Thu
Aug
23
The Memorials (feat. Thomas Pridgen-formerly of The Mars Volta)
Hierosonic, Phantasm, Mission Bells

The Memorials were spearheaded by Bay Area drumming prodigy, Thomas Pridgen, in December of 2009. After a few years performing with The Mars Volta, Thomas turned his attention to forming his own group, incorporating a range of styles as diverse as the experiences of the bands members. Instead of becoming another rock bands’ heartbeat, the focus was to collaborate with proficient musicians whom Thomas felt would fill a void he has heard in rock music throughout his life. Thomas reached out to friends and former students of the esteemed Berklee College of Music, Viveca Hawkins (vocals), and Nick Brewer (guitars), to join him in his newest endeavor. Recording with his friend’s yielded a family vibe that enabled a comfortable yet intense recording process. The groups’ assets were rounded out with the addition of a bass, organ, synthesizers, and multiple percussive elements. Thomas describes The Memorials’ first record as:
“For me it was important to put a band together with my friends, and ya know, the record is a rollercoaster. Some songs are hard, but will make you cry by the end....”
The aura of the recording sessions, and Thomas’ vision for the group, are reflected in the views of the bands members. Viveca Hawkins glows when speaking of the project:
“We have totally made this project out of love…This album is made of the best of us, we put our hearts and souls into this.”
The passion and intensity of the recording sessions is audible on The Memorials debut effort, as they combine a vast array of sounds atop Thomas and Nick’s compositions. Nick’s sprawling guitars and Thomas’ thick drums serve as the core of the sound, while Viveca’s voice brings it together perfectly. The end music is intelligent and calculated, exhibiting certain pop sensibilities within the scope of songs that rock out. The compositions highlight each musician’s incredible talent, while creating textured tracks that feel like vignettes of a band finding their stride.
All your leaders fail to lead you when your lovers fail to love" -- says Hierosonic on their latest album, with no shortage of thought-provoking messages, dirty bass lines, and pop hooks. Originally conceived in 2002 out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the band's steady career has spanned more than 9 years and several hundred performances, solidifying the band as a staple within the realm of underground rock music.
With onstage exploits such as recording and sampling their own music live, and using power tools for instruments, Phantasm has literally drilled themselves into the live rock scene in the US. They have over 800 shows under their belts and are not slowing down.
The Philadelphia-based trio’s explosive stage show has been gaining praise from critics and musicians. Living Colour’s bass player, Doug Wimbish caught Phantasm’s set at a dive bar in Connecticut and was blown away.
“You are one of the best bands I’ve seen in a long time.” Wimbish told drummer, Jay Yachetta.
Less than one month later, Phantasm was on tour opening for Living Colour.
You may also have seen Phantasm’s name pop up on marquis underneath
notable acts such as:
Andrew W.K.
Mos Def
Closure In Moscow
The Memorials (feat. Thomas Pridgen)
As Tall As Lions
Terrible Things (feat. Fred Macherino)
Just Like Vinyl (feat. Thomas Erak)
Michael Angelo Batio
Doug Wimbish
Halestorm
The Locust
The Sleeping
The band brought their momentum from the road to the studio to record their fourth album Impossible Machines.
“We have released albums before, but not like this.” says drummer Jay Yachetta. “The album has only been out for a week and people are already singing some of the songs back when we play.”
The fan favorite so far is “Sho Nuff” (The bands homage to 1985′s Kung Fu flick The Last Dragon). A call and response song where singer, Steven Rosplock shouts “Am I the baddest?” the gang vocal shouts back “Sho Nuff!”
“While writing this record we really took a step back and tried to hear the song from the audience’s perspective. We wanted to make songs that people really love, not just impress them with our playing, or our lust for smashing things on stage.” explains Rosplock. “These songs are for everyone, not just me.”
Now it is time for Phantasm to dust off the power drill and hit the road to promote their new album. Impossible Machines is available now on iTunes and at live shows.
Mission Bells
Mission Bells is a San Francisco based whose debut album, "the CarbonCircus," will be released in the summer of 2012. Mission Bells was started in 2011 by producer/songwriter Micah Almeida. He employed the help of Thomas Pridgen (the Memorials, the Mars Volta) and longtime friend Cameron Hunt in producing the album. A Berkeley graduate, Micah produced albums and songs for the Coup, Myka 9 (Mykology 2011), Scientist and many Bay Area artists. The CarbonCircus is a synthesis of a myriad of influences but maintains consistency with its style and execution, recorded in San Francisco recording studio Plenty of Light and Air.
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The Memorials (feat. Thomas Pridgen-formerly of The Mars Volta) with Hierosonic, Phantasm, Mission Bells
Thursday, August 23 · 9:00PM at The Blockley