Alabaster

Local artist Alabaster has a show this Saturday at El Corazon to celebrate the release of their EP "Unraveled," and today they stopped by the studio!! They played an amazing song called "All Around Us," - it was a true unplugged session, complete with bass guitar, a drum box, and some insane harmonies. Check out the interview below to learn more about their EP and the show on Saturday (which, by the way, you should be at!).

Read more: http://www.kissfmseattle.com/pages/WhatsNewWhatsNext.html?article=9478447#ixzz1hP9hOav9 - Kiss FM Seattle

Feel like you’re on a constant search for an aggressive, female fronted band, but all you find are gimmicks? I do. Then I heard Alabaster. They absolutely need to be next on your listening list. Hailing from Chicago, the band made the big move to Seattle and have been reaping the rewards, gracing the stages of half of the US as well as Warped Tour and Seattle’s own Bumbershoot.

Unraveled is the new release from Alabaster. “Down”, the album intro, is the perfect opener with heavy drums and guitar forms, haunting vocal harmonies, an impressive melody, and a story that strongly shows the heart of the band. My favorite song has got to be “Recovery”; starting rather soft and building to an aggressive and stable stance. It once again shows heart and purpose walking hand-in-hand with great musical ideas. This album is the perfect example of a band who has been working to find their voice, and created it; eminent with progressions, riffs, melodies and lyrics that work together as a cohesive element to each other.
www.facebook.com/alabastermusic
Review by Kelly McDonald - Substream Music Press

Seems to be a video kind of week for Seattle rock bands that I’ve written about and liked. Tuesday was the release of Out Like Pluto’s video, and now, here we have Alabaster’s new video for “Overcome”, the footage for which was shot on the same day as my book release party. I mention that because after a long day in front of the camera, they still came out to the Feedback Lounge way over in West Seattle to help me celebrate. They’re good people, and their music is too.
For the past few years, I’d gotten away from music like this. I was all about Beethoven and Pink Floyd and Traffic, not about finding something new. I was going back to the stuff I grew up with. I even started to think about playing in a cover band all the way up in Everett that wanted to rehash all the psychedelic rock of the 60's and 70's. But then I finished my book, and in the void of available time that followed, I jumped back full force into writing for Seattle Subsonic. And I went out to see shows and shows and shows … and shows. That’s the great thing about this writing gig. I see a lot of stuff.
And going out so often, one cannot help but find all the undiscovered musical gems in this city. Bands, Singer/Songwriters, Solo artists. And all kinds of music too. There’s a lot of folk, alt-country stuff in this rock and roll city, and much of it is very good. There’s a movement afoot creating bands with no bass player which I like because it’s unexpected, forces the musicians to be more creative. Some succeed in this. Some don’t. And there are just plain old good rock and roll bands. Case in point, Alabaster.
I first saw Alabaster in March at the Kingcat Theater at the perfect time. Music will do that. It will make a moment, an evening, a time of life. It will work its way into the heart and tug strings. It will give one strength even as it makes one cry. So I happened to see Alabaster at the right moment for me. There was the repeated phrase, “I can’t feel anything anymore,” and dream girls, those remembered and those of the moment, and I was hooked. And these days, I’m not in that place anymore, not sleeping drunk in the back of my car singing that phrase, and their music helped some with that.
They don’t attempt to be too cool or hip or work in the genre of the moment. They just write good rock music. Case in point, “Overcome” from their upcoming CD, Unraveled.

Overcome. It’s an appropriate word since I’m in a new place, but being etched into permanent memory, that first evening remains, the dream girl remains, and I still sing the other to myself sometimes, “I can’t feel anything anymore.”
Dave
“Unraveled” CD RELEASE PARTY! ( ALL AGES ) at El Corazon Saturday, December 10th
Me Talk Pretty-12:00am
Madina Lake-11:15pm
Hell Or Highwater (feat. Members of Atreyu)-10:30pm
New Years Day-9:45pm
Avion Roe-9:00pm
Alabaster (CD RELEASE)-8:15pm
Anchor The Tide-7:30pm - Seattle Subsonic

Seems to be a video kind of week for Seattle rock bands that I’ve written about and liked. Tuesday was the release of Out Like Pluto’s video, and now, here we have Alabaster’s new video for “Overcome”, the footage for which was shot on the same day as my book release party. I mention that because after a long day in front of the camera, they still came out to the Feedback Lounge way over in West Seattle to help me celebrate. They’re good people, and their music is too.
For the past few years, I’d gotten away from music like this. I was all about Beethoven and Pink Floyd and Traffic, not about finding something new. I was going back to the stuff I grew up with. I even started to think about playing in a cover band all the way up in Everett that wanted to rehash all the psychedelic rock of the 60's and 70's. But then I finished my book, and in the void of available time that followed, I jumped back full force into writing for Seattle Subsonic. And I went out to see shows and shows and shows … and shows. That’s the great thing about this writing gig. I see a lot of stuff.
And going out so often, one cannot help but find all the undiscovered musical gems in this city. Bands, Singer/Songwriters, Solo artists. And all kinds of music too. There’s a lot of folk, alt-country stuff in this rock and roll city, and much of it is very good. There’s a movement afoot creating bands with no bass player which I like because it’s unexpected, forces the musicians to be more creative. Some succeed in this. Some don’t. And there are just plain old good rock and roll bands. Case in point, Alabaster.
I first saw Alabaster in March at the Kingcat Theater at the perfect time. Music will do that. It will make a moment, an evening, a time of life. It will work its way into the heart and tug strings. It will give one strength even as it makes one cry. So I happened to see Alabaster at the right moment for me. There was the repeated phrase, “I can’t feel anything anymore,” and dream girls, those remembered and those of the moment, and I was hooked. And these days, I’m not in that place anymore, not sleeping drunk in the back of my car singing that phrase, and their music helped some with that.
They don’t attempt to be too cool or hip or work in the genre of the moment. They just write good rock music. Case in point, “Overcome” from their upcoming CD, Unraveled.

Overcome. It’s an appropriate word since I’m in a new place, but being etched into permanent memory, that first evening remains, the dream girl remains, and I still sing the other to myself sometimes, “I can’t feel anything anymore.”
Dave
“Unraveled” CD RELEASE PARTY! ( ALL AGES ) at El Corazon Saturday, December 10th
Me Talk Pretty-12:00am
Madina Lake-11:15pm
Hell Or Highwater (feat. Members of Atreyu)-10:30pm
New Years Day-9:45pm
Avion Roe-9:00pm
Alabaster (CD RELEASE)-8:15pm
Anchor The Tide-7:30pm - Seattle Subsonic

Album Info:


Artist- Alabaster
Album Name- Unraveled
Release Date- December 13 2011
Record Label- Self Released
Management- anchorsaweighmanagement@gmail.com
Rocks Like- Paramore, Flyleaf, Bayside



Rating: 9/10

Female fronted bands are usually compared to Paramore even when the band does not sound like a clone of them. When you listen to Alabaster, they’re not just any other female fronted band; they bring their own style, which makes their sound unique in many different ways.

Alabaster is a band based in Seattle/Chicago who claim that they sound like as if “Rise Against and Paramore got it on with Anberlin.” I don’t disagree with them because once I plugged in my headphones and hit play to listen to their first track “Down,” the song started off with an amazing opening that weaved through the incredibly soft but very powerful vocals of the lead singer. What I liked most about listening through this EP is that they had a variety of song paces, lyrics, but kept with the musical style. The second song is called “More Medicine,” which starts off slow but not to the point where it was a ballad. Just like the first track, the song starts with a well-structured melodic intro and fuses well with the strong female vocals.

The best thing about this album is that even though they have different ranges and paces of songs, they kept with their strong openings and flowed through with the vocals. Another great thing about this album is that when you are listening to it, the way that the songs are ordered makes it feel as though it is from a set list of a concert. The open up with a fast paced song to get you pumped up and they end it with a beautifully written slow acoustic song called “Cigarettes & Love Letters.” This song in particular almost has a very nice lullaby mood to it. The acoustic guitars and violins work very well with the lyrics and vocals of the song which made it a great one to close the EP album with.

Alabaster is set to release their EP album Unraveled on December 13, 2011. If you are a definite fan of female fronted bands with strong amazingly talented musicians, I highly suggest you check them out. You will not be disappointed because the album is very well made and shows the true talents of each of the members of Alabaster.

For More Info About Alabaster, visit their facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/alabastermusic

Review By: Kelsey Amor - Taking Roads Media

Album Info:


Artist- Alabaster
Album Name- Unraveled
Release Date- December 13 2011
Record Label- Self Released
Management- anchorsaweighmanagement@gmail.com
Rocks Like- Paramore, Flyleaf, Bayside



Rating: 9/10

Female fronted bands are usually compared to Paramore even when the band does not sound like a clone of them. When you listen to Alabaster, they’re not just any other female fronted band; they bring their own style, which makes their sound unique in many different ways.

Alabaster is a band based in Seattle/Chicago who claim that they sound like as if “Rise Against and Paramore got it on with Anberlin.” I don’t disagree with them because once I plugged in my headphones and hit play to listen to their first track “Down,” the song started off with an amazing opening that weaved through the incredibly soft but very powerful vocals of the lead singer. What I liked most about listening through this EP is that they had a variety of song paces, lyrics, but kept with the musical style. The second song is called “More Medicine,” which starts off slow but not to the point where it was a ballad. Just like the first track, the song starts with a well-structured melodic intro and fuses well with the strong female vocals.

The best thing about this album is that even though they have different ranges and paces of songs, they kept with their strong openings and flowed through with the vocals. Another great thing about this album is that when you are listening to it, the way that the songs are ordered makes it feel as though it is from a set list of a concert. The open up with a fast paced song to get you pumped up and they end it with a beautifully written slow acoustic song called “Cigarettes & Love Letters.” This song in particular almost has a very nice lullaby mood to it. The acoustic guitars and violins work very well with the lyrics and vocals of the song which made it a great one to close the EP album with.

Alabaster is set to release their EP album Unraveled on December 13, 2011. If you are a definite fan of female fronted bands with strong amazingly talented musicians, I highly suggest you check them out. You will not be disappointed because the album is very well made and shows the true talents of each of the members of Alabaster.

For More Info About Alabaster, visit their facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/alabastermusic

Review By: Kelsey Amor - Taking Roads Media

Since their start, rock band Alabaster has quickly been on the rise. Releasing two albums on iTunes, a single, and now their new album ‘Unraveled’ set to be released on December 10th, 2011, it’s enough to get people talking about the band. With half the members being from Chicago and the other half from Seattle, the “Do It Yourself” band has made quite a name for themselves already. Since their quick start, Alabaster has been apart of the large punk rock festival Warped Tour, and other festivals.

It’s hard to find a strongly fronted female band in the rock industry; it’s a male dominant industry where a girl band really has to stand out in order to be well known. Alabaster does not disappoint in this category; all seven tracks on ‘Unraveled’ are a delightful blend of outlandish female vocals that rival the likes of Hayley Williams of Paramore and Lacey Mosley of Flyleaf. Musically, the entire EP is completely sound: the instruments do not over power the vocals, and vice versa. For a Do It Yourself type of job, Alabaster is doing something completely right.

‘Unraveled’ begins with an explosive start, the title track ‘Down’ taking the listener on a delightful journey of absolute musical bliss. Opening up with explosive guitar riffs and equally explosive drum beats, strong vocals flood in soon afterwards and send the listener for an absolute 180 from what they expect. The journey of the EP deals with drug and alcohol addiction, and slowly trembles to a tremendous rebirth that will have you spinning.

One of the most stand out tracks on ‘Unraveled’ is ‘Cigarettes & Love Letters’, a decievingly acoustic ballad that sends a message that everyone thinks of at least once: “Am I not good enough for you?”. The entire song is sung with harmonies and an acoustic guitar, seeming to be that staple track that all bands use on their EPs. However, towards the very end of the song, an explosive surprise trembles through the speakers and blows the listener away with Alabaster’s tremendous talent.

Recently Static 180 sat down with lead guitarist Kate for an interview on Alabaster’s success, crazy tour stories, and what ‘Unraveled’ is really about.

You list many bands as influences. Are there any in particular that have stood out to you over the years, which would you would note in your songwriting?
Taking back Sunday was always a favorite of ours as a band, and more personally Anberlin, Rise Against, and Bayside.

Alabaster brings together old and new pop punk sounds well, notably in your song Overcome. Is there any specific style each member prefers to bring to the table?
Well Joe and I are punk kids from the start growing up in Chicago digging on bands like pennywise, lag wagon, screeching weasel, then right into liking blink 182, new found glory, yellowcard, and bands of that like. But lately both of us can’t stop listening to the wonder years, so those influences definitely spark our pop punk tendencies within the guitars. Shane’s influences run more on the side of Emarosa, Flyleaf, Sick of Sarah, and In this Moment. Dwayne, on drums, and Marlon on bass, are more fans of bands like Muse, The Used, The Material, Versa Emerge, and Franz Ferdinand. stayC on backing vocals and keys likes more funk and industrial tones in her tunes like Bjork, Siouxsie and the banshees, the Cure, and NIN. So there is quite the variety of music that we all like and are inspired by which makes the writing process elaborate.

The most stand-out track on ‘Unraveled’ is the very last track, Cigarettes & Love Letters. Musically it’s extremely different than the rest of the album, and is for the most part acoustic. Do you feel like it had to be that staple slow song that most artists include on their EPs?
No, not at all, Cigarettes & Love Letters started just like most of our songs, which is on the acoustic guitar. We played around with it a lot varying tempos and such. We even tried playing the song with the drums coming in earlier in the song, but when it came down to it, it just grooved better on acoustic up until the explosive ending. I think this is great, because then it gives that ending the attention it deserves. Plus our producer Joel Casey Jones, (X- Blessed by a Broken Heart) absolutely loved the acoustic aspect of it. But it almost didn’t make it on the EP and we couldn’t be happier that we snuck it on there!

Alabaster has played the famous punk rock festival Warped Tour, as well as various other festivals. Does the reassurance that you’re good enough to play a tour as big as that make you want to reach for a higher goal as a band?
Yes, one day we would like to play arena’s and reach as many people as guns n’ roses did but yeah, without all the hookers and blow… LOL

Playing so many tours have had to leave you with some funny or awkward stories. Living so close to someone for anywhere between a month and two months is bound to create some tension. How do you survive touring? Are there any stories that make you l - Static 180

Since their start, rock band Alabaster has quickly been on the rise. Releasing two albums on iTunes, a single, and now their new album ‘Unraveled’ set to be released on December 10th, 2011, it’s enough to get people talking about the band. With half the members being from Chicago and the other half from Seattle, the “Do It Yourself” band has made quite a name for themselves already. Since their quick start, Alabaster has been apart of the large punk rock festival Warped Tour, and other festivals.

It’s hard to find a strongly fronted female band in the rock industry; it’s a male dominant industry where a girl band really has to stand out in order to be well known. Alabaster does not disappoint in this category; all seven tracks on ‘Unraveled’ are a delightful blend of outlandish female vocals that rival the likes of Hayley Williams of Paramore and Lacey Mosley of Flyleaf. Musically, the entire EP is completely sound: the instruments do not over power the vocals, and vice versa. For a Do It Yourself type of job, Alabaster is doing something completely right.

‘Unraveled’ begins with an explosive start, the title track ‘Down’ taking the listener on a delightful journey of absolute musical bliss. Opening up with explosive guitar riffs and equally explosive drum beats, strong vocals flood in soon afterwards and send the listener for an absolute 180 from what they expect. The journey of the EP deals with drug and alcohol addiction, and slowly trembles to a tremendous rebirth that will have you spinning.

One of the most stand out tracks on ‘Unraveled’ is ‘Cigarettes & Love Letters’, a decievingly acoustic ballad that sends a message that everyone thinks of at least once: “Am I not good enough for you?”. The entire song is sung with harmonies and an acoustic guitar, seeming to be that staple track that all bands use on their EPs. However, towards the very end of the song, an explosive surprise trembles through the speakers and blows the listener away with Alabaster’s tremendous talent.

Recently Static 180 sat down with lead guitarist Kate for an interview on Alabaster’s success, crazy tour stories, and what ‘Unraveled’ is really about.

You list many bands as influences. Are there any in particular that have stood out to you over the years, which would you would note in your songwriting?
Taking back Sunday was always a favorite of ours as a band, and more personally Anberlin, Rise Against, and Bayside.

Alabaster brings together old and new pop punk sounds well, notably in your song Overcome. Is there any specific style each member prefers to bring to the table?
Well Joe and I are punk kids from the start growing up in Chicago digging on bands like pennywise, lag wagon, screeching weasel, then right into liking blink 182, new found glory, yellowcard, and bands of that like. But lately both of us can’t stop listening to the wonder years, so those influences definitely spark our pop punk tendencies within the guitars. Shane’s influences run more on the side of Emarosa, Flyleaf, Sick of Sarah, and In this Moment. Dwayne, on drums, and Marlon on bass, are more fans of bands like Muse, The Used, The Material, Versa Emerge, and Franz Ferdinand. stayC on backing vocals and keys likes more funk and industrial tones in her tunes like Bjork, Siouxsie and the banshees, the Cure, and NIN. So there is quite the variety of music that we all like and are inspired by which makes the writing process elaborate.

The most stand-out track on ‘Unraveled’ is the very last track, Cigarettes & Love Letters. Musically it’s extremely different than the rest of the album, and is for the most part acoustic. Do you feel like it had to be that staple slow song that most artists include on their EPs?
No, not at all, Cigarettes & Love Letters started just like most of our songs, which is on the acoustic guitar. We played around with it a lot varying tempos and such. We even tried playing the song with the drums coming in earlier in the song, but when it came down to it, it just grooved better on acoustic up until the explosive ending. I think this is great, because then it gives that ending the attention it deserves. Plus our producer Joel Casey Jones, (X- Blessed by a Broken Heart) absolutely loved the acoustic aspect of it. But it almost didn’t make it on the EP and we couldn’t be happier that we snuck it on there!

Alabaster has played the famous punk rock festival Warped Tour, as well as various other festivals. Does the reassurance that you’re good enough to play a tour as big as that make you want to reach for a higher goal as a band?
Yes, one day we would like to play arena’s and reach as many people as guns n’ roses did but yeah, without all the hookers and blow… LOL

Playing so many tours have had to leave you with some funny or awkward stories. Living so close to someone for anywhere between a month and two months is bound to create some tension. How do you survive touring? Are there any stories that make you l - Static 180

Go let the band know what you think here - Static 180

Go let the band know what you think here - Static 180

December can’t possibly come soon enough and that eggnog and presents aren’t the only thing I’m talking about here. Anchors Aweigh Management has brought forth the band, Alabaster, in all their glory- December 10th, the band’s first EP, “Unraveled” will be officially released! With these seven original songs, you won’t be disappointed.

Alabaster hails formerly from Chicago and now the six band members reside in Seattle. Their power-pop-punk sound ranges from influences such as Taking Back Sunday, Flyleaf, and Senses Fail. In their own words, they describe Alabaster’s sound as “reminiscent of Rise Against and Paramore got it on with Anberlin, and it's definitely hawt.” To be honest, I have to agree.

Definitely original, you can hear those undertones in their songs such as ‘Overcome’ and ‘Down.’ Their goal is to take it to the streets and this EP is definitely bridging whatever gaps they may see on their path. Currently, the band has posted up one or two of these songs that will be on “Unraveled” so be sure to check out their page- myspace or anywhere else- to give them a listen!

I know a big factor in bands these days is trying to find strong female leads such as seen in Paramore and Flyleaf. Undiscovered but made of quality, Alabaster leads into their lyrics with quite a woman to make plenty of jaws hit the ground. The power behind their music effortlessly matches up and creates strong songs anyone would love.

Every song varies on its own, but they’re definitely all layered thick in talent and passion. Now to be honest, I’ve always been something of a hopeless romantic so Alabaster’s song, “Cigarettes & Love Letters” has to be my favorite of theirs. It’s very different from the rest of the EP but there’s something longingly enfolded in the lyrical melody as the band taps into a softer edge. If that’s not what you’re after at the moment, don’t hesitate to scroll backwards to “Recovery” about a personal revival in life.

Alabaster seems to already have come a long ways in their skill and it’s hard to believe they’re still relatively small. Be sure to jump in while you can, buying their music and even visiting their merch store. This rock punk band will not disappoint with their twisted lines of poetry amidst the hard beat. “Unraveled” promises to bring Alabaster’s best and I can’t wait to see how far they go!

http://www.purevolume.com/alabaster
http://www.facebook.com/AnchorsAweighManagementPage#!/alabastermusic - Melodic Soundwaves

December can’t possibly come soon enough and that eggnog and presents aren’t the only thing I’m talking about here. Anchors Aweigh Management has brought forth the band, Alabaster, in all their glory- December 10th, the band’s first EP, “Unraveled” will be officially released! With these seven original songs, you won’t be disappointed.

Alabaster hails formerly from Chicago and now the six band members reside in Seattle. Their power-pop-punk sound ranges from influences such as Taking Back Sunday, Flyleaf, and Senses Fail. In their own words, they describe Alabaster’s sound as “reminiscent of Rise Against and Paramore got it on with Anberlin, and it's definitely hawt.” To be honest, I have to agree.

Definitely original, you can hear those undertones in their songs such as ‘Overcome’ and ‘Down.’ Their goal is to take it to the streets and this EP is definitely bridging whatever gaps they may see on their path. Currently, the band has posted up one or two of these songs that will be on “Unraveled” so be sure to check out their page- myspace or anywhere else- to give them a listen!

I know a big factor in bands these days is trying to find strong female leads such as seen in Paramore and Flyleaf. Undiscovered but made of quality, Alabaster leads into their lyrics with quite a woman to make plenty of jaws hit the ground. The power behind their music effortlessly matches up and creates strong songs anyone would love.

Every song varies on its own, but they’re definitely all layered thick in talent and passion. Now to be honest, I’ve always been something of a hopeless romantic so Alabaster’s song, “Cigarettes & Love Letters” has to be my favorite of theirs. It’s very different from the rest of the EP but there’s something longingly enfolded in the lyrical melody as the band taps into a softer edge. If that’s not what you’re after at the moment, don’t hesitate to scroll backwards to “Recovery” about a personal revival in life.

Alabaster seems to already have come a long ways in their skill and it’s hard to believe they’re still relatively small. Be sure to jump in while you can, buying their music and even visiting their merch store. This rock punk band will not disappoint with their twisted lines of poetry amidst the hard beat. “Unraveled” promises to bring Alabaster’s best and I can’t wait to see how far they go!

http://www.purevolume.com/alabaster
http://www.facebook.com/AnchorsAweighManagementPage#!/alabastermusic - Melodic Soundwaves

Radio interview with Kiss FM seattle 106.1
www.kissfmseattle.com - Kiss FM Seattle

Radio interview with Kiss FM seattle 106.1
www.kissfmseattle.com - Kiss FM Seattle

Radio interview recorded on 89.9FM - KGRG

What do you get when you bring together a kick ass venue, a lot of friends, instruments, and a worthy cause? A Rock Out ALS show. I've been going to ROALS shows since last year and with each show that Michael Miller, founder of Rock Out ALS, puts on, you can visibly notice his passion and ambition growing and building for a cause that's so very personal to him.




Playing this edition of ROALS were Third Attempt, Man Without Wax, Peace Mercutio, Fall From Grace, and Alabaster. Each band of musicians stood out on their own, with merited the statement in which Miller said he only books headlining acts. Despite the minor technical difficulties that resulted in not having videos between bands, everyone seemed to have a good time and enjoy the music. - Raincityambience.com

Saturday was the kind of night I didn’t want to feel anything. In the afternoon down at Pike Place Market, I’d run into my ex who, as these things go, is the love of my life, the most beautiful woman in the world, and seeing her hold the hand of another man was, to way understate it, difficult. But I’d agreed to go to a show that night down at the Kingcat Theater, and while taking notes as a band played was one of the last things I wanted to do, I still went. I’d given my word, and for someone who writes as much as I do, that’s about all I have.
A band called Alabaster was second on a three band bill, and their guitar player, Joe Bosslet, had put me on the list so I went and got there in the middle of the opening band’s set. They were called Can’t Complain, but really, I could. The only word that came to mind was ordinary. I made my way to the 21+ section thus and had few beers while they played, taking no notes, not feeling anything, clapping when they finished as Alabaster started to set up and check sounds. There were drum hits, guitar chords on both sides (two guitar players), bass thumps, and of course the vocals. “Check … check … check …” lead singer Shaina Rae said into her microphone. Guitarist Kate Alabaster spoke next, “Check … check … ch…son of a bitch! This thing shocked me again, man. You’re gonna have to fix that.” The sound man came down and twiddled a few cables while I got another beer and the show started.
Drums and bass came in, then guitars left and right, and then a full stop as the vocals soared. I couldn’t catch the line but it was a great way to start, a great way to deliver the first bit of melody. There was no hello, no how are you, no welcome, or thanks for coming. There was just the music and that one line. They cut straight to it. I liked that. They went through a few songs, all an upbeat kind of pop punk that live leans less toward the pop element. They didn’t introduce songs either, they just played. There was no banter, just music for them, beers for me. And they moved, they jumped, they screamed. It drew one in. Kate was shocked again. “Son of a bitch!”
Six songs into the set, there came quite a cool bass and drum groove. Such things always catch my attention since I play a little bass myself. I watched the bass player, leaned in, sipped my beer and said to myself, “That’s cool.” And then Rae came in with the vocals, “Beauty rests underneath my chin tonight…” I sipped again. “I wish…” The guitars came in noodling at first, then small chords, then big into the chorus.
“… and I’m dying to know what love feels like
to find infinity in the heart of another…
death is upon us love, I don’t have much time.”
No, we never do have much of that thing called time, for love or for anything else. Time is of course the one thing that we constantly have less of until it one day runs out. There was another verse, another chorus, a break down.
“I can’t see my breath in here.
I can’t feel my heart beating…”
Rae’s voice was earnest, a plea, the most heartfelt I’d ever heard.
“I can’t feel my chest rising.
I can’t feel anything anymore…”
The music built. The line repeated.
I can’t feel anything anymore…”
There was crescendo, fall off, dinishment. But still the line repeated as Rae bent over totally lost in the music, sprawling on the stage, crawling into the words.
“I can’t feel anything anymore…
I can’t feel anything anymore…
I can’t feel anything anymore…”
It faded.
Wow.
There was applause, but I wanted the show to end right there. I didn’t want anything to follow that. It was too good.
The show went on though since it was only the sixth song, and what followed did not disappoint. The next one in fact (“Hollow”) did much to lift the mood. It was reminiscent of U2's “40? and Jane’s Addiction’s “Up the Beach” in the feel of its main verse riff, and I liked it doubly so for it. In fact, as they played into the second verse of the song, I kept wanting to shout, “I will sing, sing a new song … I will sing…” And that’s a compliment. They captured the feel, unintentionally to be sure, but it was still there, and it was all their own.
After the show, I spent a fair amount of time talking to the band. We closed the place down in fact, and when stepping out into the wee hours of the night I was reminded of that line as I walked to my car. I felt all the beers inside me and sang to myself, “I can’t feel anything anymore.” An image of the ex came to mind and with it a sadness. I looked down the street and saw that I’d parked not too far from the Dream Girls strip club. I considered it for a moment. Six months ago, I would have made a bee line for that place while lost in a moment thinking about the ex, but nothing moves the soul like music, like the repeated line. There is nothing that gives more power than the musical phrase that builds, repeats, pulls in, and then withdraws into the body of a singer flailing about the stage plaintively calling to someone…
“I can’t feel anything a - Seattle Subsonic

OK, so I go from suggesting a CD you need to buy now to one that will be available in the near future. I’ve seen Alabaster a few times in recent months and they get better with each show, a little heavier each time, and heavy is good. I like heavy. Sometimes I need it in the face of all the acoustic music happening in Seattle right now. And well, I like a band whose guitar player wants to meet at 10:00 on Sunday morning to talk of band names and addictions and soon to be published novels after trading books and CDs and poems that touch on similar themes.
“i feel like I’m drinking myself to death
drowning in mistakes that taste of feathers smashed w/ tar…”
“The beer bottles
fill the counter
the floor
the table
the night stand
the soul
so that only
the emptiness
remains…”
Sunday morning with coffee rather than beer was a little more upbeat though, as is the song in this teaser video from the Alabaster sessions at London Bridge Studios. CD hopefully to follow soon. The song is “Overcome”. - Seattle Subsonic

Alabaster is a band that has an opportunity to stand out in Seattle music. Although they have been around the scene for many years and for whatever reason, never quite grabbed the attention of musicians and fans, they have stayed strong and determined to make something of themselves in regards to their music. With the release of "Overcome", the single off their new album, and extensive networking in Seattle, Alabaster is finally getting the attention they deserve. Their sound is very distinct and enables them to fit comfortably on a variety of bills, so don't be surprised if you start seeing more of them. If you like Flyleaf's sound, you'll enjoy these guys (and girls). - Raincityambience.com

Please visit OurStage.com to view our interview that followed our performance at Bumbershoot 2007. - OurStage.com

Keep Me Close, Keep Me Damaged
Alabaster
Double Dos Recordings
Kimpunkrock - Disheveled

Local female powered band Alabaster has released its first EP called Keep me Close, Keep me Damaged. This rock band originally from Chicago, relocated to Seattle and has taken the local scene by storm. Shane Killian's lead vocals are hauntingly beautiful. Sincerely giving you the feeling that she wants to be kept close and kept damaged, she is perfectly backed up by four rock driven musicians. Sometimes soft, sometimes hard, but always emotional, this band has potential. One of my favorite parts of this CD is the backing screams by lead guitarist Kate Orlowski. - Disheveled Magazine

ALABASTER is an intriguing mysterious band on an intriguing mysterious label. Its slightly dark Indie Melodic Hardcore. If you have no idea what that is, you should just listen. Whatever it is, it pays tribute to its hardcore influences in ways that we can all appreciate. But its too short. We want more. - The Fevered Brain of Radio Mike

So you think that chicks can't rock? Guess again! This five piece ensemble of goodness consists of two guys and three chicks. Alabaster has killer stage presence, from the lead guitarist who performs as if she was a tattooed beat messiah to the lead singer who brings her feral charisma to the stage. They take command of the show with a sultry in your face rock that kicks you right in junk. I can't remember the last time I was mesmerized by the chemistry between a lead singer and guitarist, this was just another example of the quality of music that is still pumping out of the NW. If you haven't seen this band, drop everything you doing right now and check them out. This is another quality band, since the defunked Orphan Project, that is under the Double Dos Records Label. - Bad Gene Pool

Seattle Band Determined to Make It On Their Own Terms


Alabaster is a Seattle based band that is determined to make it on their own stylistic terms. Lead singer Shane Killian’s vocals bring to mind Amy Lee of Evanescence but the bands musical style is a more of a mix of Veruca Salt and Linkin Park rather than the modern rock pop of Lee's band.

Lyrically Alabaster isn't afraid to expose old wounds and those raw nerves provide a perfect platform for Joe Bosslet and Kate Orlowski’s dueling guitar attack. They are currently in the midst of a West Coast tour that has kept them on the road for the month of March. You can catch them tonight at On The Y in Sacramento, Tuesday night at The Fat Cat in Modesto, and Wednesday at The VooDoo Lounge in San Jose, California. The next few months will continue to be busy ones for the band so sign up for the tour schedule to stay on top of when they are appearing in your city. - epiTunes.com