Music
Press
Lacerda - Epic Pop
Record Label: Unsigned
Release Date: June 1, 2010
One thing that has been obnoxiously obvious in today's music scene is the fact that no matter what genre one turns to, redundancy is evident. Repetitiveness is one thing that is constantly growing more and more unavoidable, and with the vast amount of up and coming unsigned acts out there, this is expected. Canadian power-pop quintet Lacerda, is one band that shows a little initiative, and breaks away from said redundant tactics. Yes, they are still not breaking any new ground, which is an incredibly difficult task to complete, but they do provide a fresh, delightful blend of poppy choruses and pop-punk riffs.
I'll be honest, going into listening to Lacerda's sophomore EP titled Epic Pop, I really was expecting some sugary sweet cookie cutter pop rock band that make the teeny-boppers of the country salivate, and from the first few seconds of the opening title track, I was worried that my expectations were hopelessly correct. Luckily, I stay tuned for 5 seconds longer as the opening riff kicks in, revealing an edginess that remains unheard of in the poppy rocky, summer-lovin'-having-a-blast sound that seems to be repeated over and over. No. These guys are the epitome of the less-used, ballsier term, power-pop.
As the 7 song EP goes on, Lacerda keeps the upbeat, dancy tempo, revealing multiple infectious choruses. The catchiest of which is found in "Hit the Reset", as lead vocalist Milenko and back-up vocalist/guitarist James Watkins partake in a back and forth vocal war, belting "Jump start my heart and hit the reset/I'm beating at my chest and it's not working out/If I start breathing again, these days and nights we'll defend". If those words don't get cemented into your head for days, I don't know what will. The next two songs after "Hit The Reset" could be marked off as slower and forgettable, but Lacerda picks it right back up with the upbeat, fun "Don't Flatter Yourself" and the more pop-punk oriented closer "Oh My Dear".
Lacerda has had the benefit of having friendly ties with Go Radio vocalist/guitarist Jason Lancaster, as the ex-Mayday Parade singer's pre-production mark can be openly heard on Epic Pop. Add producer John Naclerio (Brand New, Senses Fail, My Chemical Romance) to the melting pot of talent and the world has itself a quality release from an up and coming group of talented Canucks.
- Absolutepunk.net
With a sound that cribs from the hook-laden pop of Panic At The Disco and Hellogoodbye alongside lyrics that reference gonzo journalism godfather Hunter S. Thompson and novelist Bret Easton Ellis, Lacerda make unabashedly poppy music that makes it okay for smart kids to dance. "That's just the natural reaction pop music brought out in me," says vocalist Milenko Vujosevic. "Now it's just a question of us continuing to make the best songs we can out of those influence." Currently locked in the studio putting the finishing touches on a yet-to-be-named EP, the band are looking to bring the full force of their electro-tinged pop-punk to the world later this year.
-Alternative Press Magazine - Alternative Press
Lacerda is not the typical band you'd find on Warped Tour. They set up their merch tent and sell CDs daily. They are not scheduled to play any dates but are trying to play their hometown Warped Tour date, Toronto. They are a Canadian band doing their best to make it big in America.
When asked what makes a band "big" these days, they responded with never giving up. What makes a band is hard work, but that goes without saying. We discussed the idea that some bands become famous with a very catchy song. Milenko, the lead singer, told me that their moment such as that has not come, which leaves them with arriving first and leaving last at every date.
While talking, they mentioned that Canada's music scene is very hard to succeed in unless you are already famous. Venues are very hard to come by when trying to tour. In America, there are a plethora of venues to choose from. Milenko goes on to say that you have the option in America to play a small, intimate show with a few hundred people or a large show in a much bigger venue.
-944.com - 944.com
Discography
For Love and Hope 6 song EP 2008
"We're The Streets, You're The Books" Single 2009
Epic Pop 7 song EP 2010
"Lay It Down" Single 2011
Photos
Bio
BIOGRAPHY :
It takes a particular group of individuals to make bold moves like embarking on a treacherous summer tour, without even the promise of playing. That’s exactly how Lacerda spent the summer of 2010 on the Vans Warped Tour. Armed with several thousand copies their CD, some iPods and their glowing personalities; they introduced their music to anyone who would listen. Braving blistering heat by day and driving until dawn most nights, Lacerda managed to sell just over 4000 copies of their sophomore offering Epic Pop.
Having faced all the regular adversities of being in a band: changing members, harsh road conditions, empty promises from “industry” reps; Lacerda face the added difficulty of treading on foreign territory.
“Being a Canadian band that tours the States is very difficult” singer Milenko admits “There’s just a lot of extra work that we put in that people don’t necessarily see.”
Between making sure that their U.S. work visas are in order and accounting for all their gear at the border, they manage to find time to fulfill all the normal band duties like writing and recording new material.
With plans to head into the studio this winter Lacerda intends on showcasing a different side.
“We’ve always listened to a lot of different types of music” says drummer Brad Sharkey “We just kind of stuck to one side of that for a while”
Their new material promises to push the envelope of their current comfort zone revealing a darker and more experimental sound while retaining the same attention to the pop format.
“Everything we do will always be catchy” Sharkey adds “It’ll just gain a little more re-listening value.”
Lacerda has just completed a two week run on the 2011 Vans Warped Tour. They are currently preparing to film a music video for their new single.
Links
