Tag Archives: indie-rock

The Torn Images Reviver | Music News

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Band/Artist: The Torn Images
Location: Fountain Valley, California
Styles: alternative rock, indie rock
Similar to/RIYL: Blur, Pixies, Nirvana, Coldplay, Blur, Muse
CD: Reviver

thetornimagesMembers/Instruments:
Briand Arabaca (*aka The Torn Images) vocal/guitar
*A solo artist supported by indie artists in OC (Orange County, California).
Jonathan O’Brien – bass/guitar/keyboard/percussion (the producer in this project, member of indie rock band Workfriend))
Andy Hernandez – guitar (audio monitor/engineer of LA indie rockers Grouplove; past: work with Young The Giant)
Tyler De Young – drums

Production:
Produced/Mixed/Engineerd by Jonathan O’Brien at The Music Box Studios in Irvine, California for the whole month of August 2014 (1st – 27th). Mastered by Michael Fossenkemper at TurtleTone Studio in Manhattan, New York for the whole month of October (1st – 22nd).

Tracklisting:
1. The Drifting
2. Mantle of Disguise
3. Out of Control (Into The Void)
4. Nearly Lost You
5. Life On A Standstill
6. Aimless Breath
7. Blind Fascination
8. Never Be The Same Again
9. The Elusive Vagabond
10. World of Meaning

Bio:

“Plays rock music that is catchy, moody, and edgy. In an unexpected moment of non-conformity, it gets loud, and proud!”

The Torn Images is an indie/alternative rock duo formed in early May 2012 in Fountain Valley, California. The group consisted of singer/songwriter Briand Arabaca (vocals / guitar) and Jayson Thompson (drums). The band’s influences ranged from alternative rock, British romantic movement (80’s new wave)/ mod revival, and indie folk rock.

The collaboration with OCMA (Orange County Music Awards) 2013 nominated producer Jonathan O’Brien and live sound engineer/ drummer Tyler De Young on Oct. 2012 created a unique sonic vision which is translated into a pure aural bliss.

The Torn Images released their first EP called The Dawning on March 2013. The delivery of such diverse palette of sound inherent on the band, is evidently heard on songs like: “The Sun and The Downfall”,”Path of Resolution”, and “Scent of Summer”.

The Dawning EP received critical praises from music press. A noted music critic/reviewer Alexa Spieler reviewed, ” The Torn Images provide listeners with insight into what the band is made of and the potential the band possesses. Though aspects aren’t entirely perfected, The Torn Images display that they aren’t following restrictions and don’t intend on following one-set path. Rather, the band intends to expand their musical horizons and to explore different materials, while remaining true to their musicality and artistry. An insanely connective, musically unique, and captivating release, The Dawning – EP is a strong, solid foundation for The Torn Images to unleash into the world.” A journalist and freelance writer from Knoxville, TN named Alec Cunningham of BLANK newspaper wrote, “All things considered, The Dawning manages to maintain a retro vibe about it while also sustaining a distinct diversity. They do this by transcending both multiple genres as well as multiple eras with their sound, allowing their fan base to extend through various genres and age groups also.”

On May 2013, drummer Jayson Thompson officially left the band and moved to San Diego for personal reasons. This prompted Briand Arabaca with a strong resolve, to continue that musical vision and aspiration. The Torn Images became his alter-ego.

On June 2013, Briand Arabaca collaborated again with Jonathan O’Brien as the producer, and together with Tyler De Young as the drummer. The first phase of the new recordings commenced at The Music Box Studios (Tustin, California).

On Nov. 14, 2013, the second EP of The Torn Images entitled “Bound for The Morning Sun” was released, and gained more recognition from music fans around the globe with the singles, “Back To You”, and “Come Alive”.

The Torn Images is back to the studio again in August 2014 for a first full length album recording with producer Jonathan O’Brien (who recently won the OC Music Awards 2014 “Best Producer”). The avant-garde drummer Tyler De Young will join in together with multi-instrumentalist Andy Hernandez (currently the monitor engineer of Grouplove).

On Nov. 19 2014, The Torn Images just released a full length album called “Reviver”.

 

 

Beijing | Music Profile

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Bejing night bandAnother music profile from Frost Magazine. Let us know what you think.
Band: Beijing
Location: New Haven, CT USA
Styles: Indie Rock, Alt Rock, Garage Rock
Similar to: Sunny Day Real Estate, Silversun Pickups, Smashing Pumpkins, Jimmy Eat World, The Breeders, Jeff Buckley
CD: Night (May 7, 2013)
Members/Instruments:
Bill Pruchnicki – drums
Eric Thornberg – vocals, guitar
Jack Hoppingarner – bass, vocals
Thom Smith – guitar, synth, vocals
Bio:
Beijing is an American alternative rock band from New Haven, CT. The band is comprised of Eric Thornberg (vocals/guitar), Thom Smith (guitar/synths), Bill Pruchnicki (drums) and Jack Hoopingarner (bass). Their style has elements of a dark, melancholy, alternative rock sound made famous in the 90’s by bands like Sunny Day Real Estate and Smashing Pumpkins, fused with big choruses and spacey guitar reminiscent of modern bands like Jimmy Eat World and Kings of Leon.
The band formed in the Spring of 2011 and released their debut EP, ‘It’s Not So Simple’. The four song EP consisted of simple and unique grunge rock inspired pop songs characterized by Thornberg’s unique vocal style set to a soundtrack of layered fuzz and amplifier feedback. The EP quickly catapulted Beijing to a national level with countless bloggers reporting on the EP and culminating the year by being named the underground band of the year by Beatcrave.com.
After spending most of late 2011 and early 2012 maturing together as a band and writing a massive amount of new material, Beijing headed into the studio to record their full length debut, ‘Night’.  The album was released on May 7th, 2013. Inspired by feelings of love, loss and hope, ‘Night’ showcases the sound that Beijing has become. Dark and spacey melodies collide with huge distorted guitars, provoking emotion and thought inside of a dark and dense, yet beautiful atmosphere.
Beijing is currently supporting ‘Night’ and have begun writing a follow-up album to be released in early 2014.
Production:
Red Oak Recordings
Produced and Engineered by Jack Hoopingarner
Websites:

The Xcerts – Scatterbrain | Music Review

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I’ve never been to Scotland; never felt the need or desire. I watched a documentary called ‘Trainspotting’ when I was a kid and felt I’d seen enough. However, they do produce a disproportionate amount of good music for the 5 or so million population. Not so fresh off the production line are Aberdeen rockers The Xcerts, who, according to their Wikipedia entry at least, formed after meeting in their headmaster’s office at their school. Boys after my own heart.

‘Scatterbrain’ is the band’s 2nd album and one they’ve actually been touring since it’s release in October 2010. If I’m honest I’d ignored the band. I couldn’t stomach the name and, rather incorrectly, assumed they were some sort of electro laptop-band, a genre I loathe. Rather fortunately I’ve just managed to enjoy them before they return to the studio to hibernate.

This is a good record and one that brilliantly occupies the space between twee indie-rock and the sonic noise of alt-rock. Demonstrating their sounds perfectly the track ‘Young’ has two versions on this record, one with their powerpop sound and the other, the album’s closing track, a stripped back acoustic strum-along.

Still only in their early 20’s this record has at times the feel of a band more mature than their years and at others they sound like mid 90’s punk-pop band Midget. At times it’s clever and exciting. Imagine Biffy Clyro back when they didn’t take themselves too seriously. ‘Tear Me Down’ even sounds like it has borrowed a wee bit from Biffy’s ‘Justboy’.

The criticism of the record is that it plunders rather obviously from other bands. It’s a band still finding their feet and developing their sound, which you would be at 23, but it’s an album worth listening to and a band worth taking note of. That they haven’t yet carved their own niche is not necessarily a bad thing. This record shows the band have plenty of potential. Watch this space and buy this record, I can think of few things better to spend £5.99 on right now.

 

Scatterbrain is out now via Xtra Mile. Catch the band on tour in May.