Peace Mercutio

Are You Listening?! Emery, Comes to NYC

May 14, 2013

Emery is one of those bands that has stood the test of time for me. For almost 10 years, I have found myself turning to their music time and again. In their songbook they have everything from absolutely stunning acoustic based songs with triple vocals, to extremely heavy songs that make you want to drive fast. I have seen them play a few times, but I have never been able to photograph them. Frankly, they just don't play enough in my area.

Unfortunately for me, the NYC show they were playing was at the Studio at Webster Hall. The venue is notoriously tough to shoot- no photo pit, 320 people crammed against the stage, dark to almost no lighting, tons of smoke...oof. If it wasn't for the fact that it was Emery, I probably would not have shot this show. But on Wednesday May 8, I was there ready to go.

On the plus side though, I found out that my friends in Lovelectric were one of the opening bands. Hailing from my backyard, they have been blowing up lately. A mixture of just 5 guys making really fun pop- rock music. I have hung out with them a bunch, done more than 1 photo-shoot, but I had only seen the guys play once. So I was pumped about them opening.

For those of you who have never listened to them, you should click here to see their amazing cover of "Don't You Worry Child." It's legit. Seriously.
________________

Lovelectric sounded fantastic. They kept the crowd interested, joking around in between songs. You could see 300 people who had never heard of them before bobbing their heads. After they left the stage it was easy to see that they made several new fans that night.

Next up hailing from California was Lido Beach. Treating the show as a record release party, they played their own brand of pop-rock.

Here is the weird part about writing reviews, wanting to be honest without hurting feelings. But I have to be honest, and honestly, I was not a fan. The music was ok, but something about the singer really rubbed me the wrong way. His stage antics felt forced, and he just seemed really arrogant without having any great music to back it up. At one point he cut off his own bass player while he was trying to thank the crowd. After they played I talked to the crowd around me and they all felt the same way pretty much. Just not a favorite of mine.
_______________________________

Next up was another band I did find myself liking, Peace Mercutio. Hailing from Seattle, this band featured two frontmen/guitar players/singers trading vocals with ease. Their website mentions Anberlin, Jimmy Eat World and Foo Fighters as influences, and this feels pretty spot on. Their energy was high and the crowd responded accordingly.

It started getting really sweaty in NYC.
__________________________________

The Seeking was the final band up before the main event. Obviously super young, but already a fantastic live band. Hailing from California, The Seeking had a lot of fans in the audience, judging by the shirts and hats I saw all around me. They had a fantastic energy that was met by the crowd's enthusiasm. I liked them. Great vocals mixed in with some screams, but it didn't feel forced.
________________________________

It was finally time for Emery to take the stage. As I mentioned earlier, I expected this to be tough to shoot. I was not mistaken. It was super dark, smoky, crowded, small with constant red light. Pretty much impossible conditions for shooting. It bummed me out a little because I have been wanting to shoot this band for years. You work with what you are given, and I did just that.

The band though, they came ready to play a loud, fast show. And that they did. Toby and Josh traded vocals back and forth, and everyone sang along with them. I have to mention too how much of a wild man Josh was on stage. He was in the crowd constantly, swinging from the rafters at other times, singing along face to face with the fans.
_________________________________

Emery played a blistering 12 song set that included Cutthroat Collapse, Chevel Glass, Scissors, The Party Song, Walls, and Studying Politics as an encore. At almost every show the band comments that "this is the best/loudest/wildest show ever", when Emery says it though, you believe them. I cannot imagine them playing a crazier show than they did last week.
_______________________

Being such an intimate room, Emery had interactions with the fans constantly. There was one fan though, who took it a little too far. One guy kept grabbing Toby and Josh all night: by the shirt. By the throat. By the microphone. At one point Toby snaked out of this guys' grasp and audibly said, "Ok, let me do work, ok?" I am 110% sure that most other people would have straight up punched this guy in the face. It got so bad that the crowd started trying to keep him back every time this guy would try to surf to the front.

Over - Deadbolt Photos

Are You Listening?! Emery, Comes to NYC

May 14, 2013

Emery is one of those bands that has stood the test of time for me. For almost 10 years, I have found myself turning to their music time and again. In their songbook they have everything from absolutely stunning acoustic based songs with triple vocals, to extremely heavy songs that make you want to drive fast. I have seen them play a few times, but I have never been able to photograph them. Frankly, they just don't play enough in my area.

Unfortunately for me, the NYC show they were playing was at the Studio at Webster Hall. The venue is notoriously tough to shoot- no photo pit, 320 people crammed against the stage, dark to almost no lighting, tons of smoke...oof. If it wasn't for the fact that it was Emery, I probably would not have shot this show. But on Wednesday May 8, I was there ready to go.

On the plus side though, I found out that my friends in Lovelectric were one of the opening bands. Hailing from my backyard, they have been blowing up lately. A mixture of just 5 guys making really fun pop- rock music. I have hung out with them a bunch, done more than 1 photo-shoot, but I had only seen the guys play once. So I was pumped about them opening.

For those of you who have never listened to them, you should click here to see their amazing cover of "Don't You Worry Child." It's legit. Seriously.
________________

Lovelectric sounded fantastic. They kept the crowd interested, joking around in between songs. You could see 300 people who had never heard of them before bobbing their heads. After they left the stage it was easy to see that they made several new fans that night.

Next up hailing from California was Lido Beach. Treating the show as a record release party, they played their own brand of pop-rock.

Here is the weird part about writing reviews, wanting to be honest without hurting feelings. But I have to be honest, and honestly, I was not a fan. The music was ok, but something about the singer really rubbed me the wrong way. His stage antics felt forced, and he just seemed really arrogant without having any great music to back it up. At one point he cut off his own bass player while he was trying to thank the crowd. After they played I talked to the crowd around me and they all felt the same way pretty much. Just not a favorite of mine.
_______________________________

Next up was another band I did find myself liking, Peace Mercutio. Hailing from Seattle, this band featured two frontmen/guitar players/singers trading vocals with ease. Their website mentions Anberlin, Jimmy Eat World and Foo Fighters as influences, and this feels pretty spot on. Their energy was high and the crowd responded accordingly.

It started getting really sweaty in NYC.
__________________________________

The Seeking was the final band up before the main event. Obviously super young, but already a fantastic live band. Hailing from California, The Seeking had a lot of fans in the audience, judging by the shirts and hats I saw all around me. They had a fantastic energy that was met by the crowd's enthusiasm. I liked them. Great vocals mixed in with some screams, but it didn't feel forced.
________________________________

It was finally time for Emery to take the stage. As I mentioned earlier, I expected this to be tough to shoot. I was not mistaken. It was super dark, smoky, crowded, small with constant red light. Pretty much impossible conditions for shooting. It bummed me out a little because I have been wanting to shoot this band for years. You work with what you are given, and I did just that.

The band though, they came ready to play a loud, fast show. And that they did. Toby and Josh traded vocals back and forth, and everyone sang along with them. I have to mention too how much of a wild man Josh was on stage. He was in the crowd constantly, swinging from the rafters at other times, singing along face to face with the fans.
_________________________________

Emery played a blistering 12 song set that included Cutthroat Collapse, Chevel Glass, Scissors, The Party Song, Walls, and Studying Politics as an encore. At almost every show the band comments that "this is the best/loudest/wildest show ever", when Emery says it though, you believe them. I cannot imagine them playing a crazier show than they did last week.
_______________________

Being such an intimate room, Emery had interactions with the fans constantly. There was one fan though, who took it a little too far. One guy kept grabbing Toby and Josh all night: by the shirt. By the throat. By the microphone. At one point Toby snaked out of this guys' grasp and audibly said, "Ok, let me do work, ok?" I am 110% sure that most other people would have straight up punched this guy in the face. It got so bad that the crowd started trying to keep him back every time this guy would try to surf to the front.

Over - Deadbolt Photos

Emery have announced a spring headlining tour with support from Wolves At The Gate, the Seeking and Peace Mercutio. The band last released 2011's We Do What We Want on Tooth & Nail Records. Check out the tour flyer below. - AltPress.com

Emery have announced a spring headlining tour with support from Wolves At The Gate, the Seeking and Peace Mercutio. The band last released 2011's We Do What We Want on Tooth & Nail Records. Check out the tour flyer below. - AltPress.com

Peace Mercutio will be hitting the road with alt-rock favorites Emery this spring! The tour kicks off April 22 in Illinois and sees additional support from Wolves at the Gate and the Seeking.

For those following Peace Mercutio's Indie Go Go campaign, the pop punkers have added a new tour-focused incentive: "A Memory with Emery." Those who donate will receive free admission to any show on tour (excludes Circleville, OH, and Crofton, MD) a CD digipak and digital download of their upcoming EP, and a signed tour poster.

Check out the dates and details below and catch all four bands when they roll through your city.

April 22: Joliet, Illinois @ Mojoes
April 23: Iowa City, IA @ Blue Moose
April 24: St. Paul, Minnesota @Station 4
April 25: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
April 26: St. Louis, MO @FUBAR
April 27: Circleville, OH @ Hopefest (Emery Only)
April 28: Fort Wayne, IN @ Broadripple
April 29: Knoxville, TN @ NV
May 1: Mobile, AL @ Alabama Music Box
May 2: Augusta, GA @ Sector 7G
May 4: Richmond, VA @ Kingdom
May 5: Springfield, VA @ Empire
May 6: Crofton, MD @ MACC (Emery Only)
May 7: Providence, RI @ Simon’s 677
May 8: New York, NY @ Studio @ Webster Hall
May 9: Rochester, NY @ Dubland
May 10: Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
May 11: Toledo, OH @ Frankies - PureVolume.com

Peace Mercutio will be hitting the road with alt-rock favorites Emery this spring! The tour kicks off April 22 in Illinois and sees additional support from Wolves at the Gate and the Seeking.

For those following Peace Mercutio's Indie Go Go campaign, the pop punkers have added a new tour-focused incentive: "A Memory with Emery." Those who donate will receive free admission to any show on tour (excludes Circleville, OH, and Crofton, MD) a CD digipak and digital download of their upcoming EP, and a signed tour poster.

Check out the dates and details below and catch all four bands when they roll through your city.

April 22: Joliet, Illinois @ Mojoes
April 23: Iowa City, IA @ Blue Moose
April 24: St. Paul, Minnesota @Station 4
April 25: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
April 26: St. Louis, MO @FUBAR
April 27: Circleville, OH @ Hopefest (Emery Only)
April 28: Fort Wayne, IN @ Broadripple
April 29: Knoxville, TN @ NV
May 1: Mobile, AL @ Alabama Music Box
May 2: Augusta, GA @ Sector 7G
May 4: Richmond, VA @ Kingdom
May 5: Springfield, VA @ Empire
May 6: Crofton, MD @ MACC (Emery Only)
May 7: Providence, RI @ Simon’s 677
May 8: New York, NY @ Studio @ Webster Hall
May 9: Rochester, NY @ Dubland
May 10: Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
May 11: Toledo, OH @ Frankies - PureVolume.com

Yesterday, Peace Mercutio brought you the premiere of a track that we're sure caught your attention: "(That's How) Good Charlotte (Got Famous)." One day later, and they've rolled out the track's official music video. How's that for doing things in record time?

Directed by Ahren Lanfor, the video sees the boys rocking out in a dimly lit studio with little to no background elements taking attention away from the work at hand. It's a great way to get a feel for their live sound, so check it out, and don't forget to hit up their indiegogo campaign for details on how you can help them release their next EP! - PureVolume.com

Yesterday, Peace Mercutio brought you the premiere of a track that we're sure caught your attention: "(That's How) Good Charlotte (Got Famous)." One day later, and they've rolled out the track's official music video. How's that for doing things in record time?

Directed by Ahren Lanfor, the video sees the boys rocking out in a dimly lit studio with little to no background elements taking attention away from the work at hand. It's a great way to get a feel for their live sound, so check it out, and don't forget to hit up their indiegogo campaign for details on how you can help them release their next EP! - PureVolume.com

It's not like Peace Mercutio need to name drop to get track plays, but we've got to admit, the title of their newest single certainly demands attention. "(And That's How) Good Charlotte (Got Famous)"—or "Good Charlotte" for short—doesn't actually answer the age-old question for curious pop punk kids, but it does offer up thunderous percussion, volatile guitar riffs, and fiery vocals that bridge the gap between hooky and emotive.

Produced by Brett Baird, the track is set to lead the band's forthcoming three-track EP, which is due out this June. But in order to breathe life into said EP, and allow the band to tour their new music, they're going to need your help. That's where their indiegogo campaign comes in. The rockers have put together a handful of exclusive fundraising packages, ensuring all fans will receive some sweet surprises for their thoughtful contributions.

Spin the single's premiere right here, and if you like what you hear, make sure to read up on their campaign to see how you can help! - PureVolume.com

It's not like Peace Mercutio need to name drop to get track plays, but we've got to admit, the title of their newest single certainly demands attention. "(And That's How) Good Charlotte (Got Famous)"—or "Good Charlotte" for short—doesn't actually answer the age-old question for curious pop punk kids, but it does offer up thunderous percussion, volatile guitar riffs, and fiery vocals that bridge the gap between hooky and emotive.

Produced by Brett Baird, the track is set to lead the band's forthcoming three-track EP, which is due out this June. But in order to breathe life into said EP, and allow the band to tour their new music, they're going to need your help. That's where their indiegogo campaign comes in. The rockers have put together a handful of exclusive fundraising packages, ensuring all fans will receive some sweet surprises for their thoughtful contributions.

Spin the single's premiere right here, and if you like what you hear, make sure to read up on their campaign to see how you can help! - PureVolume.com

Peace Mecutio's new video for "Too Close for Comfort" depicts the ultimate backyard bash, and and its premiere over at AbsolutePunk has come at the perfect time for ringing in your own Friday night fun. Whether your plans include painting the town or just laying low, this video will have you dreaming of summer nights, jamming out with your best friends on someone's lawn [or in someone's basement], and that carefree feeling that only warm nights laced with good music can evoke. Also, please take note of how many fun things they've packed into this video's near four minutes — pinatas, silly string, confetti, pink flamingos, a sweet orange couch — we'd be listing all day, so check it out for yourself and let us know your thoughts. "Too Close for Comfort" comes off the band's debut album, Weather The Storm, which you can grab via iTunes. - Purevolume.com

Peace Mecutio's new video for "Too Close for Comfort" depicts the ultimate backyard bash, and and its premiere over at AbsolutePunk has come at the perfect time for ringing in your own Friday night fun. Whether your plans include painting the town or just laying low, this video will have you dreaming of summer nights, jamming out with your best friends on someone's lawn [or in someone's basement], and that carefree feeling that only warm nights laced with good music can evoke. Also, please take note of how many fun things they've packed into this video's near four minutes — pinatas, silly string, confetti, pink flamingos, a sweet orange couch — we'd be listing all day, so check it out for yourself and let us know your thoughts. "Too Close for Comfort" comes off the band's debut album, Weather The Storm, which you can grab via iTunes. - Purevolume.com

BYS has been quiet for a while, but things are finally getting back on track! Our most recent interview is with Seattle’s Peace Mercutio, an amazing alt rock/power pop quartet playing music in the vein of Tooth & Nail stars like Anberlin and Number One Gun. They released their first full length album in the late summer/early fall of 2011, which received noticable recognition from purevolume.com and absolutepunk.net. We were lucky enough to talk with them about their beginnings, the future of the band, a newly announced 6 month tour, and their scene in Seattle. Turns out they’re pretty funny guys, as well! So without further adue, I give you Beyond Your Scene vs. Peace Mercutio. Enjoy!


BYS: Howdy! How are you guys?

PM: Amazing. Better now that you’re here.

BYS: Awwww, thanks! So, let’s start out with who all is in the band, what each person does, and how you guys got your start. Shoot:

PM: There’s 4 of us in the band. Taylor-tots, Danimals, Andy, and David
a.k.a. pants a.k.a. Solomon a.k.a. Winter Dave. Taylor plays drums,
Dan sings and plays guitar, Andy plays guitar and sings, and Dave
plays bass. Dan saved Andy’s life in a mountain climbing incident.
Taylor was a correspondent at the time for CNN there to cover the
story and Dave was a sherpa guide and helped with the successful
rescue. Somehow this led to Peace Mercutio becoming a band. Now let’s
substitute a mountain rescue for living in Milwaukee, WI in 2010, and
Taylor being a CNN correspondent for moving to Seattle in 2010 and
finding him on craigslist, and that’s exactly how it happened.

BYS: Your album Weather The Storm came out about a year ago. In the last
year, how have your responses been to this?

PM: The fun thing about releasing your first album and being a new band is that even a year later people are still hearing us for the first time
and really enjoying the music. We’ve had a ton of positive reviews on
sites like purevolume and lots of awesome reviews from different music
blogs. Lately Dan has been introducing us to a lot of new fans on
Twitter who all seem to like it. We are pretty sure there is at least
one person who hates it, but we haven’t verified that yet.

BYS: You just recorded a video for the first single off of the album,
“Too Close For Comfort.” How have responses been to that specifically,
and tell us about the making of it!

PM: We were lucky enough to work with the talented folks at Owl House and
they made us look really good. The video premiered on
Absolutepunk.net and people have been pretty excited about it. The
idea for the video was to have a summertime backyard bash where we
would play a packed out show in the sunshine. What actually happened
is it rained all day and we had to build a tent out of a 150x100 ft
tarp and some boards. Fortunately, we have amazing friends who braved
the weather and made the video look awesome.

BYS: K, next, I’ve known about you guys for a little over a year now,
and it seems that recently you’ve gained a new label: a pop punk band.
What do you think about this, and how do you classify your music?

PM: We’ve tried to classify ourselves before. At one point the title was
power pop post pop punk alternative, so pop punk is a little easier to
say. A lot of our favorite bands could be called pop punk. We dig
the title quite honestly.

BYS: So, the reason I named this thing “Beyond Your Scene” is because I
personally believe that there is more to life and especially more to a
music scene than the actual music being played. It’s what you do
inside your scene and what the scene does as a community that actually
matters. How does your scene in Seattle either do this or fail to do
this?

PM: Our scene in Seattle is pretty amazing. We have friends in bands like Alabaster, and the Lookout, who aren’t just friends in bands we play
with, but are actual friends. We all hang out a lot and karaoke
together, or BBQ, or whatever and it’s awesome. We all support each
other bands by going to shows, or sharing videos and events on
facebook. We feel really supported in the scene here and love to
support it because of that. We really couldn’t ask for a better group
of bands in our genre here in Seattle.

BYS: You’ve toured twice in the last year, any big tour plans for the next one?

PM: Glad you asked. This is the first official mention of this, but we
are planning a 6-month tour for next summer/fall. We’ll be going all
over the US including places we never toured like the East Coast and
down South. Stay tuned for more details, but this is going to be
huge.

BYS: Besides that, what else can listeners expect from you in the near future?

PM: We have a secret untitled new song that we’ve only played in live
settings so far. It’s one of our favorites and we will be recording
it soon. Sometimes it’s called ‘And That’s How Good Charlotte got
Famous’ and sometimes it’s called ‘Duplex Jig’. Maybe we will hav - Beyond Your Scene

BYS has been quiet for a while, but things are finally getting back on track! Our most recent interview is with Seattle’s Peace Mercutio, an amazing alt rock/power pop quartet playing music in the vein of Tooth & Nail stars like Anberlin and Number One Gun. They released their first full length album in the late summer/early fall of 2011, which received noticable recognition from purevolume.com and absolutepunk.net. We were lucky enough to talk with them about their beginnings, the future of the band, a newly announced 6 month tour, and their scene in Seattle. Turns out they’re pretty funny guys, as well! So without further adue, I give you Beyond Your Scene vs. Peace Mercutio. Enjoy!


BYS: Howdy! How are you guys?

PM: Amazing. Better now that you’re here.

BYS: Awwww, thanks! So, let’s start out with who all is in the band, what each person does, and how you guys got your start. Shoot:

PM: There’s 4 of us in the band. Taylor-tots, Danimals, Andy, and David
a.k.a. pants a.k.a. Solomon a.k.a. Winter Dave. Taylor plays drums,
Dan sings and plays guitar, Andy plays guitar and sings, and Dave
plays bass. Dan saved Andy’s life in a mountain climbing incident.
Taylor was a correspondent at the time for CNN there to cover the
story and Dave was a sherpa guide and helped with the successful
rescue. Somehow this led to Peace Mercutio becoming a band. Now let’s
substitute a mountain rescue for living in Milwaukee, WI in 2010, and
Taylor being a CNN correspondent for moving to Seattle in 2010 and
finding him on craigslist, and that’s exactly how it happened.

BYS: Your album Weather The Storm came out about a year ago. In the last
year, how have your responses been to this?

PM: The fun thing about releasing your first album and being a new band is that even a year later people are still hearing us for the first time
and really enjoying the music. We’ve had a ton of positive reviews on
sites like purevolume and lots of awesome reviews from different music
blogs. Lately Dan has been introducing us to a lot of new fans on
Twitter who all seem to like it. We are pretty sure there is at least
one person who hates it, but we haven’t verified that yet.

BYS: You just recorded a video for the first single off of the album,
“Too Close For Comfort.” How have responses been to that specifically,
and tell us about the making of it!

PM: We were lucky enough to work with the talented folks at Owl House and
they made us look really good. The video premiered on
Absolutepunk.net and people have been pretty excited about it. The
idea for the video was to have a summertime backyard bash where we
would play a packed out show in the sunshine. What actually happened
is it rained all day and we had to build a tent out of a 150x100 ft
tarp and some boards. Fortunately, we have amazing friends who braved
the weather and made the video look awesome.

BYS: K, next, I’ve known about you guys for a little over a year now,
and it seems that recently you’ve gained a new label: a pop punk band.
What do you think about this, and how do you classify your music?

PM: We’ve tried to classify ourselves before. At one point the title was
power pop post pop punk alternative, so pop punk is a little easier to
say. A lot of our favorite bands could be called pop punk. We dig
the title quite honestly.

BYS: So, the reason I named this thing “Beyond Your Scene” is because I
personally believe that there is more to life and especially more to a
music scene than the actual music being played. It’s what you do
inside your scene and what the scene does as a community that actually
matters. How does your scene in Seattle either do this or fail to do
this?

PM: Our scene in Seattle is pretty amazing. We have friends in bands like Alabaster, and the Lookout, who aren’t just friends in bands we play
with, but are actual friends. We all hang out a lot and karaoke
together, or BBQ, or whatever and it’s awesome. We all support each
other bands by going to shows, or sharing videos and events on
facebook. We feel really supported in the scene here and love to
support it because of that. We really couldn’t ask for a better group
of bands in our genre here in Seattle.

BYS: You’ve toured twice in the last year, any big tour plans for the next one?

PM: Glad you asked. This is the first official mention of this, but we
are planning a 6-month tour for next summer/fall. We’ll be going all
over the US including places we never toured like the East Coast and
down South. Stay tuned for more details, but this is going to be
huge.

BYS: Besides that, what else can listeners expect from you in the near future?

PM: We have a secret untitled new song that we’ve only played in live
settings so far. It’s one of our favorites and we will be recording
it soon. Sometimes it’s called ‘And That’s How Good Charlotte got
Famous’ and sometimes it’s called ‘Duplex Jig’. Maybe we will hav - Beyond Your Scene

Peace Mercutio- Weather The Storm


It seems as if America absolutely loves churning out a plethora of pop punk bands and here is yet another slice of the action. Hailing from Seattle are the fantastic Peace Mercucio with “Weather the Storm” providing an offering jam-packed with twangy guitars, addictive lyrical clarity and classic pop punk anthems throughout.

The album has licks of musical maturity sewn all the way through it as you can tell the band are emphatically passionate about the music they are writing. A worthy talent for any ‘rockstar’ these days, something others perhaps overlook or take for granted? “Sing! Sing!” is just so exciting to listen to; you find yourself singing along almost immediately, finding the title pretty relevant. The constant guitar chugs through the beginning of the track has that air guitar, fist pump element to it, a definite win from any angle. Who doesn’t like chanting ‘sing sing at the top of your lungs’ repeatedly whilst pretending to be the best guitar player in the world!? We can only imagine that watching this live would be undoubtedly awesome.

Overall, this album should not be knocked or categorized as yet another pop punk trial run. It is covered in personality; just what any good band should have bleeding from every pore.

STEPH KNIGHT - Punktastic.com

Artist: Peace Mercutio
Album: Weather The Storm
Label: Unsigned
Rating: 8.5/10
Sounds Like: The Robbery/State & Madison/Blink 182

Peace Mercutio are fighting full force with their new record, Weather The Storm. They bring a rock sound that can fill a stadium. With flying choruses, sweet melodic verses, and rich, deep dual vocals, this band really packs a punch. Their first single, Too Close For Comfort, has already generated some buzz on college radio airwaves, and it certainly deserves that, if not more. The guitar riffs throughout the song are quick, progressive, and punchy. The bass has time to shine in the second verse, which is always much appreciated, the drums hit hard and fast, and the vocals are some of the best on the record. They’re sweet, smooth, and deep, and I love it! The bridge does not detract from the flow of the song, and it builds up the energy to the final chorus.

Peace Mercutio has successfully given us a fun, interesting, and diverse record that is sure to take them to greater heights. I’d love to see further exploration of their creativity in records to come, and trust me, there are definitely records to come!

Written By: Andrew Wynykoski - Neck Deep Media

Peace Mercutio

Weather The Storm

Written by: PP on 08/03/2012 14:02:35

Peace Mercutio is an alternative / punk rock hybrid located in Seattle, whose debut album "Weather The Storm" has been spinning in my music library for a couple of months now waiting for a review. Not because I haven't had time to write about it, but because it's sad to see such a good record move along from my review queue to a place where I cannot afford as many listens to it anymore. They specialize in the emotional end of alternative rock, much like Anberlin, Bayside, and These Green Eyes who take their cues from the darker melodies of Alkaline Trio, but slow them down to alternative rock speeds and song structures to stand out.



It's no coincidence I mentioned Bayside and These Green Eyes, because Peace Mercutio's vocalist and their emotionally charged up-then-down melodies draw heavily from these two bands, whether unintentionally or not. "So Desperate", for instance, could've been a song on Bayside's excellent "The Walking Wounded", and it's far from the only song where that is the case ("Chicago" is another close call). Fans of bands like Punchline should also appreciate some of the faster songs on the record, given the excellent emo croon of their vocalist, which has just the right amount of angst in it to sound convincing.



But more importantly, much like Bayside, Peace Mercutio know how to write good songs. Nearly all songs on the record are what I would consider 'hit' material, or the sort of stuff you'd root for being played live whenever the band comes to town. That's great news for a band who are only on their debut album with "Weather The Storm". Expect this band to grow exponentially in the coming years.





Download: Chicago, So Desperate, If Only
For the fans of: Bayside, Anberlin, These Green Eyes
Listen: Soundcloud

Release date 04.10.2011
Self-Released - RockFreaks.net

Reviewed! Peace Mercutio - Weather the Storm
Peace Mercutio
Weather the Storm


Though Peace Mercutio’s Weather the Storm opens admirably with “Building and Breaking,” a song that is actually a pretty good harbinger of things to come throughout the rest of the record – deliberate builds and thunderous crashing waves of sound thanks to quality guitar work - Weather the Storm really picks up the pace as it goes along; hitting its stride after only a few songs as the highlight cuts begin to rain down (“the Prolonging of Heartbreak,” “Chicago,” “Everything Seems Deadly”). “Sing! Sing!” is perhaps the strongest one of the bunch, sounding immediately radio ready, giving off a bit of an early Starting Line-meets-Further Seems Forever vibe. “Selah,” a stirring instrumental outing placed smack-dab in the middle of Weather the Storm, doesn’t even derail the album’s momentum, as it effectively brings another element to the record, spending its three plus minutes building before crashing into the driving “If Only.” The closing “the Things We Couldn’t Say” puts an emphatic emotional wax seal on Weather the Storm, and to be honest, the closing cut is one of the album’s strongest moments, presenting some of the albums better call-and-response instances throughout. Weather the Storm offers more than mere over-the-top employment of melody – Peace Mercutio seem more than a hook first, everything else later type of band (yeah Cute Is What We Aim For – that means you), and if they can buff out some of the scratches (like tightening up the vocal work, especially the interplay between vocalists Andy Lundman and Dan Buckley) and round out the rough spots a bit (perhaps better production), there’s no doubt they’ll be better off for it in the long run. There’s no doubt this is a good start though.


Grade: B-
Go Download: “Chicago” - www.getexposedmusic.com

Reviewed! Peace Mercutio - Weather the Storm
Peace Mercutio
Weather the Storm


Though Peace Mercutio’s Weather the Storm opens admirably with “Building and Breaking,” a song that is actually a pretty good harbinger of things to come throughout the rest of the record – deliberate builds and thunderous crashing waves of sound thanks to quality guitar work - Weather the Storm really picks up the pace as it goes along; hitting its stride after only a few songs as the highlight cuts begin to rain down (“the Prolonging of Heartbreak,” “Chicago,” “Everything Seems Deadly”). “Sing! Sing!” is perhaps the strongest one of the bunch, sounding immediately radio ready, giving off a bit of an early Starting Line-meets-Further Seems Forever vibe. “Selah,” a stirring instrumental outing placed smack-dab in the middle of Weather the Storm, doesn’t even derail the album’s momentum, as it effectively brings another element to the record, spending its three plus minutes building before crashing into the driving “If Only.” The closing “the Things We Couldn’t Say” puts an emphatic emotional wax seal on Weather the Storm, and to be honest, the closing cut is one of the album’s strongest moments, presenting some of the albums better call-and-response instances throughout. Weather the Storm offers more than mere over-the-top employment of melody – Peace Mercutio seem more than a hook first, everything else later type of band (yeah Cute Is What We Aim For – that means you), and if they can buff out some of the scratches (like tightening up the vocal work, especially the interplay between vocalists Andy Lundman and Dan Buckley) and round out the rough spots a bit (perhaps better production), there’s no doubt they’ll be better off for it in the long run. There’s no doubt this is a good start though.


Grade: B-
Go Download: “Chicago” - www.getexposedmusic.com

Weather The Storm - Peace Mercutio

Release Date: October 4, 2011

Record Label: Unsigned

Reviewed By William Howard

A small time act with big dreams, Peace Mercutio is a Pop Punk band hailing from Wisconsin with talent big enough to take them anywhere. A four piece band, currently playing out of Seattle, Peace Mercutio has taken the pop punk bands we all grew up loving and combined them into a sound uniquely their own. With catchy lyrics and beautiful harmonies between Dan Buckley and Andy Lundman, Peace Mercutio’s first full length Weather the Storm, is nothing to sneer at. Filled with the old school mix of guitar and recognizable bass parts along with the picked melodic lead lines stereotypical of pop punk.

Peace Mercutio has also brought in another element to their music, a level of almost musical maturity. Slowing down the songs and allowing the darker elements of the music to protrude in tracks like “Selah” and “Everything Seems Deadly.” In the seventh track of the record “Sing! Sing!” the band really out does themselves. With an invitingly melancholy vocal introduction and a heavy syncopated guitar part, the dynamic change does nothing but intrigue the listener. However as the song takes shape and reaches the chorus you cant help but be reminded of a sound similar to Anberlin mixed with The Wonder Years. As the songs bridge kicks in with the repeated group vocals singing, “I would never give up on you” the listener can’t help but sing along. In the next track “So Desperate” lead singer Andy Lundman shows off his unique and smoky timbre. As he sings “ I’ve got these feelings in my heart” you can’t help but hear the tinge of emotional agony with which he sings every word.

Peace Mercutio may not be a name you know now, but don’t forget it. With an arsenal of talent, a clearly defined sound, and a drive for success, Peace Mercutio will be playing your hometown in just a matter of time.

Album Rating: 3.5/5

Recommended Tracks:

“Sing! Sing!”

“So Desperate”

“Chicago”

Track Listing:

1.Building & Breaking
2.So Desperate
3.The Prolonging Of Heartbreak
4.Chicago
5.Sing! Sing!
6.Everything Seems Deadly
7.Street Lights
8.Selah
9.If Only
10.Too Close For Comfort
11.Stand As One
12.Things We Couldn’t Say

Peace Mercutio is…

Andy Lundman - Guitar/Vox

Dan Buckley - Guitar/Vox

Dave Oquist - Bass

Taylor Jurgens - Drums - Beyond The Barricade

Weather The Storm - Peace Mercutio

Release Date: October 4, 2011

Record Label: Unsigned

Reviewed By William Howard

A small time act with big dreams, Peace Mercutio is a Pop Punk band hailing from Wisconsin with talent big enough to take them anywhere. A four piece band, currently playing out of Seattle, Peace Mercutio has taken the pop punk bands we all grew up loving and combined them into a sound uniquely their own. With catchy lyrics and beautiful harmonies between Dan Buckley and Andy Lundman, Peace Mercutio’s first full length Weather the Storm, is nothing to sneer at. Filled with the old school mix of guitar and recognizable bass parts along with the picked melodic lead lines stereotypical of pop punk.

Peace Mercutio has also brought in another element to their music, a level of almost musical maturity. Slowing down the songs and allowing the darker elements of the music to protrude in tracks like “Selah” and “Everything Seems Deadly.” In the seventh track of the record “Sing! Sing!” the band really out does themselves. With an invitingly melancholy vocal introduction and a heavy syncopated guitar part, the dynamic change does nothing but intrigue the listener. However as the song takes shape and reaches the chorus you cant help but be reminded of a sound similar to Anberlin mixed with The Wonder Years. As the songs bridge kicks in with the repeated group vocals singing, “I would never give up on you” the listener can’t help but sing along. In the next track “So Desperate” lead singer Andy Lundman shows off his unique and smoky timbre. As he sings “ I’ve got these feelings in my heart” you can’t help but hear the tinge of emotional agony with which he sings every word.

Peace Mercutio may not be a name you know now, but don’t forget it. With an arsenal of talent, a clearly defined sound, and a drive for success, Peace Mercutio will be playing your hometown in just a matter of time.

Album Rating: 3.5/5

Recommended Tracks:

“Sing! Sing!”

“So Desperate”

“Chicago”

Track Listing:

1.Building & Breaking
2.So Desperate
3.The Prolonging Of Heartbreak
4.Chicago
5.Sing! Sing!
6.Everything Seems Deadly
7.Street Lights
8.Selah
9.If Only
10.Too Close For Comfort
11.Stand As One
12.Things We Couldn’t Say

Peace Mercutio is…

Andy Lundman - Guitar/Vox

Dan Buckley - Guitar/Vox

Dave Oquist - Bass

Taylor Jurgens - Drums - Beyond The Barricade

With winter, there are bound to be storms. But the storm I wish to mention is of a different kind, and most likely a little more welcome inside our homes than cold winds. The unsigned band Peace Mercutio has debuted their first album, ‘Weather The Storm’ in the last month and it’s been a big hit. They’ve had a page in the Alternative Press magazine, on the front of purevolume.com and more. The fan base as well has definitely increased with this publicity and their recent touring.

For detailed information on the band and their personal story, definitely check out this link: http://soundcloud.com/peacemercutio/kgrg - they had a chance to go on the Seattle radio station and you can listen to the boys as well as hear an acoustic performance.

They are alternative punk with this dark edge, their influences strongly including bands such as Anberlin, Thrice and Mae which you can almost hear in their background. This twelve track album clings close knit together with their harmonies and it’s intriguing to listen to. With their first single, “Too Close For Comfort” coming soon, it’s exciting to see where they’re taking the band.

Ballads and hard rock songs are definitely in the mix in their first album; it’s easy to see they’re working hard on every angle of their sound. Along with these powerful rhythms, they offer us diverse lyrics that hit us hard at home, such as the song “So Desperate” with the lines, ‘So desperate, for you to see me as you did that night. If I could go back to that July, I’d make the best of you and I.’ Adding to the twists Peace Mercutio brings us is the song “Selah” which is entirely instrumental and if you listen, it almost sounds like an ocean storm.

I love the twists of the guitars they bring in for most of their songs and that really helps these guys build something more unique. The touring and publicity has done a lot for them, though it’s pretty easy to say they still have a ways to go. Still in their beginning stage, it’s mostly their raw determination that is pulling them up from the dust among other unsigned artists. No doubt if they keep up the hard work, they could definitely become a great band.

This quartet know how to reach for the stars and are currently working with an independent radio promoter, Zoo Entertainment, national promotion, broadcasting, and a few record companies. Peace Mercutio knows how to reach out not just with people but also their music which may double their fan base and lead them on. It’s obvious music is very serious for them, and more than just a dream- they’re making it their reality.

Peace Mercutio is taking every step to reach the top and I hope they make it. Determination is one of their strong suits, and they’ll have to keep working at it. But it’s obvious that even now, they know what to do and they’re working their hardest to share their raw passion with us all. When you consider the name, you won’t just be thinking about Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, but this very band. Catch a lift on this storm before it sweeps everyone away.

www.purevolume.com/peacemercutio
http://www.facebook.com/peacemercutio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz8YBQe1nKQ

-Kaylee Petersen - Melodic Soundwaves

Peace Mercutio is a four man pop-punk band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Read my review of their debut album, “Weather the Storm” below the cut.

Their sound reminds us a lot of +44, The Wonder Years, and Taking Back Sunday. They have killer harmonies, strong guitar riffs, and all together, it creates a very pleasing sound for your ears.

The record has a lot of different elements to it, and there’s a little bit of something there for everyone out there to enjoy. Their most popular song, “Sing! Sing!” is one of the real upbeat songs on the record that really makes you just want to get up and ‘sing at the top of your lungs’, just like the lyrics tell you to do.

The record as a whole is very strong for a debut album, and they really hit the nail on the head with every song they put out, whether it be slow, like “Selah” or upbeat and energetic like “Building and Breaking”. Peace Mercutio definitely impressed me and I think they’re going to go far, especially with the fan base that they’ve managed to build up. I definitely recommend checking out “Sing! Sing!” and “Everything Seems Deadly”.

Check this band out, you might be surprised that you’ll find a new band to live in your iPod. - Back-Pocket Believers

Peace Mercutio “Weather The Storm” Review

Posted on October 24, 2011 by takingroadsmedia

You might have heard of Peace Mercutio or read about them when they were featured in the AP Magazine or when they were on the front page of the music website PureVolume.com promoting their debut album “Whether the Storm”. Their record was released on October 4, 2011 independently. The album consists of 12 songs which will have you jumping to their music.

Peace Mercutio is a four piece pop-rock/alternative band originally from Milwaukee, WI that now resides in Seattle,WA. I took the time to listen to their album and I’ve gotta say that this band which I’ve never heard of reminded me of Taking Back Sunday’s earlier material, in a good and different way. Many bands today don’t play or write songs without having breakdowns or someone scream, Peace Mercutio keeps it simple and catchy.

What’s great about this album is that every member in the band shows their talent and doesn’t “hide” behind the other instruments in the recordings. The bass lines are grooving and showcases the instrument very nicely. Guitars have cathy guitar riffs and use effects which brings that spice to the songs.

Every album needs a good love song, “Chicago” has a chorus you’ll have stuck in your head. At the end of “Street Light” you hear a storm which goes right into “Selah”, an instrumental song. “If Only” as mentioned in their interview with KGRG FM, is a song about the world telling you to do one thing but your heart is telling you to do another.

The band’s first single “Too Close For Comfort” will be released on the radio in the next few months. You can listen to “Whether the Storm” on www.purevolume.com, the album is also available for purchase through iTunes and Amazon. http://www.purevolume.com/new/PeaceMercutio

For more on Peace Mercutio, visit their official Facebook page for tours, news, music and more. http://www.facebook.com/peacemercutio

“Whether the Storm” for the fans of : Taking Back Sunday, Saves the Day, Jimmy Eat World

http://www.amazon.com/Weather-The-Storm/dp/B005QF2VQU/r

~Brenda Mejia, October 24, 2011

@BrendaMejia

Brenda.TakingRoadsMedia@gmail.com - Taking Roads Media

Peace Mercutio “Weather The Storm” Review

Posted on October 24, 2011 by takingroadsmedia

You might have heard of Peace Mercutio or read about them when they were featured in the AP Magazine or when they were on the front page of the music website PureVolume.com promoting their debut album “Whether the Storm”. Their record was released on October 4, 2011 independently. The album consists of 12 songs which will have you jumping to their music.

Peace Mercutio is a four piece pop-rock/alternative band originally from Milwaukee, WI that now resides in Seattle,WA. I took the time to listen to their album and I’ve gotta say that this band which I’ve never heard of reminded me of Taking Back Sunday’s earlier material, in a good and different way. Many bands today don’t play or write songs without having breakdowns or someone scream, Peace Mercutio keeps it simple and catchy.

What’s great about this album is that every member in the band shows their talent and doesn’t “hide” behind the other instruments in the recordings. The bass lines are grooving and showcases the instrument very nicely. Guitars have cathy guitar riffs and use effects which brings that spice to the songs.

Every album needs a good love song, “Chicago” has a chorus you’ll have stuck in your head. At the end of “Street Light” you hear a storm which goes right into “Selah”, an instrumental song. “If Only” as mentioned in their interview with KGRG FM, is a song about the world telling you to do one thing but your heart is telling you to do another.

The band’s first single “Too Close For Comfort” will be released on the radio in the next few months. You can listen to “Whether the Storm” on www.purevolume.com, the album is also available for purchase through iTunes and Amazon. http://www.purevolume.com/new/PeaceMercutio

For more on Peace Mercutio, visit their official Facebook page for tours, news, music and more. http://www.facebook.com/peacemercutio

“Whether the Storm” for the fans of : Taking Back Sunday, Saves the Day, Jimmy Eat World

http://www.amazon.com/Weather-The-Storm/dp/B005QF2VQU/r

~Brenda Mejia, October 24, 2011

@BrendaMejia

Brenda.TakingRoadsMedia@gmail.com - Taking Roads Media

If Peace Mercutio sound familiar, there are probably a couple reasons. A) You saw the ad for debut album Weather The Storm in the October issue of AP Magazine. B) You're from the Washington area and caught their feature on alternative radio program KGRG 89.9 FM. C) You recall that name, Mercutio, from some distant English class lesson (Romeo & Juliet, what up). However you recognize them, get ready to hear the name a lot more with the Oct. 4 release of Weather The Storm. Jam-packed with tracks that range from melodic and emotive to guitar-driven and percussion-heavy, the album is sure to cause a stir within the world of alternative music. Highlights include "So Desperate," with its solid hooks and layered vocals, "Too Close For Comfort," with its catchy guitar work and big choruses, and "Selah," an entirely instrumental track set against what sounds like an ocean storm. Intrigued? Stream the full album right here and grab the three free downloads the band's currently offering.

-Alyssa Coluccio - PureVolume.com

If Peace Mercutio sound familiar, there are probably a couple reasons. A) You saw the ad for debut album Weather The Storm in the October issue of AP Magazine. B) You're from the Washington area and caught their feature on alternative radio program KGRG 89.9 FM. C) You recall that name, Mercutio, from some distant English class lesson (Romeo & Juliet, what up). However you recognize them, get ready to hear the name a lot more with the Oct. 4 release of Weather The Storm. Jam-packed with tracks that range from melodic and emotive to guitar-driven and percussion-heavy, the album is sure to cause a stir within the world of alternative music. Highlights include "So Desperate," with its solid hooks and layered vocals, "Too Close For Comfort," with its catchy guitar work and big choruses, and "Selah," an entirely instrumental track set against what sounds like an ocean storm. Intrigued? Stream the full album right here and grab the three free downloads the band's currently offering.

-Alyssa Coluccio - PureVolume.com

Being in an unsigned band is never easy. Getting your record out there and promoting it takes a lot of effort, building up a fanbase is tough and bands may feel like giving up. Luckily, Peace Mercutio haven’t done that. Having earned an impressive fanbase, Peace Mercutio have just released their fantastic debut album, Weather The Storm.

Weather The Storm is hard to get your head round. The tracks sometimes merge in to each other, which can be looked upon in two ways. Firstly, it could seem like you’re listening to one long track or secondly, you could easily get lost in the record. Hopefully the latter in most cases. Bringing together pop punk and alt rock, Peace Mercutio play their music with honesty and passion.

The songs have a certain diversity about them – on one side you have upbeat songs such as Building and Breaking but on the other you have the slower, more darker songs like Selah. Despite being worlds apart, Peace Mercutio have a fair bit in common with the UK’s own Basement – it’s often big and bold but they hit home hard with their slower, darker songs. Sing! Sing! tells everyone to “sing sing at the top of your lungs” – something that they hope people will be doing in the near future to their songs. And why not? Peace Mercutio certainly do have potential to do it with or without help of a record label.

Weather The Storm might not be flawless in any way, shape or form and it might not even be unique. But it sticks out. There’s something that Weather The Storm has that other bands in the same category as Peace Mercutio can’t execute as well. Maybe it’s the raw grit and determination that the Seattle rockers have been harvesting, or maybe it’s a secret that is better left known only to the band themselves. Weather The Storm is by no means perfect, but slowly and surely Peace Mercutio will reach massive heights soon enough. Weather The Storm is only the beginning. It is their own calm before the storm. Get ready.

For fans of: Basement, Thrice. - Rock Reviews 24/7 (UK)

Being in an unsigned band is never easy. Getting your record out there and promoting it takes a lot of effort, building up a fanbase is tough and bands may feel like giving up. Luckily, Peace Mercutio haven’t done that. Having earned an impressive fanbase, Peace Mercutio have just released their fantastic debut album, Weather The Storm.

Weather The Storm is hard to get your head round. The tracks sometimes merge in to each other, which can be looked upon in two ways. Firstly, it could seem like you’re listening to one long track or secondly, you could easily get lost in the record. Hopefully the latter in most cases. Bringing together pop punk and alt rock, Peace Mercutio play their music with honesty and passion.

The songs have a certain diversity about them – on one side you have upbeat songs such as Building and Breaking but on the other you have the slower, more darker songs like Selah. Despite being worlds apart, Peace Mercutio have a fair bit in common with the UK’s own Basement – it’s often big and bold but they hit home hard with their slower, darker songs. Sing! Sing! tells everyone to “sing sing at the top of your lungs” – something that they hope people will be doing in the near future to their songs. And why not? Peace Mercutio certainly do have potential to do it with or without help of a record label.

Weather The Storm might not be flawless in any way, shape or form and it might not even be unique. But it sticks out. There’s something that Weather The Storm has that other bands in the same category as Peace Mercutio can’t execute as well. Maybe it’s the raw grit and determination that the Seattle rockers have been harvesting, or maybe it’s a secret that is better left known only to the band themselves. Weather The Storm is by no means perfect, but slowly and surely Peace Mercutio will reach massive heights soon enough. Weather The Storm is only the beginning. It is their own calm before the storm. Get ready.

For fans of: Basement, Thrice. - Rock Reviews 24/7 (UK)

Peace Mercutio is a four piece pop/punk band originally from Milwaukee, WI. The band picked up last year and is now living in Seattle Washington. I was excited to get a chance to review something new so here goes. The feel of this record is definitely melodic woven into bursts of energetic guitar riffs and two unique voices harmonizing with one another. Listeners should definitely go into this not expecting the usual run of the mill band you’ll be surprised pleasantly surprised.

Instrumentally the band members bring together a sound that can only be described as bliss to the ears. The guitars perfectly compliment one another, the drums providing a steady, moveable rhythm. If you’re anything like me, you will focus on the drum style of each song, not to be prejudiced! =)

Lyrically the band has a song everyone can relate to, if you cannot find something you like on this album you shouldn’t probably listen to music. Everything Seems Deadly specifically a notably strong track on the cd listeners should pay attention to. The vocal styling of each song is striking to me, I urge you to pick this cd up you won’t find anything like it.

For Listeners of: The Wonder Years, Quiet Drive etc. - The Calvert Webzine

Peace Mercutio
Interviewer: Jenny Tate

www.facebook.com/peacemercutio
www.myspace.com/peacemercutio
www.purevolume.com/peacemercutio
www.peacemercutio.com

1. How did you get your band name?
DAN: I was in my cubicle tripping on a crap ton of coffee and I told myself, "Peace, Mercutio" (a line from "Romeo and Juliet") to calm down. Then I was like "Hey, that's cool."

2. How did this band get started?
Andy Lundman wanted to start a new music project, Dan Buckley realized he hated corporate America, David Oquist took a risk, and Taylor Jurgens answered a Craigslist ad. The rest is history.

3. What bands are you influenced by?
DAN: Foo Fighters, Paramore, Jimmy Eat World, Anberlin, Yellowcard, Mae.
DAVE: Thrice, The Felix Culpa, Sunny Day Real Estate, and many others.
TAYLOR: A Day To Remember, Emery, Senses Fail, Nofx, Underoath.
ANDY: Anberlin, Mae, mewithoutYou, MxPx, The Ataris, Sherwood, Thrice, Jimmy Eat World.

4. If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
All of the above. They are all our heroes and the biggest influences in our lives and who we are today.

5. Best food to eat on tour?
DAN: Pizza, Burgers, Cheez-its, Puppy Chow.
DAVE: Anything cheap or free.
TAYLOR: McDonalds' double cheeseburgers and canned pineapple.
ANDY: Non-greasy food. Trail mix. Sandwiches. Juice/Water. Subway.

6. Why should people listen to your band?
People should listen because they will enjoy this music. The songs are about some tough stuff we've dealt with that everyone can relate to. We try to wrap the words up in easy-to-swallow melodies and add enough rock to keep it from getting boring. People who have been burned by relationships will like this music. People who want to be in a relationship will like this music. People who hate Chicago will like this music. It's made to be enjoyed and rocked out to.

7. If you could be any athlete, which athlete would you switch places with?
DAN: LeBron James. That guy is powerful.
DAVE: Paul Molitor. He was the main baseball player I looked up to as a kid. I don't pay attention to sports now.
TAYLOR: Randy Johnson. I wish I could throw a ball like that guy. What if I could play the drums as fast as he could throw? Birds would die!
ANDY: Aaron Rogers. Why not?

8. If you won a Grammy, who would you thank?
DAN: Whoever the heck helped me win a Grammy. It’s a team sport, I imagine.
DAVE: Our friends and family who support us.
TAYLOR: My family would be number 1 because they've supported me in everything I do.
ANDY: My mom and dad. The Lord. The bros in my band. Anyone who’s ever played music and inspired me.

9. If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?
DAN: I'd make it easier for good bands to get signed. I know a few (I'm sure everyone knows a few) who are better than the bands that are already signed. The way the industry is, the labels aren't taking chances. I wanna hear my favorite unsigned bands in a way that only getting signed can accomplish, and the ability to take risks isn't there for the labels right now. Bands suffer because they can't get their music out, and people suffer because they miss out on some great bands.
DAVE: I would make it so that major labels wouldn't rip off bands, and that there would be more variety in the media.
TAYLOR: I think I would try to make it a little less about money and the life of luxury and more about the music and the passion to do what you love.
ANDY: That is wasn't so crowded.

10. Memorable tour experience?
DAN: I wish we were on tour.
DAVE: In a previous band, I went to Cornerstone Festival in Illinois and we played generator stages and saw a whole bunch of other amazing bands. We also went to Iowa and some super friendly people let us crash at their place and made us breakfast the next morning. I forgot my phone there and they paid to ship it to me.
TAYLOR: I think what's stuck with me the most is the fellowship you have with everyone the whole time. You meet so many new friends and so many great people. Oh, and the smell a van emits after 2 weeks of less than optimal living conditions.
ANDY: Just being on the road playing music. Hard to say one thing specifically.

11.What does AP.net mean to you?
Great music, news, and opportunities for anyone and everyone who loves music.

12. What is your favorite song to play?
DAN: I don't know, there are a couple of favs. “Building and Breaking” is definitely fun, but right now the current favorite is a new one called “Too Close for Comfort.”
DAVE: “Building and Breaking.” It's energetic and catchy.
TAYLOR: Definitely “Building and Breaking,” but “Street Lights” is a close second. They both will get stuck in your head for days at a time.
ANDY: “Street Lights.” It's dynamic and high energy.

13. What is your vacation spot of choice?
DAN: Pfff vacation? No, but seriously, probably anyplace warm with a beach? I love Warren Dunes in Michigan. Maybe if Seatt - AbsolutePunk.net

Out Like Pluto, Peace Mercutio, Bedside Manner, Who’s Ke$ha???
April 4th, 2011

Seattle bands, Out Like Pluto, Peace Mercutio, and Bedside Manner will be playing at the Rendezvous Theater this Saturday April 9. I’ve recently had the pleasure to see both Out Like Pluto and Peace Mercutio and to talk at length with the members of each band after their shows. The music and conversation were good in both cases, but each night cost me something, or nearly so at least.

I had such a good time at the Out Like Pluto show that somewhere between the conversation afterward and walking to my car I lost a copy of the manuscript I’d had with me for a little pre-gig editing. So if you happen upon a person with beer stained pages that detail the episode of a guy shaking hands with and then sleeping with the Shit Woman, it’s my story, not his.

At the Peace Mercutio show, I nearly lost my lunch, or rather dinner. It wasn’t any fault of the band though. They were good. They rocked. It was the McChicken and the large woman who needed to pull her pants up that nearly did me in.

Regardless of the risks though, these two bands are well worth it on their own and doubly so when playing together. I will certainly be there but without a notebook, or the manuscript . Think I’ll take the evening off, enjoy the music, and leave the writing to someone else.

The added bonus, and one reason why I like these guys, is that they’re inclined to have fun, and in the spirit of such, Out Like Pluto challenged Peace Mercutio to what they term a “Ke$h-off” which according the OLP drummer, Andy Tyra, is a “competition … to see who can pull off the best Ke$ha cover.” He goes on to advise that if “you have the good fortune to not know Ke$ha or her music, you probably shouldn’t start now.” Some might say that it would mean I’ve been too buried in the manuscript (and perhaps I have), but I do have the good fortune to ask truthfully, “Who’s Ke$ha???” Thus, I will take his advice and let my introduction to all things Ke$ha come in a darkened theater with loud guitars and lots of beer. And I’m looking forward to it.

Dave

Who: Out Like Pluto, Peace Mercutio, and Bedside Manner
Where: Rendezvous Theater
Day: Saturday, April 9, 2011
Doors open: 10:00 PM
Ages: 21 & Over
Tickets: $5.00 - Seattle Subsonic

It was either the Crown Royal or the stout, or perhaps the mixture, the Porterhouse Royale, a shot of Crown in a pint of stout. It took me so long to finish the thing that I didn’t have time to go home and eat before heading to Studio 7 to catch Peace Mercutio so on the way I had McDonalds. Maybe it was the McDonalds. Whatever it was, the stomach was rumbling. I got to the club right at 7:00, right when the show was supposed to start, but the doors were locked. I peered in, nothing. I knocked on the glass,” Uh…hello, McFly?. It’s 7:00.” Nothing. Crickets. Tumbleweeds. Walking around back, I noticed bands carrying equipment in so I figured at least the show wasn’t canceled. Nothing wrong with running a little behind schedule. I belched a mixture of Crown and stout and wondered if I should switch to beer or stick with the whisky and thinking I definitely should have skipped the McDonalds.

Peace Mercutio is a band from Milwaukee that relocated Seattle to escape the non-happenings there. My old Dertoit band played in Milwaukee a couple times so I couldn’t blame them from what I know of the city. It’s a risk to come cross country, but all good things are, and they seem to be up to it so far. The drummer from Out Like Pluto recommended them to me and after listening to the song “Chicago“, I decided they deserved a listen live for, to modify Hamlet slightly, the gig is the thing . Thirty minutes or so later, the club was finally open, the bar was selling drinks, my stomach settled, and Peace Mercutio was about to go on. Things were looking up. The bar is on the second level above the main area which I always found odd for just watching a band, but I found it great for writing. I got a Crown and Coke and a seat by the balcony, leaned back to sip as I looked down on the stage and the audience gathering and for a brief moment felt like I might have been at the opera, that is until the music started.

The drums came in on hi-hat and worked their way to the snare building up a beat. The guitar player in the middle bounded left and right and looked as though he might fall over at any minute but somehow he did not. He started clapping to the beat and the crowd that had filled some in my opera moment started clapping as they fed off his energy. Then bass and guitars pounded out the first three chords of “Chicago”, and Dan Buckley, the non-bounding guitar player, sang, “Chicago feels like an unstable dream that finally came crashing down.” I always laugh to hear that line. It reminds me of my family name and what that and a cow had to do with bringing down parts of Chicago one fiery night a long time ago. The song though is rather about things not working out, sending love and having it come back unopened. The chorus is what hooked me in (did its job thus) when I first heard it, and live it was better, bigger, very Foo Fighters like in the way it steps up, “Will we meet before the end or is this just a wound to mend?” Not quite Shakespeare like the name implies, but that’s always a valid question nonetheless, and the way they sing it, it makes even an guy like me who never dances or shouts want to sing along, “We were almost more. What were you looking for?” The songs hits it’s mark. It upbeat rock with a big chorus that people want shout with.

When that song ended, they went quickly into the next one, the bounding guitar player, Andy Lundman, still full of energy stilled himself for a moment to say, “This next one’s called If Only. Hope you like it.” The song started fast, but I was distracted by a large blond woman who sat next to me. She leaned forward over the balcony, and it was impossible not to notice her jeans hanging down just a little too much in the rear. No, this was definitely not the opera house. I got another Crown to help ease the pain of the crack and tooks notes to the music.

One cool thing about Peace Mercutio, my favorite thing actually, is that the guitars split. Buckly almost always plays higher melodic riffs and chords and notey bits while Lundman concentrates more on the rhythms. It creates a full sound that isn’t cluttered with low end riffs or blistering solos. Melody is important to them. It was good to see. The songs went on. The crack got longer, and more Crown was needed. And Lundman introduced the songs, “This next one’s called Street Lights. Hope you like it.” Those in attendance, myself included, seemed to. “This next one’s called, Things We Couldn’t Say. Hope you like it.” He was stuck on that phrase. Perhaps his manic energy was nervousness, worry, even fear. I hope they like it. I hope they like it. I hope they like it. From experience, I know that sometimes it isn’t easy to step on stage. I hope they like it. I hope they like it.

When the set ended, the blond thankfully left, and I got another Crown to mull over the music. I jotted a few things down, and after a while Lundman and Buckley came up to chat for a bit.

“Thanks for coming,” they said. We shook hands.

“N - Seattle Subsonic