Less Than Treason

"Ah, when to the heart of a man
Was it ever less than a treason,
To go with the drift of things,
To yield with a grace to reason,
And bow and accept the end
Of a love or a season."

-Robert Frost, "Reluctance"-

Less Than Treason is:
Shawn Burnette - Vocals/Guitar
J Armen - Guitar/Vocals
Antonio Guimaraes - Drums
Eli Maniscola - Bass
Caleb Hawley - Guitar

After a year of writing, developing, and defining the balance between a guitar- and piano-driven sound, Less Than Treason premiered in June of 2007, following in the footsteps of Bob Dylan, Billy Joel and Van Morrison, at New York's famed cradle of new music, The Bitter End.
Immediately followed the release of the self produced EP “Drift of Things” a collection of 5 songs that defined the beginnings of the band and several of which are still staples of live performances.
“Drift of Things” was followed by performances along the east coast and drew the attention of producer/engineer (Run DMC, Public Enemy, Everlast, Crash test Dummies) Jamey Staub. The next year was dedicated to the writing, performance and recording of the songs that would make up the release “Art, Art, Art” in November of 2008. Jamey and the boys carefully chose a cross-section of the ever expanding catalogue of these prolific writers. Now signed to Perimeter Records the release marks a new era for the band.
Less Than Treason is a direct reflection of the founding members southern roots and New York city home. The band's sound is an amalgam of their Americana/Roots Rock combination of old and new influences Black Crowes, The Band, Van Morrison, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Counting Crows, Grahm Parons and Ryan Adams.
Lead singer Shawn Burnette when asked about the inspiration for his lyrics replied;
“To me, it is not being a rock star playing stadiums, It’s the tear in the eye of the girl in the front row when I play “Pennies” or listening to how a fan applies a song to his life. I spent a great deal of my life feeling alone and different. I get just as much out of that connection as the listener.”

The band not only brings a unique sound and energy to the stage, but a consciousness and a purpose that fuels them in their efforts. Shawn is a devout Tibetan Buddhist and is keenly disturbed by the suffering of the Tibetan people. The band has rallied behind his cries to bring awareness to their plight and provide aid at any opportunity. Backing this both morally and financially, the band donates 10% of all earnings to the Free Tibet cause.

The culmination of this unbridled creative force comes when the band takes the stage. Live performances are an emotion-filled, sometimes jubilant, other times heart wrenching journey sure to touch every audience member. Genuine emotion is rarely seen at this intensity; this sets Less Than Treason apart from the rest of the pack.