Q&A with Lance Waste & Anthony Powers

This Friday, February 27th, Lance Waste and Anthony Powers will be finishing up their "Wintour of Discontent" here at The Main Street Cafe. Waste and Powers are two of the members of heartfelt indie rock outfit Darling Waste, but they're stripping it down and going solo for this tour. They each tout their own blend of vulnerable acoustic music.

Their current tour has them hitting several cities along the East Coast in support of their recent split EP release.

When they come to the cafe, they will be supported by SoulStrippa, Clean Dirty Clean and Novis.

Doors @ 6 - Show @ 7 - $5 Admission

RSVP on Facebook for the latest updates!

The two of them answered some questions about their friendship, the tour and their split EP.

Tour flier courtesy of Darling Waste's Facebook.

The Main Street Cafe (TMSC): How long have you guys known each other? How did you meet?

Lance: Well, we've known each other for a couple years now, we both work in the music industry and were working in the same office for a while and Anthony was actually my boss for a little bit.

Anthony: Yeah, when Lance and I first met we really didn't like each other very much, because it took him about two months to realize I was his boss.

TMSC: What prompted this tour to come into existence?

Anthony: So I've been playing bass in Darling Waste for almost a year now, and we were playing this show up towards Cleveland. The promoters were short a few bands so I just kind of threw in an acoustic set of my own songs, and then Lance did an acoustic set as well, so that was kind of the spark that got us started with wanting to put out this acoustic record.

Lance: The tour idea was appealing to me as well because I haven't been playing an instrument in Darling Waste for a while. I've just been being the front man, and we've been playing as a full band, so I haven't been able to play a lot of the older darling Waste acoustic songs. The idea of going out playing smaller venues, driving a car instead of a van and playing the old acoustic songs was really appealing to me as well.

TMSC: You’re on the home stretch of your tour. How has it been so far?

Lance: it's been really great. it's been relaxing and fun. It's good to go see old friends. We're playing a lot of towns that we haven't hit in a while, and we got to go to Disney World. So yeah, it's been a lot of fun.

Anthony: I've been drunk half the time, so yeah it's been pretty solid.

TMSC: Has anything weird or crazy happened?

Anthony: well for me this is actually my first tour, so everything's been a little bit weird and crazy. I mean, so far we've done some really interesting and cool things with some really awesome people from all across the country.

Lance: Yeah, one of our friends got us into Wonderworks in Myrtle Beach, so we got to play laser tag and do a bunch of cool stuff there. and then we also just went to the Ringling Circus Museum which was also really crazy and beautiful and a lot of fun. And the only other crazy thing that happened for me is that one of the opening acts, one of the kids in Canton, tried to fistfight me because they thought the show was free and I was just trying to figure out what was going on and instead of talking, he wanted to fight.

TMSC: How are you two similar as musicians, how are you different?

Lance: I mean, we both come from the same kind of musical background. We both come from punk rock, your post hardcore, emo type music kind of background as far as what we listen to. I think we're both also hyper literate. Anthony was an English major, and I was a political science major. So I think we have that in common. Also, we're both white guys playing guitars, you know. As far as differences, I think I'm just a little more dreary, where Anthony's music is a little more angry still. Give him time to get beaten-down and do what I do.

Anthony: We also both have beards right now, although Lance doesn't always have one.

TMSC: You guys recently released a split together. What was that process like?

Anthony: it was a lot of fun. Actually, all of my songs have been written for a while, some longer than others, but it was a really great experience working with Lance to record the songs and put them together. And we like to think that both my side and his side work cohesively together to really give people something new and hopefully entertaining that we're both really proud.

Lance: Yeah, as far as the recording and putting out the record goes, you know it was really laid-back, really organic. We just went down in my basement and just recorded it, and you know we kept it really DIY. That's really what the project was about for us. There was really no pressure or anything like that. We were just in a basement making music and having fun, and I think the project really shows that.

TMSC: Are there any big plans for you guys coming up, either together or individually?

Anthony: staying alive, mostly.

Lance: I'm trying to convince Anthony to have a Disney wedding, either with me or someone else. So time's gonna tell on that one. As far as music goes, after the tour is over we're right back in the studio to finish the Darling Waste record, which should be out in spring or early summer.

TMSC: 3 random Qs- Favorite tour food? What are you guys listening to? T-Swift, Katy Perry or Miley?

Anthony: Cigarettes and black coffee. On tour we haven't actually listened to a lot of music. It's actually been more entertaining to just kind of talk and bullshit and make jokes the whole time. But personally I've been on a big 1950's rock and roll kick lately, plus you know stuff like Death From Above's new album, Bayside, stuff like that. And I don't know, Wednesday Addams.

Lance: For favorite tour food we had pulled pork sandwiches on an island in Georgia, but I can't go wrong with Taco Bell. Taco Bell is always there for me and they're very cheap. As far as what music we're listening to on tour, it's mostly SModcast, Kevin Smith stuff, a lot of podcasting. Musically I only listen to geniuses so it's mostly myself and Kanye West, although he has found a new talent - someone named Paul McMarty, or something like that. He's putting him on, so you know, Paul McCarthy, some old guy, so I'm excited to see what he does with that raw talent as well. Okay and for the Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry thing I think this is a game of kill, bamf, marry? so I'm gonna have to go with bamf Miley Cyrus, right? Because I think you have to do that. Cause she's gonna force it. And then I kill Katy Perry and marry Taylor Swift. So I hope that helps.

TMSC: What are you most looking forward to out of the show at The Main Street Café, and what can fans expect?

Lance: I'm going to plead the fifth on that one, but it's gonna be a great night.

Anthony: Fans can expect us to be drunk, and surely, and swear a lot.

Lance: So much shouting, so much laughter.

Anthony: I mean, it's gonna be a good time. We've had a lot of fun on this tour, and with this show being one of our last dates, I think we're both planning on just leaving it all out there, you know? If I'm not bleeding (again) by the end of my set, I'll be surprised.

TMSC: Anything else you’d like to say?

Anthony: Be excellent to each other. That, and everybody Wang Chung tonight.

Lance: Me and Anthony may disagree on Sea World and the validity of hockey, but he's an alright guy to be in a Dodge Neon with.

Anthony: Anything else?

Lance: Nope.

Check out Lance and Anthony's singles from their Split EP below, and make sure to support them on their Wintour of Discontent!

One Year Later: The Main Street Cafe celebrates the anniversary of its kick off show

By: Ryan Glaspell

In January, 2014, fiances Daniel Bonner & Sissy Broadwater 

became managers of The Main Street Cafe.

A year ago Daniel Bonner and Sissy Broadwater were making the final preparations for The Main Street Cafe's kick off show. It was the first show after they took over management and reopened the cafe. 

"I just remember being stressed out the entire day, hoping that it went well and that people liked us," Bonner said.

The Main Street Cafe was the first time Bonner and Broadwater had any taste of running a business. The first show they booked was a monstrous concert featuring more than 10 performances from musicians of all genres. 

The anxiety continued to build for Bonner and Broadwater as showtime drew near, but their qualms were quickly extinguished as people began flowing in. At the peak of the night, the head count was over 150.

Greg Tassos was one of the many members in the audience that night. Tassos, a local musician in the band Remaining, and avid supporter of local music realized the kick off show was the start of something big.

"It was great, there was a lot of kids I had never seen at shows before," he said.

A sea of people packed The Main Street Cafe for its kick off show last year.

From the time he was in high school, Tassos was in bands and would perform at local shows. It got to a point, however, where venues were nearing nonexistence.

"There was nowhere to play in Clarksburg," Tassos said.

He began booking his own basement shows, but sharing a house with your family can make it difficult to bring musicians to play loud music throughout the night on a consistent basis.

A decaying music scene, once dependent on house shows and fire halls, received a gift in the form of a century-old building in historic downtown Clarksburg. After The Main Street Cafe's kick off show, local bands had a place to play and a crowd to listen to them. Bands that used to have a difficult time finding anywhere that would allow them to play now had a local venue to truly call home.

"It's as local as local can get, and I think it really affected everything about the local music scene," Tassos said.

The Main Street Cafe began hosting multiple shows every week, in addition to other regular events such as open mics and pool tournaments. 

A year has gone by, and the cafe has amassed an impressive portfolio of artists and events that have taken place in its venue. 

In addition to the plethora of local musicians, bands from all over have played their music on the stage of the cafe, including multiple international acts. 

"We essentially started with nothing, " Broadwater said, "We didn't have anywhere to go but up."

Up they continue to go, as The Main Street Cafe expands its reach to more people with every show. Broadwater attributes the business' ascent from its modest beginnings to the mindset that she and Bonner hold.

"We never approached this as managers or business owners, and we don't have this facade," Broadwater said.

She continued, "We've been one thousand percent us, and I feel like that's really helped us get a bigger fan base."

From the beginning, Bonner and Broadwater didn't set out to make money. They wanted to re-energize local music.

"[I wanted] to get the music scene in Clarksburg back to where it should have been a long time ago," Bonner said.

Even now, he still receives messages from bands asking how much money they would have to dish out to play at his venue. His answer? No charge.

"They're just helping to keep the business open, why would I charge them?" he said.

It's this passion for providing for and enabling musicians in the local area that drives Bonner and Broadwater to keep costs down to play at, and attend, the cafe.

This Saturday, in celebration of the one year anniversary of the first show under new management, Bonner and Broadwater are throwing a special concert. This all ages show will be free to attend, and is featuring a variety of the scene's incredible musicians.

Just as its first incarnation was, this show will be hosted by Corey Hurley, Bonner and Broadwater's close friend and dedicated worker for the cafe. 

Excitement is potent in the air for many.

"The first show was a great show, and this show means a lot to us because even though we didn't know anyone at the first show, we made best friends with them now," Broadwater said.

Tassos is one of those friendships that was formed due to the cafe. His band will be one of the several acts of the evening, and his gratitude is plentiful.

He said, "Playing the one-year anniversary show means a lot because I think that everyone in the local scene owes The Main Street Cafe. We owe them for giving us a place to play, a place to crash if we need to and a place to just be ourselves."

Tassos' band, Remaining, will be joined by False Profit, Proper Addiction, Ryan Glaspell, Tell No Tales and Tomorrow to Forever. This will be False Profit's first show in Clarksburg in five years.

Whether you attend every show, or have never seen live music, make your way to The Main Street Cafe this Saturday with all of your friends at 5 p.m. to celebrate a great year of business and music.

If you want to induce some nostalgia, check out the promo article and show recap from the kick off show one year ago.

RSVP for the show on Facebook to stay up to date on all details.

The Rundown! - The Renfields, Obelisk, Bungler & more (2/20)

If local shows were colors, then this Friday's show would be a rainbow. Are you in the mood for horror punk, emotive rock, alternative hardcore or something else? Chances are we've got it for you!

Our favorite Transylvania Pogo Punks, The Renfields, are gracing our stage with their presence. Joining them will be Bungler, Obelisk, Dead Face Down and A Farewell to Romance.

Doors @ 6 - Show @ 7 - $5 Admission

RSVP on Facebook for more info.

                                                                                                                                                                   

The Renfields

Photo courtesy of Mike Winland Studios

Origins: Precise time and location is difficult to say, but the consensus is that The Renfields were created 10 years ago, give or take 10 years depending on your time stream. Since they departed their Transylvanian residence, they have released six albums, their most recent being the long-awaited "Go!"Their music has been featured on soundtracks, and they have toured across the country. Throughout their tenure as a band, they have succeeded in starving the Fiend (bass) of all food.

The Sound: Driven by the reanimated hearts of The Ramones inside of them, The Renfields are known for writing songs based on a plethora of horror movies. The bass lines, guitars and drums all proceed at an accelerated rate, and the catchy lyrics will have you singing along before you've even heard the song! As for influences, singer and ghoulishly handsome Vincent Renfield said, "With so many members in the band, we tend to have influences coming from every style and genre. For example, I recently asked Fiend what his favorite style of music was and he said 'Chubs'. I'm pretty sure that this is something that doesn't even exist."

Did You know? The Renfields once played in Deleware.

Bungler

Photo courtesy of Errick Easterday

Origins: What began as a side project designed to have fun and escape the "business" side of things eventually bloomed into Bungler. The expiration of other musical involvements brought Bungler into the foreground. Since their formation in 2012, the band has been devoted to creating real, honest music, and not succumbing to all of the "fake" that permeates the music industry. They have released their debut EP, "Fake Fur," which is available pretty much everywhere online.

The Sound: Bungler's music is electrified hardcore. A certain energy pervades their brisk instrumentation and scathing vocals. It's an energy that you'd want before you engage in a run-for-your-life situation, as it makes you want to move, and move fast. They are influenced by a variety of hardcore bands, such as letlive., Every Time I Die and Vanna, but their music is their own. Even Gandhi would want to throw a few 'bows in a pit during their set.

Did you know? There is not a live bassist for Bungler, yet bass is present. While no backtracks or bass guitars are present, the band creates the effect using a few different pedals and a bass amp.

Obelisk

Photo courtesy of Obelisk

Origins: It took Ezekiel Kaplan a few years and two cross-country treks, but at a Steven Wilson concert in 2013 all the components of what is now Obelisk came together. The band is a four piece based out of Pittsburgh. To date they have two releases, including an eponymous EP of demos and a two-song release titled "Pillar of Creation".

The sound: Obelisk infuses progressive elements into their brand of metal. Inspired by music such as the technical, progressive elements of Opeth and the colossal death metal created by Death, Obelisk's sound is somewhere between the two. Powerful vocals and gloomy guitars march together to create metal anthems that build, break down and then build again in a gripping crescendo.

Did you know? When Kaplan moved to California to form a band with his friend Caleb Hay, they could not find any other musicians that they clicked with. Kaplan began talking with Devan Procopio, an old friend in Pittsburgh, and realized how much musical chemistry they had together. When Kaplan jokingly suggested to Hay that they drive across the United States to start the band, Hay was completely on board. They met up with Dan Winschel at a Steven Wilson concert, and then, as if the Pick of Destiny had been found, the band begun to write music.




Dead Face Down

Photo courtesy of Dead Face Down

Origins: Prior to Dead Face Down there was Rasclaat, a metal band formed in 1999. Five years, and a few member changes later came Dead Face Down. The five piece has played with big name acts such as Hatebreed, Morbid Angel, Chimaira, Hed PE and many more. Their latest album was recorded by master producer David Bendeth (In Flames, As I Lay Dying, The Ghost Inside).

The Sound: If you are a fan of Pantera, Lamb of God or Slipknot, then you should enjoy Dead Face Down. Their vein of metal is abrasive and vengeful. Guttural screams are paced amid galloping riffs and rapid drumming. Their sound is cleverly composed, being equal parts brutal and technical.

Did you know? This Friday is Dead Face Down's first time performing in Clarksburg. Although they have played many shows throughout their time as a band, they have never seen what a Clarksburg crowd can bring.

Head to the band's ReverbNation page and check out their music!

A Farewell to Romance

Photo courtesy of A Farewell to Romance

Origins: A Farewell to Romance has been around in some form or another for more than ten years. Although members came and went, in March of 2014 the fixture hardened. The quartet of rockers, based out of Bridgeport, WV., are currently working on their debut album, "My Once Love & Future Regret".

The Sound: There is a warm, affectionate tone to A Farewell to Romance's songs. It's a gentle variety of rock, with traces of punk that arise as vocalist and guitarist Nicholas Cooke croons out his vulnerable lyrics. Their melody-charged songs are laced with reminders of 90s pop rock. 

Did you know? Cooke and bassist Matt Wagner have been working on A Farewell to Romance for over ten years! Whether it was just the duo project, a side project to other bands or their primary focus, the songs you'll hear this Friday are a decade in-the-making!

Head to the band's ReverbNation page and check out their music!

The Rundown! - Bad Luck, Time and Distance, What's Missing & more (2/19)

If you missed last Thursday's show have no fear, this Thursday we've got another lineup full of bands equipped with bright melodies and energetic rock songs to have your head nodding and your bodies swaying.

Bad Luck is in the midst of a unique tour. After playing in Clarksburg, the band is heading for Cleveland where they will be recording their new EP before continuing the tour on the east coast. Supporting Bad Luck will be Time and Distance, What's Missing, Red Pen Police and Grayson Prince.

Doors @ 6 - Show @ 7 - $3 Admission

RSVP on Facebook for more info.
                                                                                                                                                                                             

Bad Luck

Photo courtesy of Bad Luck

Origins: Bad Luck formed as an inkling with Dominick Fox writing acoustic songs in late 2011. In the middle of 2012 he expanded his solo project into a full band. The next year they released their debut EP, which paved the way for them to be signed to Tragic Hero Records (Letlive., A Skylit Drive, Alesana) in 2014. Since then, they have re-released their EP as a full length and got APA as their booking agency. As aforementioned, the band is set to record a new EP during their current tour.

The Sound: Bad Luck creates a diverse blend of rock. A listen through Cold Bones will display a dynamic that phases from warm and pop-inflected to gritty and in-your-face. Their sound umbrellas over a wide range of influences, but rather than present a fragmented identity, Bad Luck emerges a versatile and addictive rock outfit.

Did you know? While Bad Luck is based out of Florida, the only member originating from the Sunshine State is drummer Jake Kneer. Dominick and his brother, and bassist, Joseph Fox are from Long Island, New York and guitarist/vocalist Sam Kuhns is from Cleveland, Ohio. Bad Luck has also recently created a YouTube series entitled "BadTV" where they provide updates, answer questions and share some tunes.

Time and Distance

Photo courtesy of Taylor Helm Promotions

Origins: Greg McGowan began Time and Distance when he started writing songs on his acoustic guitar in high school. Fast forward a few steps and a bass guitar and drums join the picture. A few steps more and the acoustic music was fully replaced by electric guitars and aggressive, fast paced pop rock. Since their inception, the band has toured relentlessly and put out two EPs and two full lengths.

The sound: They play pop rock reminiscent of bands such as Punchline and June (the band, not the month). Catchy rhythms, witty lyrics and fun vibes will have you dancing and feeling a little more carefree than you were prior to listening. Having been around for over a decade, the band's sound is unwavering and their chemistry is evident in their music. 

Did you know? Last time Time and Distance visited the cafe they capped off their set with a punk version of "Country Roads" during which their bassist, Adrian Crowder, put down his bass, picked up a mic, and stage dove. It was awesome.

What's Missing

Photo by Aaron New

Origins: In the fall of 2013, Zane Miller, Matt Herrald, Molly Ranhart and Aaron New began What's Missing as a fresh start. Each of them coming from a different musical project, they wanted to create something new. After a few songs written and a debut show in early 2014 the band slowed down. The course of the year showed the departure of Aaron New and the arrivals of Cody Osborne and Floyd Friend III, former bandmates of Miller's former band, Playground Mentality. Since the new lineup has solidified the band is advancing with more energy and rigor than ever.

The Sound: This Morgantown five-piece writes music that's rough around the edges in all the best ways. Swift, distorted chords are contrasted by the bright, dancing leads, and Miller's vocals walk the fine line between edgy and composed. Their single, "Monochrome," retains all of the beloved elements of pop punk and introduces bits of grunge and 90s emo music.

Did you know? According to Miller, "We are a family of scrounges. I'm Average Scrounge, Cody is Tall Scrounge, Matt is Large Scrounge, Molly is Female Scrounge, and Floyd is Small Scrounge."





Red Pen Police

Photo courtesy of Red Pen Police's Facebook

Text for Red Pen Police courtesy of Louis Falbo

Origins: Four years ago, Cody Barcroft and Louis Falbo met at the WVU School of Music- Louis as a composition major, and Cody as a jazz performance major. Over their freshman year, the two bonded musically and personally, and during their sophomore year, they met drummer David Haley. There was an instant click, and all involved said, "Let's do something with this", and the Red Pen Police was formed.

The Sound: The Red Pen Police is three composers from intertwined, yet totally different musical backgrounds, pursuing truth in music. This truth is that genre is a dead, meaningless convention,that music is something that exists totally in the air and in the moment and that this is what makes it a special experience, and that what sounds good is totally objective, and that the truth of good music can only be tainted by the human bias. In short, we do whatever the hell we want musically, and we do it live and totally improvised.

Did you know? Cody Barcroft is an active jazz composer and solo artist with an upcoming EP, while Louis is an active classical composer, and David Haley is an active classical percussionist, and Rinky Dink is the band's special member.

Grayson Prince

Photo courtesy of Underdog Promotions

Origins: Grayson Prince began as a supergroup including Grayson Prince, Aziz Ansari and Andy Samberg, but due to misunderstandings and legal restrictions, it has since become the moniker for Grayson Prince. He began writing songs in 2011 as a means of venting stress and emotions. Tomorrow to Forever was the name he adopted for his music, but it later developed into a full band. Prince is appearing by himself, however, for this Thursday's show.

The Sound: There is a tangible amount of emotion woven throughout all of Prince's songs. Inspired by acoustic acts such as Never Shout Never and Secondhand Serenade, Prince follows suit with a heart-on-the-sleeve approach to songwriting. His music often proceeds at a waltzing pace, and is packed with crooning melodies as he sings about life, love and the coalescence between the two.

Did you know? Prince and his band once showed up to a two-day battle of the bands fest where every other band was metal. His band only brought acoustic guitars, a set of bongos and a "who cares, let's rock" attitude. They didn't even use the stage. They set up on the grass in front and churned through an unplugged set in front of a bunch of intoxicated metal heads. Now that is metal.

The Rundown! - Rosedale, Instead of Sleeping, Time and Distance & more (2/12)

If you don't have a song stuck in your head right now, you will after this Thursday. Coming to the cafe are five hook-laden rock bands loaded with jams to infest your brain for the next two to three weeks. 

Rosedale is currently on tour from Canada. Local support will be coming from Pittsburgh indie rockers Instead of Sleeping, and three Charleston outfits: Time and Distance, No Pretty Pictures and Letters.

Doors @ 6 - Show @ 7 - $5 Admission

RSVP on Facebook for more info.
                                                                                                                                                                                  

Rosedale

Origins: From Ontario, Canada, Rosedale started as a group of friends playing pop punk in middle school. As time progressed and people moved on, Mike Liorti adopted Rosedale as a moniker for his solo project. He has been on numerous tours, including an opening spot for New Found Glory and performances on Warped Tour. He is now working on releasing his sophomore album.

The sound: He calls his music "aggressive pop," which is a broad term for the amalgamation of influences he has projected into his music. Collecting inspiration from a variety of late 90s and early 2000s alternative acts, Rosedale's music contains all the affection of pop and adds a layer of musicianship reminiscent of Angels & Airwaves. 

Did you know? While interning at Drive Studios in Woodbrige, Ontario, Mike Liorti has had his hands on projects from Protest the Hero, Rust Belt Lights, Dead and Divine and more. On The Flatliners' newest record, Dead Language, Liorti played keys. Also, he is the singing voice of Atticus from the Disney movie Radio Rebel.

Instead of Sleeping

Origins: Instead of Sleeping are our northern neighbors, coming from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Since 2008, the band has been refining their pop-inflected brand of earnest indie rock. Their story began jamming in a hookah bar, but throughout the course of their existence they have released four albums and shared the stage with the likes of fun., The Dear Hunter and Good Old War.

The sound: Instead of Sleeping's dedication to creating earnest and passionate indie rock produces consistently alluring tunes. Their songs are fun to listen to, but they aren't inauthentic. Every song has a mesmerizing groove about it. It's like chewing a candy that won't rot your teeth. You get all of the advantages of hearing an upbeat indie rock band while simultaneously listening to a vulnerable and talented group of musicians.

Did you know? Guitarist/keyboardist Woody Wright has a few interesting tidbits of information about himself. His heritage is part Italian, part German...Shepherd. He attributes his excellent skin tone and complexion to bathing in marinara sauce on a daily basis. Lastly, if it were up to him, Woody would wear full denim suits every day of the week!


Time and Distance

Origins: Greg McGowan began Time and Distance when he started writing songs on his acoustic guitar in high school. Fast forward a few steps and a bass guitar and drums join the picture. A few steps more and the acoustic music was fully replaced by electric guitars and aggressive, fast paced pop rock. Since their inception, the band has toured relentlessly and put out two EPs and two full lengths.

The sound: They play pop rock reminiscent of bands such as Punchline and June (the band, not the month). Catchy rhythms, witty lyrics and fun vibes will have you dancing and feeling a little more carefree than you were prior to listening. Having been around for over a decade, the band's sound and identity is unwavering and their chemistry is evident in their music. 

Did you know? Last time Time and Distance visited the cafe they capped off their set with a punk version of "Country Roads" during which their bassist, Adrian Crowder, put down his bass, picked up a mic, and stage dove. It was awesome.

No Pretty Pictures

Origins: John Poole and David Plumley created No Pretty Pictures in 2011. From that time they have had multiple lineup changes and are now working as a sextet. From the beginning, No Pretty Pictures have been working towards a modern and progressive sound. They have three releases under their belt, the most recent being their Bodies EP.

The sound: Their music shifts from somber and brooding to swift and energetic at a moment's notice. "Progressive rock" is a term that comes to mind, but try and rattle off prog rock bands that boast Brand New-esque songwriting with an ever-present trombone. Their experimental approach to rock produces a dark, gripping vibe.

Did you know?  David Plumley has played every instrument but drums since the band was formed, and John Poole has played every instrument but trombone since the band was formed. Talk about versatility.

Letters

Origins: In early 2012 Rob Coleman and Cole Fleming began writing acoustic music. After releasing one EP they felt the urge to expand their sound. A year and a few lineup changes later and Letters added Alex Keenan and Jacob Peyton on bass and drums respectively. Since then, they have released two singles and their first full length, En Route/In Transit is due out March 23rd.

The Sound: Inspired by energetic pop punk acts like Fall Out Boy and The Wonder Years, Letters create upbeat, melody-driven rock. In their own words, they are, "a rock band designed to bring the thunder and keep the surfs up." They accomplish that with music that is polished, but maintains a hard hitting edge to it.

Did you know? Initially, Alex and Jacob had no real desire to be a part of Letters. Being best friends with Rob and Cole, when the band needed some filler musicians for a show they stepped up. The show ended up getting canceled, but they were added on Facebook as members, and everyone knows there's no turning back from that.

All photos courtesy of respective bands' Facebook pages.