Overlook

"Opening for Civil Twilight, Overlook's performance was amazing as usual...if you're into bands like Radiohead and Muse, I really think you'll dig them" - Wendy, Radio 104.5 Program Director

"Overlook. These guys are one of my favorite bands around. ...I hate to compare, but...a little 'Radiohead-ish', which is always a good thing..." - Jaxon - radio personality

“..Overlook’s self produced debut album, Smoke and Mirrors is not only ambitious, but proficient, well crafted and brave.”

- Phase 9 Entertainment

“…smoke and mirrors is the perfect album for reverb rock fans and maintains the sound of space throughout..providing introspective moods and lush sound structures.” - Revolt Magazine

I like to think of myself as an above average indie rock fan.
I tend to prefer The Pixies to Nirvana, I appreciate Jack White for his side projects just as much as his work with the White Stripes and I listen to Arcade Fire about as much as you’d expect a guy in his late twenties would.
Now, I realize the concept of being an “above-average indie rock fan” is a rather smug (and ridiculous) statement, but let’s be honest with each other here- a certain level of “one-upmanship” is almost required in today’s world of modern alternative and indie rock.
Who doesn’t love to “discover” a new band before the average Joe? I went to high school with this guy who loved Radiohead before it was required listening to get in to college, and he’s never really let me forget that.
So, you can imagine, it can be quite difficult for me to admit when I’ve been musically one-up-ed. But, I have been, and I admit it. So kudos to our performing arts committee -who help book Musikfest- and Patrick -our director of performing arts- you beat me.
(Though I now realize how ridiculous that sounds… you probably didn’t even know we were competing… well, we were, and though I have no idea how to keep score, you definitely win for this one)
Whew… that was tough. But there’s some good news! I’m going to let you in on what I now consider to be one of the best-kept-secrets on this year’s Musikfest lineup…

Overlook is the best indie rock band you’ve probably never heard of.
It took me about 2 minutes and 7 seconds of listening to them on their website to be compelled to purchased their latest album, “Smoke and Mirrors.” To this day, it remains the single greatest iTunes impulse buy I have ever made.
Think of the best musical parts of Radiohead (the more melodic parts… not the weird, crazy stuff). Then, mix in the bravado and intensity of Muse. Sprinkle in a heavy influence of Pink Floyd and, somewhere amidst all of that, you’ll find Overlook.
Don’t take it from me, check out their official webstuff below, and clear your schedule for their gig on Main Street on 8/6 (8:30-10:30). You’ll be glad you did.

- Jon Lungar, ArtsQuest

Overlook
by Brittany Sturges, Temple '08

Approximately twenty years ago, three children attended Overlook Elementary and tee-ball practices. They would part ways, only to be reunited some twenty years later by one thing: their passion for music.

Overlook is a dedicated group that has focused their time on creating music that listeners can connect with. The songs bleed emotion, each pinpointing the specific mood that the band was in when the songs were written. Two noteworthy tracks are “Paths,” (from their 2005 EP) and “Ghostface,” from their 2006 spring sampler.

Camardella described the band’s sound, saying that their songs ranged from, “soft and feathery… while others are downright…gut wrenching.” Roach added, “There’s some ‘ooohhs’ and ‘aaahhhs’ like when you’re watching fireworks…it’s hard to describe our sound because it’s always evolving.”

Overlook has played numerous shows from the Knitting Factory in New York to Philly’s own Trocadero. When asked about the audiences, Roach said, “It doesn’t matter where we play…as long as there are people there to listen…” His band-mate added, “ You treat each one with a different mantra…but you always bring it all, just bending rules here and there.”

On September 9, you can catch overlook playing two shows back to back. First, they’ll play a show at the Troc, then it’s off to Malvern, PA to play a show for the Rock The Cure Benefit for Lymphoma and Leukemia.

The band’s music has been featured on WMMR’s Local Shots, Volume 1, as well as the independent movie soundtrack, Kicking the Dog. In the next year, they hope to have completed and released their full-length CD, as well as a tour.

Regardless of the venue or the audience, one thing is for sure. Overlook is ready to have their voices and their music heard. They refuse to be…well… overlooked.

For more dates and information on the band, you can visit their website at myspace.com/overlook

You can contact Brittany Sturges at Brittany.sturges@temple.edu. - campusphilly.org - 2006

93.3 wmmr's Jaxon gave Overlook props on 5/4/07. "Last night, I saw one of my favorite bands in Philadelphia....Overlook, I'm really digging their new material." - 93.3 WMMR Gives Props

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Overlook / Pawnshop Roses at Grape Street (7/20/06)

Few bands in the area can claim to have mastered the "space rock" sound like Overlook. Overlook is a Philadelphia, PA band with members Billy Roach (vocals, guitar, bass, and keys), Fran Camardella (guitar, keys and samples), Zac Boden (bass and keys) and Timmy Roach (drums). Billy has one of those very distinctive and awesome voices that really takes the songs to another level. As if the music alone was not enough, their live shows often take on an added visual appeal. Their are at times use of extra lighting, a tree prop, smoke machine and the "mission complete" recorded sample. Toss that all together and you get a stellar, out of this world show. - A.V. Rensselaer, Jenny

Smoke and Mirrors is the newest full-length album release from Overlook. I’ve known of Overlook for several years now having seen them play live plenty of times. So, with most new album from bands I enjoy hearing live – I often wonder… how will the band’s live sound translate over into a recorded album? Well, when it comes to Overlook’s Smoke and Mirrors I have to say – job well done.

Smoke and Mirrors is an alternative rock album filled with themes of sad subject matter always coupled with hope and optimism. It’s in that delicate balance that lies some of the album’s true beauty. “Stars” is a very high-energy, guitar driven, “in your face” opening track. “The Life You Know” combines subtleness, glimmers of glockenspiel, intense drumming, and great songwriting… “It’s time to learn from theses bridges we keep burning. Fear controls us all while our heads keep on spinning.” I love how “The Venom” has such an angry, demanding tone to it and questions “when you had enough will you self destruct?” The album wraps up with the title track, “Smoke and Mirrors”, which is an unbelievably beautiful beacon of hope… “some say that help is on the way.” In many ways after listening to Smoke and Mirrors I feel as though it’s a soundtrack to some great sci-fi/action film. The album just has that great feel from start to finish and is definitely worth a listen. - Jenny, One Fan at a Time

If any one out there is planning a trip to outer space, I have the tunes that will help get you there. Overlook’s new release, ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ is a soundscape album that takes the listener to infinity and beyond. Equal parts Radiohead and Muse, this Philly band is pushing the same sonic boundary lines the aforementioned bands have battled. The instrumentation is spectacular throughout, supplemented by Brian Eno-esque sonic experimentation. The album seems to have a jazz influence which is why comparisons to Radiohead are justified. Songs like “Stars” and “The Venom” bring out the band’s rock influence. “The Venom” reminded me of what would happen if Mute Math and Jealousy Curve had a baby with Thom Yorke acting as godfather.

The album sound is tremendous. This band definitely knows how to record songs; as soon as I put on the headphones I was blown away at the quality. The instruments sound amazing, each EQ’d perfectly and placed into mix just like a master hobbyist places the pieces of a thousand piece puzzle. In addition, the layers of parts help to build the atmospheric element the band strove to achieve. Layers of delay and reverb help support the moody environment that helps draw the listener in. Drums are a very important dynamic no matter what style of music is being played. Overlook’s drummer not only lays down solid beats, but the drums themselves sound tremendous. Thick toms, meaty bass drum, and a punching snare to punctuate the whirlwind of sound being created. The album begins to drag a bit after “Dollar Signs”, but given the proper mindset it would be an enjoyable end to a quiet evening or a filling meal.

Overlook created a great album. Well crafted songs, supported by tremendous instrumentation, as well as superb production makes ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ an enjoyable listen. The band has plenty of room to grow and hopefully will provide us with another opportunity to see what they can come up with.

myspace.com/overlook - Phillyrockblog.com