The Active Set

The band: The Active Set, a high-energy Los Angeles quartet.
The sound: On the Active Set's debut full-length, "11", the group bristles with cymbal-heavy rhythms and dagger-sharp lead guitars. Of the band's post-punk influences, L.A.-obsessed Brits the Wedding Present have given the most generously; with their sour vocals, respective frontmen Matthew Stolarz and David Gedge could be dissatisfied distant cousins. But the album showcases an array of styles across its 11 tracks, offering glacial intensity on slow-motion anthem "Sea Legs" and of-the-moment electronic drums and synthesizers on "Counting Out Your Life."

The random: Stolarz previously played bass with L.A. punks the Briggs; Briggs brothers Jason and Joey LaRocca helped record the Active Set&'s debut EP, with Jason returning to mix the full-length. The band got an assist on album art from Joe McKay, who also crafted the cover of Broken Social Scene's "Forgiveness Rock Record."

The details: In case you missed the album release in last week's calendar-pocalypse, "11" fittingly dropped on Nov. 11. - L.A. Times

Talk about perfect timing for an album release. L.A. band the Active Set has cautiously released two singles over the last couple of years, but they’ve been waiting to present “11? on just the right date — which is today, Nov. 11, 2011. Their debut also consists of 11 tracks which offer a diverse sound palette that will please fans of new wave and ’80s post-punk (albeit sometimes tinted by some tropical rhythms). Matthew Stolarz, Wayne Russell, Francis Ramsden, and Michael Castro also dabble in a bit of electronica as synthesizers weave in and out of guitar riffs on songs such as “Best Summer Ever.” However, “Sea Legs” is the standout track as it embraces heavier rock at its core with dueling guitars that roar and gently subside only a few measures from the end. As Stolarz sings “So far / I’m still looking to the land,” one can’t help but think how it foils Frightened Rabbit’s “Swim Until You Can’t See Land.” Nonetheless, there is a familiar yearning for some place else. The Active Set is a sharp contrast from Stolarz’s days in the Briggs, but the punk undertones should imply that his past isn’t too far behind him when former fellow band member Jason LaRocca has lent a hand in production on this record. - Buzz Bands LA

The Active Set has put together a BEAUTIFUL (assuming you want to see the band get torn apart from the undead) zombie themed music video. The special effects guys they used have worked a lot in horror before as an actor, special effects, and make up though they haven’t really done a lot of official work for zombie makeup before. I hope this video allows them to change that. - BuyZombie

Sure, horror and metal have always walked hand-in-hand. Forget the "Thriller" video; at the top of my list of horror-themed music videos is Black Label Society's "Stillborn". (Of course Doctor Gash has been bleeding Black Label for a long time... what's your favorite horror-themed music video?) But today we discovered a zombie-themed music video that is far from a metal song. Rock band The Active Set has released a bloodbath of a video for their song "Famous for Dying".
The Active Set is obviously a band that is not so self-absorbed that they need to have their faces incessantly shown in their videos. In fact, basically the entire second half of this work is simply a zombie feeding frenzy on the band. Starring Matthew Stolarz, Wayne Russell, Michael Castro, Shelby Lindley, Tristin Gorrell, Melanie Russell, Walter Phelan, Damien Stolarz, Adam Stolarz, Jeremy Stolarz and directed by Lior Molcho with F/X by Walter Phelan, the "Famous for Dying" video is nothing if not unique.
Carrying a catchy tune, some decent zombie make-up, and truly impressive zombie feasting F/X, this is a video fans of the shuffling dead with a sense of humor will appreciate. Scroll down and enjoy, and for more stop by and visit The Active Set on Facebook. - Dread Central

Recently, I’ve come to discover LA based indie-noir act The Active Set. I’m a big fan of their part post-punk part indie sonic mash-up and their latest track “It Multiplies” showcases that dynamic perfectly. With the bouncy bass lines indicative of Interpol paired with the dark-tinged guitar work that Alkaline Trio would be proud of, “It Multiplies” is further proof that these cats can create catchy tracks that are devoid of sunshine. Wrap your ears around this onyx gem at the band’s Bandcamp page and listen for yourself. I’m looking forward to more material out of these gents. - Mental Pirate

Brit Pop by way of L.A., The Active Set is a hyper-kinetic quartet that would like nothing better than to grab your attention long enough to make you shake yer ass. New single It Multiplies is a good old-fashioned cattin’ around sound disguised as an earnest Bloc Party-meets-Luna shakedown.  I’m guessing we’ll be seeing these lads in Austin. - My Old Kentucky Blog

For a band from sun kissed Los Angeles The Active Set sound (and look if the picture on the left is how they typically dress) remarkably British. This may be the influence of lead guitarist Wayne Russell who dropped out of university in rain soaked England to move to the sun of Los Angeles (sensible chap). Or it may be that their influences are predominantly British.
The foursome's subtly poetic, cheery power pop sounds like a less angular Bloc Party sunbathing in the LA sun with a less arty XTC. It's a 180 degree change in direction from the full on Clash mimicking punk of lead singer and bassist Matthew Stolarz previous band The Briggs.
The band have their new single 'Let The Games Begin' out now which, if you're reading Lord Coe, would be a great theme tune for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Check it out below or by visiting the Active Set website.
It's time to get active with the Active Set. - The Devil Has The Best Tuna

The Active Set are another one of those bands who’ve had a track sitting in my inbox for a fair old while, and made me regret it once I’ve listened to them. ‘Sea Legs’ is a slow-building beast drawing on elements of The National (epic, dark, full of drums), early Bloc Party, Echo & The Bunnymen and god knows what else. It’s a long track at over five minutes, but the band pack so much action into that time that it could easily be twice as long and still sound full. What centres it all is Matthew Stolarz’ mournful vocals that flicker between British inflections and the LA punk that he once was, saying very little, but saying it well. ‘So far I’m still looking to the land, I haven’t found my sea legs/And so far I haven’t got a plan, I’m set adrift upon these troubled waters’ is a beautiful refrain and one that frames the bulk of the song, letting it evolve into something far louder before joining in and making it seem almost transcendent. Beautiful, heartwrenching stuff. - Music From A Green Window

Cool punchy guitar pop/rock. These guys' direct approach reminds us of some of the early recordings by Joe Jackson and Elvis Costello. The tunes on this self-titled EP feature throbbing distinct rhythms, charging guitars, and vocals that are appropriately up front in the mix. Six hard hitting pop tracks here including "Escape Act," "Mindless," "Truth Hurts," and "Better Brigade." Nice smart modern pop with an edge. - LMNOP

"Los Angeles post-punk rockers The Active Set have managed to generate quite a buzz in Southern California..." - Wildy's World

Matthew Stolarz helped found The Briggs, before leaving that band and starting another project called The Active Set. No hard feelings between him and the rest of The Briggs though seeing as Jason and Joey LaRocca helped out a great deal on this EP and Jason also produced the whole thing.

On The Active Set's first and self-titled release you'll find six songs that are miles away from what The Briggs are doing. They are only punky in a Hot Hot Heat/Bloc Party kinda way with some jagged guitars. It all sounds more than decent enough and Stolarz proves that he knows how to write upbeat, poppy songs with an eighties twist… "Mindless" has this cool Costello vibe and opener "Escape Act" is just a great song all around. Be on the lookout for these guys!
Score: 7 out of 10 - punkrocktheory.com

Last night at the Glass House in Pomona, Los Angeles indie rockers The Active Set had the coveted spot of opening up for indie rock royalty, Bloc Party. After quite the hiatus, naturally it was sold-out show. Fans packed the Glass House from wall-to-wall in excitement for seeing Bloc Party live.

We’ haven’t seen Bloc Party perform live since we last covered their show at the Hollywood Palladium in 2012. The band was touring in support of their fourth record titled, Four.

Last night, the wait was over. Bloc Party was taking the stage once again (with new members) as part of FYF Fest’s run of side shows. But before rocking the night away with Bloc Party, LA’s The Active Set took the stage and primed us with their bright indie rock sounds. Before the show I briefly spoke to lead vocalist/guitarist Matthew Stolarz and he said this was a very special show for them because Bloc Party has always been a huge influence in their music. When The Active Set came on, I could definitely hear what he was saying. I did feel that influence in their music and I think the crowd did as well.

Throughout The Active Set’s entire performance the audience was fully engaged with their vibrant indie rock. Each song was met with a great applause. Fans warmed up their limbs by swaying along to The Active Sets infectious melodies and tight grooves. With driving guitars and hook-friendly choruses, The Active Set proved to be the perfect appetizer to the main dish that was Bloc Party. Stolarz seemed to be genuinely grateful for his moment to open up for Bloc Party. You could feel the positive energy just bouncing off the band, to the crowd, and back on to the band. It was pretty awesome.

After The Active Set’s memorable performance, Bloc Party finally hit the stage. Unfortunately, there were no professional press photography allowed for their set. So please excuse our lack of photos from their set. You’ll just have to wait for our FYF coverage!
The excitement was thick and fans grew antsy for Bloc Party. I think the DJ knew this and just played the Al Green greatest hits to keep things mellow, but after each song the crowd thought the band was going on. Bloc Party went on stage a little late, but it didn’t matter. The crowd erupted with yells of happiness, hoots and hand claps. The band started with a live debut of the song “Edon” and then went into “Hunting for Witches”. Hands were flailing and hips were shaking. It was great to see so much movement and happiness at a show.
Frontman, Kele Okereke asked if the crowd knew “Waiting for the 7.18” and the crowd cheered “yes!” and he asked, “Well then, can you please sing it with me?” And of course the crowd obliged sang along to the sweet indie rock ballad.

Bloc Party were outstanding. At the beginning of their encore, Okereke introduced new drummer Louise Bartel who was pretty amazing on the set. That girl hits hard and hits fast, and definitely has honed her chops. Also added to the new Bloc Party lineup was a bassist named Justin (sorry, there was no last name given). Justin took on some back-up vocals and also drove them thick bass lines like it was nobody’s business. The new Bloc Party lineup performed like they’ve been playing together for years. It was hard to conceive that his was just a warm-up show considering their tight sound. Okereke said that it was very important that they did their first show at The Glasshouse because they had a very memorable show there in 2004.
Bloc Party closed their 17-song set with “Modern Love.” Fans went wild as though it were their last night on earth. Without a doubt, Bloc Party put on a stellar performance at The Glass House.

Bloc Party and The Active Set will perform another sold-out show tonight at The Roxy. Block Party will also take the stage at FYF Fest on Sunday.

-Wes Marsala - Grimy Goods

Remember all that agitated pop-punk-cum-new-wave on the Active Set’s 2011 album “11?” The L.A. quartet’s new single “Shut ’Em Down” is not that. Not at all. A couple of years and lineup changes later, the Los Angeles four-piece of singer-guitarist Matthew Stolarz, bassist Alen Racedo, drummer Gabriel Grinta and guitarist-keyboardist Francis Ramsden takes a more contemplative approach on the new song, which will appear on the Active Set’s forthcoming full-length. This one’s for swaying back and forth in big crowds, head down and arms up. - Buzzbands LA

The Active Set play next. Lead singer Matt Stolarz is awkward in the most fantastic way. He plays off of the slowly emptying venue (it’s 11:30 by this point) saying, “This sounds like a party. Can I come?” before jumping into “Ledgers In The Red.” The Active Set are a pop-punk band that has toured with Neon Trees. This sentence alone pretty much describes their sound.

Stolarz makes some comment leading into almost every song they play tonight. I love when artists do this. It means there is something a bit spontaneous about each show and that they don’t have a formula for every gig.

Stolarz introduces the second song with, “Thank you all for coming to The Study tonight. Feel free to read some books while you are listening to our music (I would but they are glued to the bookcases). This song is called ‘I Can’t Trust You’ which is a relatable topic for many people.” The ability to connect with what an artist has written makes a show that much better, though Stolarz’s quirky personality helps with that too. They end their set with a new song, “Lets Go Out Tonight.” - That's Why We Musyc

"The following are five LA-area based bands that you’ll definitely want to check out if you’re heading down to the Strip this weekend..."

"I had the chance to chat with them...before our show started. This of course was followed by a trip to Spotify where I checked out The Active Set’s 2011 LP, 11, and fell in love with the group’s post-punk-meets-new-wave sound. Catch them at The Roxy on Saturday and be prepared to sing along. Loudly." - LA Music Blog