rather than waiting for Do you guys have any big plans coming up a song to come to me. for 2015 yet? Anything you can share? Was there anything that you really wanted listeners to be able to take away from Horror Cult? Do you think it has reached fans in the way that you wanted/ expected it to? People seem to be really getting it. I mean, the album is dark, but there is a lot of hope in there. The people who get it really understand, which is great. I think it’s working. Plus we put it all over the Internet for free, we don’t really care about album sales, we just want people to hear it.
Haha so many plans. Nothing I can share. But I suspect our passports will be picking up a few more stamps. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add? I think that’s everything! Thank you, this is one of my favourite interviews!
If there was anything that you’d like fans to be able to take away from your music or live shows, what would it be? That live music is one of the greatest shared experiences you can have. I read a tweet that said
PHOTO: Matthew Harris STORY: Dom Vigil
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RAW, RE 24 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
ECKLESS & REAL When my evening with SKYBURIAL started out with shots of moonshine around the band’s kitchen table, I knew I was in for interesting night. What I didn’t know was that I was about to partake in one of the most negative - and in the same hand, most positive and passionate - conversations about music that I’ve had in a long while.
Having only been a band
for barely a year, the air of seriousness from the men in Skyburial was surprising, to say the least. Between the band members’ inside jokes with one another were bursts of passion in our conversation - proof that, while they obviously don’t take themselves too seriously, they’re definitely serious about their band. Whether it’s their live presence, their debut EP, Dead Hopes, or the honesty in their writing, Skyburial know exactly what they’re all about, and they’re not afraid to make that known. THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 25
“We’re not trying to fit your typical mold it down. Do they ever have to separate their living that bands try to fit to sound a certain way,” drummer Shawn Baker said with confidence when speaking about Skyburial’s goals, “We all want to be angry and heavy, but we don’t want to be boring. This is by far, exactly how we wanted it to go. I’m really stoked on it.”
situation from the band? When I asked, their answer was unanimous: no.
“We’re all in the same group chat to make it easy. So even if we’re at work and we have to talk about something with the band, it’s easy,” Baker explained, “This is first and foremost to us. We all In just under a year, the members of Sky- share the same passion about it, so it doesn’t realburial have managed to not only start a project that ly become an issue.” they’re proud of, but also play quite a few shows, Passion is absolutely a driving force behind gain some local momentum and even release their first EP, Dead Hopes. It may seem like they’re Skyburial, as well - from their songwriting, to the moving pretty quickly to someone on the outside, sound that they strive to achieve with the band to but sitting with the six men around their kitchen their explosive live shows. In fact, living together table, it’s obvious why they’ve accomplished so may actually be more helpful to each member of much in the past year - they’re all on the same the band, as it seems that they all agree about page. They all know what they want to achieve as what they’d like to accomplish, what they want to a band; to sound as heavy as possible without be- sound like, and what the future holds for them. coming boring, to be able to write what they want From a songwriting perspective, they’re without constraints, and to have an emotional out- straight to the point. “A number of us wanted to let. be heavier than a lot musicians in Colorado either Skyburial’s stellar communication and don’t want to do, or for some reason, don’t do,” achievements can be partially attributed to the fact Baker explained. that all six men also share a house together. While “But at the same time be heavier without that might sound a little difficult - six admittedly an- gry young men all living together on top of being in being fucking boring,” guitarist Luke Phares adda band with one another - it seems that they have ed.
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Without a doubt, Skyburial definitely sound different than the majority of Denver metal acts, but on top of that, it’s their stage presence that really sets them apart from the pack. With two unpredictable frontmen, a Skyburial show is not something to be missed. In fact, when I asked what they think sets them apart from other bands, bassist Shane Hobbs was quick to answer with, “Our live set.” The rest of his band mates nodded in unanimous agreement.
we were all like ‘we can’t be that.’ That in itself sets us apart.”
He continued with a smile, “Some people aren’t fans of the dual vocalist thing, but for one, it sounds really good with these two. And the energy that they both feed off of each other when we play live is amazing. Cody [Cartwright, vocals] will be climbing up on stuff, hanging on ceilings and jumping off of stuff, and Nate [Meyr, vocals] is just hitting himself in the face and everywhere, and it’s “This is first and foremost bleeding fucking awesome! There’s to us. We all share the something there for everyone!” same passion...”
“Most of that is just because we have so much passion for what we’re doing. Things get really crazy up there,” guitarist Ricky Ger- SHAWN BAKER maine added. Anyone who While he said it jokhas had the privilege of catching a Skyburial set ingly, the fact of the matter is, there really aren’t will definitely agree - their live presence absolutely many Denver metal bands that can rival the energy that Skyburial exude on stage. But while their adds to their already solid sound. stage presence is definitely important to them, all As raw and passionate as it is, though, six men were quick to explain that neither their live Baker also noted that it’s somewhat of a con- performance or their music is more important than scious effort on their part to put on a good show, the other - the two go hand in hand. both musically and energetically. “I will definitely “We just wrote the music for what we wanthave this quoted: death metal bands are boring as fuck live,” Baker said with a straight face, his ed to play, and now we’re at a point where we’re blunt and to-the-point words quickly becoming a just trying to incorporate both,” Baker explained staple in our conversation, “That is one thing that when asked if they worry about how their sound
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will translate with their crazy live show. “We don’t want one to compensate for the other,” he continued. Germaine nodded in agreement, adding, “We don’t have to dumb it down just so we can have a good live set.” It’s also worth noting that, while a good live set is definitely important to Skyburial, they also don’t plan what they’re going to do on stage ahead of time. Possibly one of the best aspects about the band is their raw, unbridled energy, both in their sound and live set, and that’s not really something that you can choreograph - not that they’d want to anyway. At this point in the conversation, it was apparent that this was something that the entire band was passionate about. Even Meyr, who (admittedly) wasn’t very talkative throughout the rest of our chat, chimed in. “We all have our own energies that we all feed off of and it works,” he said, “For instance, our last show, right at the end of our last song, I decided that I was gonna headbutt Luke. I basically ran across half the stage and he lifted up his guitar and I headbutted him and his guitar into his amp and he almost knocked over his amp. I mean, you can’t really choreograph that.” “I think that’s the biggest thing about us, is that we’re really real,” Luke added, “Every part of
able to bring both.” With an already killer live presence and a solid sound on Dead Hopes, Skyburial is definitely on the right track to reaching Bakers’ goals. With a new year starting, it was hard not to ask Skyburial about their goals for the future, and while possible touring was definitely a thought, it was exciting to learn that they’re already looking toward the future content-wise as well. “Neither Luke nor I did any of the writing for Dead Hopes, so we’re excited to write,” Hobbs expressed. “I have some really weird influences and I think the things that Ricky and I will be able to come up with together will be pretty unique and pretty interesting,” Phares added, “Like Shane said, he wasn’t part of the writing process either, so I think the things we’re going to come up with will be really different. I don’t think it’ll necessarily be super weird but I think it will be a really good mix and I think it will be something that people haven’t heard yet. We just want to be able to explore musical ideas.” “No matter what we’re going to end up writing musically, you’re still gonna have two extremely negative, pissed off people writing lyrics,” Baker said, which earned a laugh (as well as a nod in agreement from Cartwright), “So no matter what, it’s still gonna be raw, it’s still gonna be angry and
“Who gives a shit what anybody thinks? That’s what we want people to take away from this...” - LUKE PHARES
it. We’re super honest with each other and with all of the other bands we play with, and we’re really honest with ourselves and the music that we play. Everything that we do is real, we don’t put on any sort of front.” “To me, you can’t expect kids in a crowd to go crazy if you’re not matching the energy,” Baker explained, “You either get a really good stage performance or a really good professional sound. It’s really seldom that you get both, and we want to be 28 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
it’s still gonna be really fuckin’ heavy, it’s just gonna grow.” Only a year after their formation, it’s exciting to know that Skyburial are already looking for growth. Like many bands, they’re excited for what their future may hold, but they stress that they’re not going to try to be anything that they’re not for fame or success. At the end of the day, Skyburial is an outlet for these men. First and foremost, it’s about the music that they want to write and the
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message that they want to get across. “Who gives a shit what anybody thinks?” Phares said to the laughter of his bandmates, but continued in a serious tone, “That’s what we want people to take away from this; who cares what anybody thinks about what you care about, or what you want to do with your life, just fuckin’ do what makes you happy.”
lucky to have that. It helps also to have a very good group of friends that all really help and support us and go absolutely fuckin’ crazy.”
To round out the end of our conversation in possibly the easiest way, Cartwright chimed in to describe what you’ll see at a Skyburial show, among the raw energy, unbridled talent and off the wall stage antics. “Every show, I get on stage and I’m talking about things that I feel,” he expressed Instantly, Baker bounced off of his words. “I want people to feel that passion and know that “We’re not trying to impress people or trying to people feel this way, that everyone gets fuckin’ anappeal to people. If you relate to it and you like gry, and to embrace it. There’s nothing wrong with it and you dig it, then come and fuckin’ enjoy it – it - it’s a part of life, it’s an emotion that’s just as because we do. You know, if six people can get strong as any other. And if you’re angry, do sometogether and enjoy it, then there’s probably other thing about it.” people who feel the exact same way.” He continued, “For being around for one year as a local band, we’ve really had a lot of success in what we have written and we’ve been
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To be able to inspire others
are making music because they genuinely want and ignite a spark of passion inside of them, be it to make a piece of art, because they want to inwith your music, your personality, or even simply spire others or because they’re passionate about your existence, is something that many artists and it. That’s not to say that those artists don’t exist, musicians strive to achieve. The only problem is, however - you just have to dig a little deeper than in this day and age, it’s hard to stand out from the the surface, which is how I managed to stumble pack. The music scene, while still very vibrant and upon Young Pandas, an East coast based indie alive, tends to become saturated with bands and R&B group with deep roots in the music industry. musicians who are in it for the wrong reasons - An hour after my chat with frontman Mike Maven, popularity, fame, money - rather than people who I found myself driving home, blasting Young Pan32 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
YOUNG PANDAS das’ EP, Some Beasts, excited about our interview and feeling (you guessed it) inspired.
A week before I sat down to chat with Maven and his adorable Boston Terrier, Sammy, outside of a Denver coffee shop, I had no idea who Young Pandas were. In fact, I didn’t really know until I stumbled upon their twitter account, and after a few exchanges via twitter and email (and listening to Some Beasts a few times through) we
set up a meeting time and place for an interview. The thing is, though, only five minutes after sitting down with him, it became very clear that it was less of an interview and more of a friendly conversation about Maven’s passion: music. It was impossible not to click with his friendly and outgoing personality almost immediately, and on top of that, it was evident why he had been so excited to set something up - he cares about his music, his band mates, the future of the music scene, and he was THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 33
more than ready to talk about it. Instantly, I knew that this was someone that I was meant to meet and someone that the music industry needs. One of the best things about it all? The formation of Young Pandas was completely unintentional. While every member has their own unique background in the music industry, Young Pandas as a band happened completely by chance. Vocalist Mike Maven and bassist Kyle Nagel were living together and producing music for other artists when the idea of Young Pandas was first conceived. Maven explained, “This dude that we produced gave us nicknames, which is where the name Young Pandas came from. He called me ‘Young De Niro’ for being so Italian and he called Kyle ‘Little Panda’ because he said when he played bass, he played like a big black guy trapped in a little white guy’s body. It was just a joke, but when we wanted to form a band, that name kept sticking with us.”
together when Young Pandas landed their ideal keyboard player, RP Thompson of Bad Rabbits. “We had a concept, and because of the concept the guys in the band sort of just fell into place,” Maven explained, “There have been a couple of times when Matt has gone on tour with Such Gold and we’ve had someone fill in his place, and we’ve met some great players, but every time its that core group - these four guys - that’s when we make Young Pandas music together. It always falls into place and clicks.” He continued, explaining Young Pandas’ core values, “After a while we were like ‘You know what? I know we’re all busy and we’re all 30 plus, but we should keep making music together. This is what we have to to.’ We just wanted to do it to make good music. Not to get famous, not for money or record deals or anything like that, but just because we wanted to do it.”
Not even ten minutes into my chat with Maven (and having only Meeting drummer Matt Covey happened “If somebody is making really asked one real question) completely by chance great music, no matter where I felt as though I knew exactly what Young Panas well. Days before they come from musically, it’s das were about, and was Young Pandas (at the great. It shouldn’t matter to excited to learn more. time, the only permanent Maven’s words were not members being Maven anybody what genre it is.” and Nagel) were set to - MIKE MAVEN only inspiring, but held a genuine realness that open for Most Def, their drummer cancelled. Enter Matt Covey, a hardcore some musicians seem to be lacking lately. “We drummer currently playing for pop-punk act, Such definitely wanted to stay away from writing stuff Gold. Needless to say, he wasn’t quite what Ma- that we thought we had to write,” Maven expressed ven expected, but he was quite possibly just what when I asked him about any goals he had for the Young Pandas needed. project, “We wanted to shy away from thinking that we had to make something poppier or something “We go to meet up with this dude and he’s more R&B. That was one of our goals - to just do not at all what we were expecting for a hip-hop what we want to do.” gig, he shows up and he’s like this hardcore dude. But his feel, his time and his expression were all The Some Beasts EP is definitely a direct incredible. It turns out he’s just a huge R&B soul reflection of those goals. While some songs have geek that plays hardcore and punk,” Maven said a solid R&B feel to them, others sound almost with a laugh, “We played the gig and we thought he synth-poppy. Young Pandas’ sound is truly one wouldn’t want to play with us again, but he called of a kind, and that comes from the band’s unique us a couple of weeks later and was like ‘That proj- blend of influences, each memebers’ musical ect, Young Pandas, I’d like to be a part of that.’ So background and their raw, real writing style. “Peowe had a drummer.” ple always ask, ‘What kind of music do you guys make?’ and I’m just like, ‘I don’t fuckin’ know… After that, all of the pieces seemed to fall Don’t make me describe it to you, just go listen to 34 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
it. If you like it, cool if not thats fine!’” Maven said with a laugh. On a serious note, Maven also expressed his desire to create real-sounding tracks in the studio while working on new material. If Young Pandas’ sound had to be described in one word, it would definitely be real. “What we miss is when people made music together in the studio. When bands would go into the studio with songs and work them out and record actual music together,” Maven expressed, “We don’t comp. I do one straight vocal take perfectly or I do it again.” He continued, “When I go to record a background singing part in a song, the other guys in the band aren’t really singers, but I make them sing the background part because I think it’s important that their voices are on the record, too - not just their playing. It sounds like a band making real music together, which I think is what has been lost for a long time, in mainstream music at least.”
for us a little bit,” He explained, “They are these dudes that break down these barriers - they’re a bunch of hardcore guys that were into Michael Jackson and stuff, and they’re kind of playing pop music and 80’s R&B.” “Genre doesn’t matter. It’s an illusion,” He continued, “If somebody is making really great music, no matter where they come from musically, it’s great. It shouldn’t matter to anybody what genre it is.” The words rang true, especially considering that Young Pandas’ sound is a melting pot of genres and musical backgrounds, from soul and R&B to punk and hardcore. Young Pandas absolutely have the potential to pave the way for other acts with the same attitude and convictions, regardless of genre or sound.
Young Pandas may have started out as an accident or simply the right people meeting at just the right time, but they’re quite possibly just the accident that the music industry needs right now. We needs more acts like Young Pandas, more artists Layer after layer and question after ques- like Mike Maven, who aren’t afraid to break down tion, it only became more apparent what Young barriers and play what they want to play, regardPandas are out to accomplish. As Maven put it, less of what a promoter or a record label might tell they’re not out to get a record deal, to find fame them. At the end of the day, writing music should or make a ton of money, they simply want to write come from the heart - should come from somereal music for real people. In a way, Young Pan- where real - and that’s just what this group has das take writing music back to where it all began, found. Maven put it perfectly when he said, “We’re before facebook likes and selling presale tickets just a bunch of music geeks who want to make were more important than what the band on stage music for music - to make good music together. If was doing or what they sounded like. anything, that’s what I want someone to take away from Young Pandas. Even if they just say, ‘I don’t “There used to be clubs that didn’t just book know what that was, but those guys are good.’” whatever to try to survive,” Maven stated when speaking about the music scene, “Bands would drop off their CDs and their demos and the guys booking wouldn’t ask ‘How many tickets can you sell?’ or ‘How many of your friends can you bring?’ Instead, they’d say, ‘You guys are good. I’m gonna book you opening for these guys that are big and can draw a crowd, because I know that their crowd is gonna like you.’” In his eyes - and in the eyes of Young Pandas - the music scene should be about PHOTO: Provided STORY: Shannon Shumaker camaraderie, not competition. “One of the things I like about Bad Rabbits and them being friends of ours and having a shared member, is that they kind of paved the way
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CRUEL HAND
The best way to describe Cruel Hand is energetic and inviting. You’ll understand why I use the word energetic when you catch their explosive live show. As far as them being inviting, that originates from vocalist Chris Linkovich’s cordial demeanor, constant yearning to unite hardcore fans and fans of other genres and his vision for the future of Cruel Hand. The hardcore mentality makes it virtually impossible to feel connected to Linkovich and Cruel Hand, not only while chatting with them, but as well as watching them live. You have probably been asked this a lot, I’m just hoping I can break barriers on both sides. but what is it like being the only hardcore That’s how you make the shows bigger and better for everyone. I’m hoping we can open those kids band on a mostly pop-punk tour? up to a whole new genre of music and that they’ll Chris Linkovich (vocals): It’s cool to be the stand come out to see us again, even if it is just a hardout band genre-wise. You definitely grab the atten- core bill. And vice versa, maybe next time we do a tion of those people who aren’t expecting what you mixed bill, hardcore kids will come out and enjoy are about to do in front of them. That’s cool. You themselves, sitting through something that they always have those people that are scratching their don’t usually listen to at home. head, or maybe they are into it. Those tours are great exposure they are huge shows every night How is the music scene in Maine? and there are always kids there to see music, to It has got its ups and downs. There’s not a lot of all see a band. I like it, I like mixing it up. ages venues which is a bummer - we used to have How do you break barriers between the more a few years ago. There’s always stuff going on, but I think it’s not as accessible as it has been genres at mixed bill shows? in the past. There’s a lot of bar bands and cover 36 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
bands, which I feel is a big thing in Portland, where we were based out of. There’s a huge hardcore scene in Bangor, Maine and the Bucksport area, though. We play in Maine maybe once to three times each year. How did that scene help you? In Bucksport, there’s a venue called The Cave and it was run by this lady named Kathy. She loves the scene, she lives for hardcore, and is very hospitable. She feeds all the kids when they come through and has a place for them to stay if they need to crash. They have an awesome scene. Being in the woods where it’s more rural, I think that’s why they are hungrier for it. These kids won’t drive to Boston or New York for a show, so they really focus on building their scene up. What do you think could be done to improve the music scene? I don’t know how you would build it up. I feel like there was more going on in the schools when I was growing up. It all starts with that one person who has that burning desire to create something and hopefully others can rally around that, share their vision and create something awesome. It happens every great while. It’s never a steady thing there in Maine, its got its ups and downs.
time. You shouldn’t have to worry about the bullshit or the politics. Just have a good time and come up front. We need to unify these people and I think that’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough. There’s too much separatism. There are too many little sects of people just doing their own thing. We could have such a great show if we could combine these people and all just get along. What goals do you have for the next year to two years? I hope to do what we are doing now. Do the hardcore touring because thats where we come from, but be able to do the mixed bills and grow in both worlds and make a name for the kind of hardcore we do. [Our music] is completely inclusive, we aren’t trying to exclude people and I hope we can get that message across. I hope we can keep doing what we are doing and maybe write a new record by then! PHOTOS AND STORY: Jordan Altergott
What would you like to change in general about the music industry? I think there’s too much of a focus on fashion and just the whole glamour aspect of music. I wish people could focus on the integrity of these bands and their message. Not what they look like or how tight their pants are. I think people need to let the music speak for itself. These bands need to remember what its about: going up there and having a good time, not taking a computer up there, pressing play, and faking it. What is a message that Cruel Hand would like to get across? A message that we would like to give is we don’t care where you come from - what scene, or who you are. Come out to our show and have a good
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ALL INCLUSIVE
Once you land in a place like Buffalo, screaming fans at the First Niagara Center, but inwhat you will notice first, especially in the middle of December, are the grey skies, the wind smacking you in the face, and a chilling cold that seems to penetrate every layer of clothing you are wearing. Once you get past that, however, you will quickly realize how lucky you are to be there. Known as the “Queen City,” Buffalo is famous for countless things like the “Original Buffalo Wing,” the American side of Niagara Falls, and for the “lake effect” snow, but most importantly, this town is inhabited by the most prideful people you will ever meet. Whether it’s the “Make A Wish Foundation” building or a local bar, you will see Buffalo statues and flags supporting their beloved Bills or Sabres almost everywhere you look. This week, I was fortunate enough to be in town for the 10th annual “Every Time I Die Christmas Show”. No, they’re not playing for 15,000 38 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
stead for about 600 die-hard fans at a place called The Waiting Room on Delaware Street in the heart of the city, and these artists wouldn’t have it any other way. The smaller and more intimate the venue, the better. A more confined space with no barricades is hands down, the best way to experience ETID. All around town you can hear faint whispers of people asking, “You going to see ETID?” or simply, “Can’t wait for the show later.” There’s a certain buzz in the air. Luckily for you, I’m going to break it down, step by step and fill you in on what you need to do and where you need to go to maximize your Buffalo experience. Obviously you’re in Buffalo, home of the original Buffalo Chicken Wing, so this is a no-brainer. You’ve got to head to Frank and Teressa’s Anchor Bar, the birthplace of one of America’s favorite snacks. After one bite, you’ll see why they’re
still the best after all these years. Since opening its doors on Main Street in 1935, it has been a Buffalo hot spot and it only got “hotter” when it introduced the spicy “Buffalo Wing” in 1964. Legend has it that late one night, Teressa’s son, Dominic, came in with some friends looking for a quick meal, and that’s when she got the idea to deep fry leftover chicken wings, which would’ve been used for soup or simply thrown away. She covered them with a hot sauce and served celery and blue cheese dressing on the side and VOILA! Since, there have been many places that tried to rival and outdo Anchor Bar, but as they say, nothing beats the original. Every time I’ve visited, the service is fast and friendly, and if you have room after your helping of wings, you have to try another Buffalo staple, the “Roast Beef on Weck” with gravy. I promise, you’ll be starving for more days after you return home. Anchor Bar has been and always will be my first stop once I get into town and I urge you to make it yours.
consulted with and emailed some ideas for a beach themed tattoo I wanted. He took my ideas and brought them to life with even more detail and imagination than I ever would’ve been able to come up with on my own. He was very creative and open-minded. For instance, there was a little skull head I wasn’t feeling in his original drawing, and without hesitation or trying to talk me into it, he was more than happy to do exactly what I wanted to ensure I was going to be nothing but satisfied with what was going on my body. Through the whole tattoo, he made conversation and asked if I “was okay or needed a breather.” His work was fluid and smooth and he had a gentle hand, which is great because no one wants someone with a heavy hand going to town on them for almost three hours, which is how long mine took. When my tattoo was complete, he exceeded my expectations and I am beyond pleased with my new ink.
Now that you’re fed and tatted up, you’re ready to rage so go put on a shirt you don’t Next, after care about because you stuff your face odds are it isn’t makand come out of ing out of the pit in your “food coma,” one piece. Now, as there’s only one most of you know, thing you’re going to want to do, and of course that means getting a ETID played three consecutive nights in Buffalo tattoo. The place to go is Hand of Doom, located for their 2014 Christmas blow out. Night one was on Elmwood Avenue, with a number of artists spe- at Town Ballroom, and no disrespect to that vencializing in everything from Japanese to American ue, but it’s a little too large to get the full effect of Traditional. Owned by Jon Mirro, who comes with an ETID show. Again, the smaller the better. The strong recommendations from those he has tat- show that I attended was the second show, which tooed personally, this parlor ensures quality with was kicked off with two other Buffalo bands, Black every tattoo, no matter how simple or complex the X and Wreckage. Throughout both of their sets, piece is. The environment is welcoming and friend- there was some crowd surfing and moshing going ly, as they go as far as to take special requests for on but the crowd was a bit reserved. When the the music to be played while you’re there. I can third act, Hundredth hit the stage, the pace began honestly say I felt I had been there a dozen times to pick up. Security was soon on their feet to eneven though it was just my second visit. I had two sure everyone’s safety (remember those guys are tattoos prior to this one and this one was going to there to help) and fans were starting to pick their be my biggest and most colorful to date. spots in order to try and get the best view possible for the main event. Throughout the three open My artist was Marcus Mancini who I had ing acts, there were constant, “Let’s go Buffalo” THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 39
chants breaking out. With this level of anticipation and excitement all rolled into one, the moment had finally come…
on the faces of Jordan Buckley (guitar) and Steve Micciche (bass) because they knew they were about to give their Buffalo faithful a real Christmas present! Before long the massive Andy Williams The lights went down and there was an in- (guitar) hit the opening riff for “Revival Mode,” and stant surge of people pushing towards the front of half the crowd didn’t know how to respond while the crowd to welcome home their “road warriors.” the other half showed them how. When it was all Lead singer, Keith Buckley was the only member said and done, guitar picks, drum sticks and set of the band to walk out on stage leaving people lists littered the crowd as small tokens of appreciaa little confused tion for their faithuntil the piano hit ful fans. and he broke into the slow melody The show of “Moor,” which had come to an he sings the first end, but the night half alone. Then, had just started his brothers hit because the after the scene halfparty is always a way through the must. Not that it song and the was announced, crowd erupted nor did it need to into a pure frenzy. be, because the There were sud“unofficial” official denly bodies on venue for their aftop of bodies as ter party is always if it was a race to at The Pink on Alsee who could get len Street. Open over the barricade till 4am every first and give Keith night, it’s the kind a high five. There of place you walk was so much in and it’s just a movement from guaranteed good side to side and time. The booze front to back that is sure to be flowthe place turned ing non-stop and into a sauna that after any given was ignited by the ETID show, you never ending circan be sure to find cle pit. just about the entire band in there Throughout casually hanging the night, they played some old tunes like “Emer- out, doing shots or posing for pictures with some gency Broadcast Syndrome” and some new soon of the faithful. At The Pink, there’s no need to be to be classics like “Idiot.” To the crowd, it was shy. It’s a local bar for regulars, who treat “out of pure magic. The chanting of “Let’s go Buffalo” nev- towners,” like myself, like family. er seemed to fully end, it was almost as the fans in attendance knew they were seeing something If you find yourself stumbling down the special, especially when Keith announced they street, on the corner down the block is Allentown were ending the night with a song they had NEV- Pizza. It’s open till 5 am on Fridays and Saturdays ER played live before. You could see the smiles and in my opinion, has the best pizza in Buffalo. 40 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
I met people from New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Ohio, California, Canada, and even Japan. This isn’t just a show for Buffalo, this is the Super Bowl of all Every Time I Die shows. A decade into this run of Christmas celebrations, and it’s still fresh and fun for everyone, including the band members. I had the chance to chat with a few of the guys, mainly Micciche and Ryan “Legs” Leger (drums) in the days leading up to the end of their current tour, and they both had this look of joy and excitement on their faces. Perhaps it was because they knew they were going to be home in front of their hometown friends and family, or maybe be able to sleep in their own beds. Regardless, it’s awesome to know the excitement level and anticipation for them to hit the stage during the Buffalo shows works both ways. The next morning, on my trek back to south Florida on a 6am flight, I just couldn’t stop thinking about what I had just experienced and how lucky Buffalo is to have had the chance, for the last 10 years, to party with Every Time I Die for their Christmas shows. Next December, I know where I’ll be. You will have some sanctuary on your walk back to where you’re staying, because I’m going to go out on a limb and say you won’t be in shape to drive after the show and after party. Good luck! What was most profound about my time in Buffalo was the loyalty that exists between Every Time I Die and their fans. I’ve seen other bands in their hometowns before, but I truly feel the connection between ETID and Buffalo is special and unique, one that cannot be compared. For instance, there were a tweets from people with extra tickets who were looking for people to take them off of their hands for free. These ETID fans were not trying to make money off of other fans. That isn’t what it’s about and the boys helped by retweeting the messages to find people to take the tickets. It just seemed like everyone had a common goal, which was to get as many people into the show as possible. It’s a party, it’s a gathering of friends. Or for people like me, it’s a way for my older brother and me to stay close. It’s a family affair for us and it gives people who might only see each other once or twice a year a reason to get together. I came from Florida to see them play and
PHOTO AND STORY: Kevin Menendez
All Inclusive is a new segment for the avid concert goer by an avid concert goer. Follow Kevin’s stories and wild adventures across North America each issue of The Prelude Press as well as on twitter and instagram (@juicemenendez) THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 41
THE ART OF
MANAGING NOISE Part 2:
Finding Your Creative Workflow
Free time; such an attractive and fleeting thought. With work, school, fitness, family and etc., who can manage the time to do anything extra without exhausting oneself? Time is exceptionally precious, especially when it comes to music writing, recording, and production. Within all three of these phases of creating music, there is a vast amount of small tasks that can make the whole phase seem lengthy and daunting. Implementing an efficient creative workflow is imperative for any do-it-yourself music hobbyist. There is too much to do to not be efficient with time. As I’ve experienced myself, it is much too easy to get caught up and subsequently make a minuscule amount of progress on a project that is already inherently lengthy. Through my many trials and errors, I have developed, and am always continuing to develop, a creative workflow that is efficient and conducive to my creativity. It is essential that every DIY-er out there develop a workflow that works for them. These are the steps I have learned about what it takes to get a good creative workflow under your belt. 42 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
1. What are you trying to accomplish? It is always most important to identify and set an overall main objective. Having one main objective set in front of you will allow you to explore the path to achieve that goal. Without this, obviously, there will be less urgency to create a finished product. While this sounds like an easy and obvious step, it hasn’t been so easy and obvious for me in my growth as a producer. Initially, when I got into music production, I was so eager to learn anything and everything I could. I didn’t have much of a direction of what I exactly wanted to learn. Because of this, I ended up learning a lot about the programs I was using and music production technique. My self-education of these traits was all over the place and while I did end up learning a lot of information, much of the information is rather useless for how I produce music today. With that being said, set your main objective to minimize wasted time and start moving in the right direction.
3. Hold yourself accountable.
The goals are set, you know what you need to do to make your end goal a reality. Now the big struggle is actually getting everything done, especially if your project is not your full time profession. Free time is limited, so make sure you get things done in a timely manner. For me, setting due dates have been most effective for holding myself accountable to get shit done. The key to this is to set the dates but still remain flexible with said set due dates. You do not want your eagerness to be done limit your creative ability. They are simply there to give you a little nudge forward and set some urgency. Find what works for you and stick with it. But always remember, maintaining your creativity is the utmost important factor. It is OK to be lenient, do not let your timetable rush your creativity.
4. Change and grow.
The main objective is established, the internal goals are identified, and their due dates are 2. Set even more goals. flexibly set. All this necessary, yet boring administrative work is done. It is time to get creative and Now that you have the main objective es- get at it! One question to ask yourself at the finish tablished, you have an end goal you can aspire of every project is, what could I have done better? to achieve. What’s next? Time to further structure This directly applies to how your project ended up the process and set both small goals and large and the process it took to get there. Your creative goals. For example, when I create a song, from workflow should be dynamic in nature and you writing, to recording, to final production, I always should never hesitate to change it, despite how label my larger tasks as goals that I need to work comfortable you may have gotten in some of your towards. My large goals typically progress the fol- typical steps. The idea is to always learn and allowing way: composition, critique, sound design, ways grow. With that, you will always learn a more record, edit, and then finally, mix. Within all six of efficient or more creative way to do something. these large goals, I individually break them down When you recognize what that thing is, implement and set smaller goals within each larger goal. In it into the creative workflow for next time. regards to mixing, I usually mix my foundational instruments first and then move my way on up. Developing my creative workflow has This means that I will set the small goals to first helped me tremendously as a growing artist. Bemix drums/ percussion, then bass, then piano, cause I have established a workflow that works then lead instruments and finally vocals. Setting well with my hectic schedule, I have been efficient small goals are imperative, because it lets you enough to release two EPs in 2014, in addition to identify everything that you specifically need to get having time to record others and rehearse in a new done. This will minimize the chance of forgetting and exciting group. 2015 is going to be big for me to do something and subsequently minimize doubt and it has all been because I have been efficient. that you might’ve forgotten to do something in pur- You have the same ability as I do to get shit done, suit of your end goal. and it all starts with how you manage your time. PHOTO: Shannon Shumaker STORY: Dan Ha THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 43
ALBUM REVIEWS Artist:
HEMINGWAY
Album:
Pretend To Care
Rating: 5/5 Listen to: “So Predictable” REVIEW: Dillon Crader Hemingway, a new and upcoming emo/ shoegaze band from Portland, Oregon, has released their debut album, Pretend To Care, on 6131 Records. I had never really heard anything about Hemingway before listening to this album, and that honestly didn’t really excite me to do this review, thinking they might just be some mediocre garage band. I guess this is where I can use the cliché saying “never judge a book by its cover” because this album is phenomenal, and has honestly become one of my favorite releases this year. Pretend To Care starts off with “Constellations”. This song is a perfect way to introduce the album; very grainy guitars, a fuzzy bass, and both calm and loud vocals. These are the general essentials for the genre, but the way that Hemingway combines these sounds together makes for an amazing listen. Continuing through the album, I can’t help but notice the heavy emphasis and use of the fuzzy/sludgy sounding bass, and I love it. Tracks like “No Hard Feelings” and “Over the Phone” are prime examples of this. I think the strong emphasis on the bass really drives Hemingway’s sound, giving them the ability to really make something unique. I quickly found myself listening to “So Predictable,” the third track on Pretend To Care, over 44 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
and over again. This song offers so much in just three short minutes. “So Predictable” starts with a very beautiful and catchy sounding guitar riff, then the off-tune, dark sounding vocals come in and make this track sound even more amazing on top of the beautifully meshed sound. A little over halfway through the song, you can really hear the true emotion through the yelling of the vocalist. (His yelling vocals sound very similar to the vocals on Sainthood Reps last record.) After his emotional yelling, the song leads into a very slow and drawn out breakdown, and then the vocals come slamming back in right at the end. This song has so much emotion in both the guitar and the vocals - it is a very powerful track with an amazing build up to the end. Pretend To Care has really blown me off my feet. This whole album is solid, and Hemingway absolutely delivers on every single track. This being Hemingway’s first release on 6131 Records, I am very excited to see what comes later for the band. Overall, Pretend To Care is a must buy/listen to for anyone who is a fan of emo/shoegaze sounding music (plus this is a great winter album, perfect for the season.) Make sure to go check out Hemingway’s new album, Pretend To Care, and go give them a like on Facebook!
THE PENNY SERFS Like Eating Glass
Rating: 4/5 Listen to “Always Raining”
The Penny Serfs’ Like Eating Glass is an honest, catchy and memorable effort. The lyricism throughout the entirety of this album is brutally honest and at times very melancholy, but it’s in the catchy melodies and upbeat choruses that The Penny Serfs really hook you and reel you in with this EP. “Always Raining” is the perfect opening for Like Eating Glass. It almost feels wrong, bobbing your head along with the sad lyrics, “It’s always raining in my head,” but with the catchy melody of the song, it’s hard not to smile and move along to the music. The thing that’s great about “Always REVIEW: Shannon Shumaker Raining,” as well as the rest of Like Eating Glass is that it’s real. While the lyricism on this album is definitely darker, it’s not a mellow or depressing album by any means. Like Eating Glass provides some incredibly catchy tracks out of these honest lyrics. Following “Always Raining” is the single, “Dead Love,” which again, is catchy and upbeat for the subject matter. “Hot And Cold,” is a total sing-along song and has a melody that is easy to get lost in. The vocals in “Legend Of Jim Falcon” are really unique and strong and reminded me quite a bit of the vocal stylings of Interpol. Musically, “Legend Of Jim Falcon” is also very fast-paced and upbeat. The bass and drums carry this track along, which definitely makes it a standout from the rest of the record. I think the greatest thing about Like Eating Glass is its honesty. Every song is easy to listen to and the lyrics are relatable and catchy, all while remaining true to the story that The Penny Serfs want to get across, making this EP a standout.
LIKE PACIFIC Like Pacific
Rating: 3.5/5 Listen to “Suffering” Hailing from Toronto, Like Pacific is the latest band to sign to Pure Noise Records, who manage some very exciting new acts such The Story So Far as well as a few older greats like Senses Fail. The band is the next to be discovered in the sudden waves of awesome punk acts that have been popping up lately (many signed to Pure Noise). Their energy matches some of the great bands of that genre, and their musicianship only serves to compliment that vibe.
Their upcoming self-titled EP is a nice view into a window of things to come. Ultimately, this album’s biggest flaw is that it is only 13 minutes long, dying out just as the listener really begins to gel with it—which is not REVIEW: Seth Wood to mention that the opening track “Sigh of Relief” does not even hit a minute and a half. That song had me shaking and then boom—the rug yanked out from under me. I believe that while I was listening, my words were “Wow, I think this is my new fav—oh, it’s over.” Still, the band’s audience will be happy with the album, as the musical punches force the listener to violently sway. The music does not differentiate the band too far from many other pop-punk acts, but there are certainly some unique aspects. I would say that their stuff is a little lighter than, say, The Story So Far. Like Pacific is a little poppier, like if you were to season TSSF with just a little bit of Yellowcard or Paramore. The result is quite fun, and let me say again that their songs have the energy that all the best punk stuff does. This is their foundation to build off of, and I am quite certain they will make some big strides from here on out. THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 45
PALISADES
Rating: 5/5 Listen to “Player Haters’ Ball”
Mind Games
To say that I was blown away by Mind Games would be an understatement. The effort that Palisades have put forth with this release is astonishing, from the production to the vocals to the catchy choruses and melodies. Everything about Mind Games is on point, full of incredible energy, and balanced perfectly. The bass work, the electronic parts and the drums all mesh amazingly on top of the great guitar work and stellar vocals. The “Electronic Hardcore” genre has been on an uprise lately, with bands such as I See Stars and Issues in the forefront of the music scene, and without a doubt, Palisades deserve to be right up there with them, if not REVIEW: Shannon Shumaker paving the way for this genre. Within the first few seconds of the first track on Mind Games, “Player Haters’ Ball,” it’s apparent that this group of musicians know exactly what they’re doing. While some bands may strive for excellence in this genre, Metal and Electronic are definitely not easy to mesh together if you don’t do it right. That being said, Palisades are absolutely doing it right. “Player Haters’ Ball,” has some incredible energy (which is a staple in Metalcore) as well as an explosive, melodic chorus. The electronic parts in this track only serve to accent the already incredible songwriting and lift it up even higher, rather than bringing it down or making it muddy or “too much.” Palisades find a perfect balance between the Hardcore sound and Electronic beats, and the result is phenomenal.
And that’s just the first track.
Following “Player Haters’ Ball” is “No Chaser” which a slightly more mellow track, but it definitely isn’t lacking in the songwriting department. The vocals are a high point on this track, especially in the catchy chorus, and the electronic parts only serve to accent it. The intro of the following track, “Bad Girls” is absolutely killer. “Bad Girls” has a definite Hip-Hop influence, and it’s a nice change to really shake things up from the first two songs. In fact, no two songs sound the same on this album, which is an incredible feat considering how easy it would be to fall into comfortable songwriting patterns with this genre. “Mind Games” is a total electronic dance track, while “Whatever You Want It To Be” is a more raw, guitar driven song. “Afraid” is a slower and more melodic song and “People Like Us,” featuring Garret Rapp of The Color Morale is a dancy, catchy anthem. “True Blood,” is one of the hardest hitting songs on Mind Games with very strong unclean vocals, contrasting incredibly with the final track, “Come Over And Watch Netflix,” which is a total dance song with virtually no guitar work. Mind Games is just the perfect mix of Hip-Hop, Electronic and Metalcore. The thing is, with bands of this genre, there’s a lot of potential with the meshing of Electronic and Metalcore, but many artists seem to drop the ball in the execution. That doesn’t happen with Mind Games, though. Palisades have absolutely mastered the sound in this album, creating ten tracks that are loud, aggressive and in your face while still remaining catchy and danceable. To be honest, I really don’t have one bad thing to say about Mind Games. Every move that Palisades makes musically on this album is absolutely mind blowing. I couldn’t wipe the smile off of my face while listening to it the first time though, simply because Mind Games is everything I’ve ever wanted from a band like Palisades. Every musical choice is well thought out and flawlessly executed. Mind Games keeps the anger and energy of Metalcore music but also the catchy beats and danceable aspects of Hip-Hop and Electronic music, and I think it’s safe to say that this is just the album that this music scene needed. Without a doubt, I can say that Palisades’ Mind Games is a game-changer. 46 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
ANDREAS VARADY Andreas Varady
Rating: 3.5/5 Listen to “Baby” or “Swing 42”
Before I start to review Andreas Varady’s debut album, let me start by bringing some to light the fact that this soon-to-be jazz guitar sensation just recently turned 17 years of age... 17! I’ll give you a second to wrap that fact around your head. Mr. Andreas Varady is a late-teenager from Slovakia who started playing guitar at the age of four. Then, in early 2013, at the age of 15, Varady’s young potential was impressive enough to catch the ear of Quincy Jones, whom quickly signed Varady to his current label, Verve Records. With such success at such a young age, it is clear that Varady’s musical ability is mature beyond his years. On the fifth of August of 2014, Varady released his debut album through Mr. Jones and Verve Records. This album is a collection of both originals and covers, with a heavier emphasis on the non-originals. He introduces the album with the relaxing, straight-groove ballad, “Do It Again,” which serves as the perfect allusion to the vibe of his following songs. The very basic instrumentation of this track allows Varady to be flashy when called upon, but the more impressive feat about this track is that Varady holds back on over-ornamentation of most of his guitar lines. Numerous times throughout the song, Varady has many opportunities to be very technical and extravagant. The fact that he still chooses to play simple parts is impressive because he is able to tame his ego as a great musician to give the song some breathing room. His ability to recognize this is one reason why Varady is, as I stated before, mature beyond his years. REVIEW: Dan Ha
Admittedly, one of my favorite songs on the record is a cover of an original which I am not a fan of, at all. The fourth track of the record, “Baby,” originally performed by the pop icon, Justin Bieber, is appealing to me because it features the flashy fusion jazz/pop band, Dirty Loops. Dirty Loops is a very extravagant three-piece outfit that showcases their musical talent to the utmost extent. Every member in the three-piece plays skillfully difficult parts, and in regards “Baby,” Varady proves that he can hang with the technical and the flashy. Unlike “Do It Again,” Varady throws caution to the wind with his guitar parts and straight-up shreds throughout the whole song. I never thought that I would be able to say that I enjoy the song “Baby,” but after hearing Andreas Varady and Dirty Loops’ version, my perspective on this song has changed, and it has changed for the better. While “Baby” may be one of my favorites on this record, it cannot beat out the last song on the record for my top regard. “Swing 42,” which was originally performed by Django Reinhardt, is too groovy for me to resist swinging my body to. The song has such an infectious and happy bounce, it is difficult to listen to it and not be put in a better place. If you’re looking for a solid instrumental jazz record that is very straight forward, Andreas Varady’s self-titled record is definitely a strong place to start. Its combination of timeless classics and new-age pop hits gives this record the potential to reach a wide audience of music lovers. Very well played, Varady, well played.
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CIRCA SURVIVE Descensus
Rating: 5/5 Listen to “Schema” and “Descensus”
Circa Survive is an incredible band. Anyone who has spent some hours listening to their music will agree. Their sound is and has always been their own, with their super groovy, in-the-pocket drum and bass work, their ever-changing, ambient guitar tones, and of course, their superb vocalist Anthony Green. The band put out three unforgettable LPs before putting out Violent Waves in 2012. Violent Waves was, by no stretch of the imagination, a bad album. I even gave it a very favorable review while I was working for a different publication; however, it lacks that lingering quality that all of Circa’s other albums have. I mean, in my head right now, without turning on the track, I can hear the shuddering guitars and the pulsing drums in the intro to “Holding Someone’s Hair Back;” I can hear Anthony Green’s voice erupting REVIEW: Seth Wood over “Get Out;” I can hear Steve Clifford’s snare drum flicker like some herculean candle behind Green’s vocals on “Kicking Your Crosses Down.” There are no moments like these in Violent Waves. In the scope of Circa Survive’s entire body of work, I really do not know how to describe the 2012 album as anything more than a stepping stone—a prelude or prototype—to Descensus. Violent Waves marked a point where the band really began to experiment with their song structures and head towards a more progressive direction, which is much easier to recognize now that Descensus has been released. The new album is very experimental and progressive, and this has a very noticeable effect on each member’s role in the band. The drums and bass really stand out on this record. One cannot help but be mesmerized by Clifford’s work on the third track, titled “Always Begin.” Though the drum riff is in no odd time signature, it is very difficult for a listener to wrap their head around the rhythm. I mean this in the best way possible, of course. Avid music listeners always appreciate small moments where the music is above their understanding. These are the types of moments that enhance one’s abilities as a listener. Another enchanting moment coming from the drums and bass is the song “Only the Sun.” Nick Beard’s swelling bass line makes the listener dizzy and entranced—again, in the absolute best way possible. The bottom line is that the band makes the listener feel lots of different ways in this album, and I believe that the drums and bass are largely responsible. Certainly, the guitar work and vocals are to be applauded as well: there are no weak links in the band’s lineup, but it does seem like Ekstrom (guitars), Frangicetto (guitars) and Green had to relegate themselves a little bit, in order for the band to evolve into what it has become. As listeners, we can only really listen to one thing at a time, so in being completely struck by the drum and bass work, the guitars and vocals have to take a step back into the shadows of the music, out of the spotlight. The result of this relegation will inevitably be that Descensus will not be remembered like Juturna and On Letting Go, where the vocal melodies were very prominent (99% of time it’s the vocals that get remembered, for whatever reason). Certainly, those first two albums are much more accessible to the average listener; like I said, this new album is very experimental. Though the album is different from the band’s past releases, it is still totally Circa Survive. The band has just evolved into something its fans have never seen or heard before. As a music fanatic, I appreciate this band so much more continuing to find themselves in new ways, for not settling and putting out similar albums year after year. These types of bands are so inspiring to me, and they are the ones who reinvigorate my love for music. If you have never delved into Circa Survive, or maybe you have but not to a large extent, I encourage you to do so now. Start at the beginning of their discography if you have to. I promise you will be rewarded, because there is no greater reward as a music fanatic than to latch onto a band who is constantly putting out albums that were better than their older ones, and who always challenge themselves to mold their music into something their fans have never seen before. 48 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
TYLER CARTER Leave Your Love
Rating: 3/5 Listen to “Leave Your Love” For his debut solo release, Tyler Carter definitely delivers on Leave Your Love. The EP, which is six songs in length, does have its high and low points, but thankfully, the highs do outweigh the lows. Above everything, Leave Your Love proves Tyler Carter’s versatility as an artist.
While “Sophisticated” isn’t necessarily the strongest opening track, it does have its own strong points. The production of this track (and the entire EP) is huge, and while I thought that Carter’s vocals might not be able to live up to the huge sound, I was definitely proven wrong when the chorus kicked in. The vocal work throughout the verses doesn’t quite live REVIEW: Shannon Shumaker up to the big chorus, however, and by the time “Sophisticated” fades out, I’m interested to see where the rest of the album will go. “Leave Your Love” follows “Sophisticated,” and immediately, I wish that I would have listened to this song first. While Carter’s vocals and lyrics leave much to be desired on the first track, he absolutely slays it on “Leave Your Love.” Again, the production is big on this song, but it has a more low-key feel to it, leaving Carter to keep you hooked with his gorgeous (and almost sensual) vocal runs. By the time that “Leave Your Love” transitions into “Georgia,” I’m reminded why I was so excited for this release in the first place - Carter’s vocal work on both of these tracks is very strong, and by the time the big chorus comes in on “Georgia,” it’s hard to believe that he also fronts a band like Issues (not that that’s a bad thing). Carter’s voice has a way of sounding incredible no matter the genre, and “Georgia” is no exception - his vocal range on this track is absolutely incredible. “Georgia” is as heartbreaking as it is beautiful, making it easily one of the strongest tracks on the album because of Carter’s great vocals work, the club-ready sounding chorus and lyrical content. “So Slow” is just that - a total slow jam. It’s easy to fall in love with Carter’s vocals on this track as well, though I wasn’t necessarily a fan of the (almost cheesy) spoken part in the beginning of the track. “Tears On The Runway” threatens to sound almost too similar to the rest of the material on Leave Your Love, but Nylo’s guest vocals prove to actually be one of the best parts on the album. Her voice meshes flawlessly with Carter’s, making the chorus on “Tears On The Runway” on of the strongest, most heartfelt parts on the album. There are a few moments throughout Leave Your Love where the sound is a little redundant, and I would have enjoyed a couple of upbeat tracks in the EP to shake things up a bit, but that (and some of the less than stellar lyricism aside) Leave Your Love is a great solo debut for Tyler Carter. One of the strongest aspects about this album is how different it sounds to any other project he has been part of. Carter doesn’t fall into safe places of singing or songwriting that would be evident from anything else he’s done, which makes this a must-listen for any fans of his previous work. Leave Your Love will definitely be something new and refreshing, and definitely more laid back than any of his other projects. Above everything, Tyler Carter set out to create a great solo R&B record, and that’s definitely what Leave Your Love is.
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FOSSIL YOUTH
Rating: 3/5 Listen to “Intertwined With You”
Intertwined With You
The first time I heard of Fossil Youth was through a good friend who said they were his favorite local band from OKC. The first time I listened to their EP, Intertwined With You, it really blew me away.
REVIEW: Dillon Crader
The first track on Intertwined With You, “From the Window”, is a good way to start off this release; with the fast grungy guitar. The vocal style in this song (and EP) reminds me a lot of Mat Kerekes’ (Citizen) vocals in the way they go from very mellow and calm to very loud and yelling with ease. This isn’t a bad thing at all; I can just see a lot of influence from Citizen in this track due to the vocals. About a quarter way through the track it cuts to just bass, drums, and vocals and I love it. The blend of the bass and drums sound superb with the vocals over it. The second track, “Silver Tongue” is probably my least favorite on the EP because it didn’t really have anything special to offer.
The song is very slow and doesn’t have anything that stands out to me musically or vocally.”Silver Tongue” isn’t bad by any means, I just feel that it didn’t have anything that really stands out out which makes it an “eh” song. The last two songs on the EP, which are “Wick” and “Intertwined With You”, are spectacular. “Wick” does make me think of Citizen again, but this track pulls a unique sound of their own. The instrumental part a little past the halfway mark sounds beautiful and leads into a big built-up ending with a lot of energy. You can really hear the emotion in the vocals towards the end of the song. After the emotional ending to “Wick,” the EP ends with “Intertwined With You”. I love the guitar tone on this song - the intro gives it this very dark tone, and I almost wish they depended more on this guitar tone on the other tracks in the EP. This song is very powerful and like I said before, very dark. The vocals on “Intertwined With You” are very nice sounding and pretty, but you can hear the pain in his voice and makes the song that much more real. Over all, Intertwined With You is a solid release and makes me interested in what Fossil Youth have in store for the future, in regards to a full-length. If you are a fan of Citizen or any bands along those lines, you will definitely love this release.
CHOIR VANDALS
Rating: 4.5/5 Listen to “At Night and in The Rain”
At Night
For being only four songs in length, Choir Vandals’ new EP, At Night is an incredibly strong record. Every instrument does its part on this EP - the guitar, bass and drums are all on point along with the vocals, and they all work together to create something beautiful. The vocal work on this EP is one of its strongest aspects. From the beginning of the first track, “Monsters,” it’s apparent how versatile the vocals on this record are. Soft coos transition perfectly into rougher, gowling yells without even making the listener think twice, and they make it seem easy. On top of that, the bass work on “Monsters” is some of the strongest on the EP, making for a really great opening track.“At Night and in The Rain” is another REVIEW: Shannon Shumaker stand out. While it’s a slower track, the vocals and guitar parts mesh perfectly, coming together for a beautiful chorus and fading out on a slow, sweeping bridge. The great thing about At Night, is that even with four tracks, it manages to branch over genres flawlessly. It’s hard to put Choir Vandals in a box, and it would be a crime to try. At Night a perfect sampler of Choir Vandals from beginning to end. 50 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
SULLIVAN
Heavy Is The Head
Rating: 4/5 Listen to “You Don’t Mean It” Heavy Is The Head marks an explosive return from a seven year hiatus for Sullivan. The theatrical first track, “You Don’t Mean It” is a perfect opener, and by the time that the athematic chorus kicks in, this album promises to serve as an incredible comeback. All eleven tracks on Heavy Is The Head are solid, explosive and full of a new energy that is sure to keep both new and old fans satisfied.
“When The Pavement Meets The Road,” follows “You Don’t Mean It,” and while I’m not a big fan of the production of the vocals on this track, the upbeat and aggressive energy of the song absolutely makes up for it. This song is fast-paced and definitely keeps you on your toes, especially when REVIEW: Dom Vigil it unexpectedly transitions into the slower track, “Profile.” While it doesn’t have as much energy as the first two songs on the album, “Profile” is a very moving track musically, vocally and lyrically. The following track, “What’s Good For The King,” follows suit with another slow beginning - just stripped down vocals and acoustic guitar opening the song. When the rest of the band comes in about a minute into the song, however, the track really seems to come alive and explode. Another strong track on Heavy Is The Head is “Melanoma Lullaby.” Sullivan starts this song off slow, much like “Profile” and “What’s Good For The King,” but what sets this song apart from the others is Brooks Paschal’s vocal versatility and the lullaby-like quality to the music (which makes the title of the track very fitting). “Melanoma Lullaby” is a very heartfelt and anthematic track. “Statuette” is also another strong track. The way that the song transitions from fast to slow parts without any hesitation and is incredible. On top of that, “Statuette” hosts some of the strongest vocal and lyrical work on the record. With every single track, Heavy Is The Head just seems to get stronger and stronger. There really isn’t a low point on this album. In fact, the only complaint I really have with Heavy Is The Head is the production on the vocals at times, which can sound a little overdone in certain tracks. The guitar tone, however, is absolutely incredible throughout the entire record, and musically, Heavy Is The Head is very strong. This album just seems to grow with each song, leading up to the amazing final track, “Playing With Fire,” which leaves you hanging and wanting more, proving that Sullivan are more on top of their game than ever.
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MOST ANTICIPATED
staff picks ALBUMSof ALL GET OUT
2015
Make Love On Holy Ground... (?) Release Date TBA Picked by Dillon Crader
ALBUM ART
My most anticipated release of 2015 would have to be given to All Get Out. There isnt musch information on the bands Sophmore LP release but they have teased a possible name for the album; Make Love On Holy Ground... All Get Out’s past release, The Season, was released in 2011 and is probably one of my favorite records of all time. One of my favorite parts about The Season’s sound was the harmonies made between vocalist Nathan Hussey and Mel Washington, but the band has experienced a lineup change over the years ending with Mel Leaving the band. I am very interested to see what the new record will have to offer without the harmonies that made The Season so amazing. Hopefully we will get more information about Make Love On Holy Ground... as the year continues to set all the details/”teasers” in stone. I am so excited to hear new music from All Get Out after a long four year wait and to see what is in store for one the most underated bands out there.
TBA
ENTER SHIKARI
The Mindsweep Out 1/19
Picked by Gabrielle DB
With all of the singles and videos that have already been released, this album will be another great release from this amazing band!
MODEST MOUSE
Strangers To Ourselves Out 3/3 Picked by Dan Ha
Eight years after their final full-length release, Modest Mouse has finally announced plans for a new album to be released in 2015! They have already released one single titled “Lampshades on Fire,” which sounds like this mouse picked right up from where it left off. This song is poppy, messy, and experimental, just like the Modest Mouse we are all familiar with.
PASSION PIT
TBA Release Date TBA Picked by Dom Vigil
While not many details have surfaced about Passion Pit’s upcoming 2015 release, the band has been teasing it on facebook for a few weeks, and needless to say, I’m excited to see how a new record will sound from such a versatile band. 52 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
ALBUM ART
TBA
KNUCKLE PUCK ALBUM ART
TBA
TBA Summer, 2015
Picked by Seth Wood
Knuckle Puck stole my heart about halfway through 2014 when I first saw their video for “No Good.” Their sound is similar to many other pop-punk bands out there, except for some extra-stellar musicianship and some absolutely gut-wrenching honesty in their lyrics. The full-length will be highly anticipated by KP’s fans, as they have only gotten to hear EPs to this point.
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE
Kintsugi Out 3/31
Picked by Dom Vigil and Blake Britton
It’s hard not to be at least a little bit excited and anxious about Death Cab For Cutie’s new album. The last LP with founding member Chris Walla is building to be a huge artistic statement for the band. One in which most fans will either get behind or leave behind. No matter what category you fall into, the LP is sure to stir some interesting aesthetics and heavy debate. Death Cab For Cutie is making no attempt to hide their history with Walla and have decided to make it a part of this album, and if that (and the fact that this is Death Cab’s 17th year as a band) doesn’t have you excited about this album, then I don’t know what will.
LETLIVE. ALBUM ART
TBA
TBA Release Date TBA
Picked by Gabrielle DB and Shannon Shumaker
With studio clips and teasers these past couple of months, all of us soul punx are getting amped to hear new jams! letlive.’s last release, The Blackest Beautiful was the perfect follow-up to Fake History and I’m definitely excited to hear where their sound goes from here.
YELAWOLF
Love Story Release Date TBA Picked by Seth Wood
Yelawolf is one of the most innovative artists alive, and his willingness to try new things makes itself explosively apparent in everything he does. Listen to his 2010 track “Pop the Trunk” then follow with the new single “’Til it’s Gone,” and you too will understand why fans cannot wait to see what the rapper will do next.
ALBUM ART
TBA
ALL TIME LOW Future Hearts Out 4/7
Picked by Shannon Shumaker
Let’s be honest, All Time Low never fails to deliver in their insanely catchy choruses and hilariously real lyricism. Judging by their single “Something’s Gotta Give,” Future Hearts will absolutely live up to those standards. THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 53
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