Figurehead 'The Watermelon EP' Review and Interview

The Watermelon EP Cover

First off, I would like like to say, welcome back boys! I was hoping it wasn't the end for FH, and thank God it isn't. I've had the privilege of playing shows and being friends with these guys, and I can honestly say they are one of the most talented, humble, and well respected local bands on Staten Island.

Behold, Figurehead's The Watermelon EP...oh wait, shhhhh, you're not supposed to hear it yet, so I will kindly describe it for you...

Kick starting the ep is "Where is Your Self Control?" I love Sanbeg's drum fills that follow the guitar riffs in the opening. Immediately I noticed how crisp Taranto's vocals, dubs, and harmonies were. For a home studio recording everything is leveled nicely and yet still has that garageband luster.

"Serotonin" follows, and slows everything down. Very good guitar and bass work here. Scarsella effortlessly flows on this track. There's a great guitar solo further on in the song that is a perfect blend of chaos and melody, well done.

The next track, "Incense" Taranto pulls out his best Dave Grohl impression (sorry Chris), and pretty much vocally destroys this song. Everything about this song scream 90s grunge a la Foo Fighters or even early Incubus and Radiohead. However, the best parts of this song start just before the three minute mark, when Taranto aggressively attacks/yells the chorus leading into yet another chaotic yet organized instrumental bridge. I like what they did in the mix as well, panning the instruments back and fourth so you are being hit with different sounds on both the left and the right. It gives the listener a very cool, or disorienting feel.



"Accept the Change" sees Taranto bust out the screeching aggressive vocals like the previous song. The track is consistently on the heavier side and features Figurehead's signature instrumental rock out/breakdown, but this time it fades out into the next track, where we are brought back down in tempo.

"In Some Other World" lightens up the mood from the two heavier tracks before. It's just such a smooth and chilled out tune that it makes you vibe out without even thinking about it. The bass and drums keep the tempo, and the guitar is so relaxed. More than any other track this feels like and Incubus jam. The name of the song is perfect because you feel as if you are transported somewhere care free.

Overall, a very solid return to music for Figurehead. The Watermelon EP manages to put some of the best works on the band on wax and create something very well done and yet contain the right amount of Do-It-Yourself. Alternative/Grunge/Punk in the way Figurehead does it might not be "in" anymore or right now, but they don't care and create passionate and simply put, "good music." So if you are into Foo Fighters, Nirvana, and a sprinkle of Green Day and Incubus, then this is the band for you. Keep rocking my friends and I'll see you all on March 23rd for the EP release show.

INTERVIEW
With Chris Taranto (Vocals/Guitar)

Why is Figurehead back together and how did it happen?
Getting back together was really organic and fast. I was listening to some things we had recorded and I was playing with some other really talented musicians and I asked Joe if he wanted to record again. One thing led to another and then I offered to play shows while Mike was home for winter break and bam, we were a band again. We never really had to ask or say to each, so this means we're a band again? It just was.

Did getting back together spark a greater fire in you guys as a band, and how has this resurgence affected your music?
I think we still have the same fire as when we left in May. We've always fired on all cylinders, right from day one. I think we are a lot more focused now. We hammered out the EP in about two weeks and are slowly starting to branch out and play new places (Sullivan Hall, New Paltz, etc.). We're writing again already, too. It's like nothing changed other than our focus.

How did the process of the Watermelon EP pan out, and what were some of the challenges in recording it?
This EP took about a year and change to make. We actually recorded it (minus "Incense") a year ago. But we never mixed the entire thing and it just sat around; hence our lack of focus in the past. When we got back together, Mike proposed that since we had some better equipment and more knowledge of recording we should just re-record the EP and add "Incense" to the tracklisting. Then we had more difficulties, always technical ones with the recording program. It would randomly stop recording while I was doing guitar tracking on "Accept the Change," so we had to piece the guitar tracks together. And the worst was mixing "Where's Your Self Control?" because the program deleted the bass drum towards the end of the song and we had no idea where it went. It was so f**king aggravating. We had to make Mike play just a bass drum to fix that.

Why watermelon?

We've had this inside joke for quite a while concerning someone most people know and said person has possibly had sexual intercourse with a watermelon. We're cruel people.

Tell us a little bit about the upcoming EP release show.
We've got this amazing EP show coming up on March 23rd. It's taking place at the NYC Arts Cypher Center, located on Broad Street in Staten Island. We've got all of our friends playing (Paraiso, A Work in Progress, Process of Fusion, Strays, and Diet) and it's only $5 to get in. We're really trying to push for a community of musicians with this show. All of the bands are splitting the cost of the venue (which I am so grateful for, no one had any problems with helping us out) and all of the funds go back to the bands from the door. No splitting with promoters or anyone else. Hopefully we get a lot of people to come out to the show and we'll try to book things like this more often and maybe branch out to other venues, as well.

How have the fans taken to Mike's new haircut, and has he lost some of his musical power?
I don't know how the fans have taken to Mike's new haircut, but we inside the band think it was quite a good decision. At first Joe and I were really skeptical and were like "NOOO, DON'T DO IT!" but Mike actually looks really good. He's becoming a hipster up there at Oneonta. (Haha) Not really. And no, he's no Sampson. He's actually gotten even better since he went to college, which is saying something cause he's a tremendous drummer, the best I've ever played with. I tried to start another band while we were away and I couldn't find a drummer like him.

How would sum up Figurehead in one sentence to a complete stranger?
I would say that we're one of the most honest, hardworking, punk rock bands on the scene.

What does the future hold for the band?
I wish I could give you a clear answer, but I honestly don't know (haha). The future depends on me. If I feel creative, we'll do a lot and we'll be very active. If I feel like I don't want to be doing something, we won't do it. I am a pain to work with, I don't know how they put up with me. But right now we've got a lot of things planned and a lot of music to start working on. I have about 16 demos ready to go, so only time will tell.

Is there anything you'd like to say or leave the fans with?
I would like to thank all of the fans and friends who've been so open to our return. They've done a great job at supporting us in Brooklyn and Manhattan and I really, really, really hope to see you at the release show and hopefully you guys and gals dig the EP. It's gonna be a lot of fun, it's just up to you to show up. Thank you, the band loves you.

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Spoken Album Review for 'Illusion'

Finally the wait is over! Hard rock band Spoken is back, and they are bringing the noise with their newest release, Illusion.

Prior to Illusion, which will be released on February 12th, Spoken hadn't released an album since their self-titled in 2007. However, that time gap hasn't been all idol time, the band has been working on the album since 2010.

"We've always been a band that tours nonstop, and we live in three different states. Writing music is sometimes difficult with that equation. There's been a little time between records, but we've never slowed down as far as being a band. You can expect better songwriting on the new record. We approached this record differently than we have the other records. We did the new record with Jasen Rauch, (Brian HEAD Welch, Disciple, RED, and more)," said singer Matt Baird in a previous interview on here.

'Illusion' Cover

Spoken has always been a band that has varied in styles musically. Their first couple of albums were rap/metal reminiscent of Rage Against the Machine, while their next few were more post hardcore before naturally maturing to a refined metal sound. Illusion takes the best of their previous formulas and infuses it with poppier hooks and catchier choruses.

Illusion kicks off with powerful guitars on "Stand Alone." The verses are yelled as Baird is forcing them through a controlled and synchronized scream to go with the music. The chorus then switches to more of a melodic section before he flips it back to screaming.

"Beneath the Surface" starts off very much like the first track; with dual guitars blazing and screaming vocals. Following the same formula as "Stand Alone," the chorus features sung vocals. There's a cool little underwater effect placed throughout the song that adds just the right amount of filter 'beneath the surface.'

The next track in "Don't Go." Heavy guitars open up, but the verses are more of an aggressive singing. The chorus is layered with strong melodies, "Close your eyes and remember me the way I was before...Just stay with me and we can weather the storm," powerful lyrics.

"Through it All All" is the first song on the album that switches gears and also their first single. It's a bit mid-tempo and has a nice blend of guitar work and what sounds like subtle piano or guitar. It positive with a message with the hook proclaiming, "Though our hearts have been broken, we've been burned by the flame/We will rise from the ashes again!"

"More Than You Know" showcases a poppier side of Spoken. The vocals are a bit whispery at times, and again are layered with fantastic harmonies. Overall it's just a solid song touching upon the subjects of self worth and self admittance.



Flowing perfectly from the last track, "Remember the Day" has a soft tone but a big feel. The recording itself has a grand quality, heavy guitars and booming vocals. Spoken does a superb job in capturing a "rock ballad" with this one.

Bang, que the noise, "Shadow Over Me" adds the jolt back into the album after the two-track lull. Adversely, this song is the first time where Baird screams over the chorus and sings the verse. The bridge into the drop out/outro is nicely done as well.

To sum up the song "Accuser" simply... it's heavy. Everything about the song is gut punchingly heavy and it's awesome, especially the metal breakdown part towards the end!

"Take Everything"is a track that could probably be another single because it has a very commercial sound, and a clear relatable focus. "My heart is yours for the taking," could be about a girl or in the case of Spoken's Christian roots, a reference to the forgiveness of God.

"Tonight" slows it back up and is about feeling alive and making a declaration of change and using one moment, 'Tonight,' to transform and "leave it all behind." A great message of encouragement in an easy package.

Next up is the softest track on the album, "Calm the Storm." Again, another powerful song with an inspirational chorus. "Be the hope when the world is crashing down/Come wrap your arms around me/Calm the storm inside me." The song is a cry out to God for his comforting touch to get through any situation.

The title track, "Illusion," finishes up the album with a burst of energy just like in the beginning. Back is the screaming, back is the harmonic melodies, and on come the gritty guitars. "Illusion" matches "Stand Alone" musically as it follows similar guitar patterns, and even starts the same with the faded in sound. The song ends with Baird's chanting as guitar feedback overcomes it.

Through and through, this album is a great welcome back for Spoken. The production is great, the vocals are on point, and the heaviness is brutal with some solid standard rock tracks sprinkled in. Illusion takes the listener through ups and downs as far as sonically, with bouts of heaviness, ballads, and midtempo coming in clusters. Spoken has certainly evolved through the years and with this latest transformation, they are going the right way.

The August Infinity Interview and Album preview of "To Whom it May Concern"

(L to R) Frank Grullon, Ian Pierce, Joshua Hawksley, Chris Moss, and Peter Strzelecki

Every once in awhile you hear a local band that you swear is famous or at least should be. The August Infinity is definitely a band on the verge of greatness. A.I. has been making the rounds through countless big shows in the NYC area and gaining ground and new fans in the local music scene. They are instantly grasping the ears of listeners who are itching for unique yet mainstream sounding pure adrenaline infused rock. Banking on the good reception of their first album, A.I. and their fans are anticipating the release of To Whom it May Concern this summer.


Getting a chance to preview the album was pretty special because of how good it was this early on. The record starts off strong with "Make You Crazy." The aggressive and catchy chorus resounds with "Fire Fire" and hits you with that same intensity. "So Long" turns down the amplitude a bit, but still carries plenty of weight with a strong chorus. Track 3, "Mother Mary" starts off with an instrumental punch and transitions into a climbing verse with yet again another solid chorus. This powerhouse song moves through until the end when it ends with an almost breakdown like scream. "Fever" is the song that is most flashy on the musical end. It boasts a few guitar solos through out the bridge and ending. The album ends with "Some Kind of Lullaby" which is aptly titled due to the soft nature of the song. It's refreshing to see the album come together like that. Up until this point the band smashed through your speakers, now they take a turn and show a lighter side. It proves that this upcoming band is very versatile and their sound works either way. 

The August Infinity will most certainly become a favorite on your iTunes playlist. They have mastered the art of the catchy choruses and added powerful instruments and just plain good songwriting to the formula. The August Infinity is going to be around for a long time, get to know them while their fairly local before they take off!


INTERVIEW


Where'd you guys get the name August Infinity?
The word august is more of a take on August with the emphasis over 'gust' which describes something or someone full of majesty or grandeur. We pronounce it like the month but the meaning is different. And infinity of course is the endless scale of august-ness, if you will.

I read the singer and drummer met in the subway, how did the rest of the band get together?
Chris was the only bass player we auditioned back when we were writing the first record. Peter and Frank used to come to all of our shows when we had our first guitar player. We actually have pictures of them rocking out in the front row back in the day. When we lost our first guitarist, they were a very natural addition and kind of came as a package deal.

Where do you guys draw your sound from and what do you classify yourselves as?
The band definitely has a passion for heavy, aggressive grooves but loves hooks and strong melodies. We do our best to explore the balance within that spectrum. Individually, we all have incredibly different influences. Chris is a Tool guy. Frank loves the shredder-proggy metal. Ian's an old school punk fan. Peter digs a lot of sublime and 311. Joshua grew up on Silverchair and Our Lady Peace type stuff.

How does the song writing process work, and what's it like recording at home?

Usually one person will come to the table with a spark or a sketch of an idea, record it and pass it along to the rest of the group. Everybody tosses the idea around, builds upon it, and works it up to the point where Joshua starts to finally write some vocal parts. It’s a real-life melting pot of ideas. We have learned a great deal about writing with each other and individually through home recording, but we really hate that sh*t. It’s incredibly stressful wearing so many hats.

What makes you guys unique from other bands around NYC?
We have an incredible, true loyalty to our fans, and vice versa. There is an energy that we share with the people in any given room that draws us all together; the guys performing on stage and every member of the crowd. We have a fun, energetic stage shows and at the end of the night we don’t take ourselves too seriously. It’s all about connecting with people. Community, bro.

What did you guys do differently this time around for the new ep, and are we going to be experiencing anything new as far as sound?
We updated our recording technology and technique; a lot more live sound as opposed to direct digital methods. We took our time and learned from our past mistakes, as opposed to the first record which was more rushed. The biggest thing of all though was spending more energy on great song writing.  Sonically, you’re going to hear much fuller drum sounds, better vocal layering, and the addition of two new guitar players with fresher playing styles.

How do you prepare for a tour, what goes into making it worthwhile and successful?
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. We spend all our damn time rehearsing and working out. Take care of your bodies and your instruments.

What is the biggest show you guys played, and roughly how many people?
We headlined at Gramercy Theatre for over 600 people, but we’re about to top that by far on July 21st when we sell out Irving Plaza!

Biggest rock star moment, and biggest failure?
Seeing our name on the marquis at Gramercy Theatre was pretty sweet. Biggest failure would have to be when we got blacklisted from Southern Hospitality after management made the mistake of giving us an open bar. We ran up a $600 bar tab, and were asked not to come back.

What goals does the band have, and where do you hope to be in the next 3 years?
We want an island in the shape of our cloud logo... but first we want to give up our apartment leases to go on the road full time and see crowds of people singing along with us every night.

Anything else you want to add?
Once again, we plan to sell out Irving Plaza on July 21st. We’re in the works of creating the biggest, most fantastic live performance of our career. It won’t be a show to miss.


CONTACTS
www.theaugustinfinity.com
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