The Motivated Sequence

Boston based indie pop group The Motivated Sequence are gearing to release their debut LP, and have just dropped the first musical hint off that effort with a tune called "Sci-Fi". The song has a strong, rhythmic personality with a nifty string section added in for good measure that provides something a little unexpected and also hints at the musical depth clearly on display. Frontman Zach Burt has a strong, demanding vocal presence that adds a representation of the dynamic musical fingerprints that are all over this quite impressive group. What I enjoyed the most about them is how they kept things simple, and didn't do anything that was beyond their capabilities and adhered to the script in front of them to make things happen. This group definitely has a special concoction in front of them ready to serve to the musical audience, and I definitely feel that they have that special connection with them that the fans will reciprocate with adoring affection and devoted musical attention to see what they can do to affect them on a grand emotional scale. Don't forget to check them out in concert when they stop by O'Brien's on 9/20!

To check out "Sci-Fi" for yourself, it's available for streaming on Soundcloud right over here, and for more on The Motivated Sequence, please 'Like' them on Facebook at this locale right here, and follow their adventures on Twitter at this junction here. Keep an eye out for their debut release that will be out on Nov. 2 with a release show at Mid East Upstairs. - Music Box Pete

“Colors and Lines” keeps the listener and their sense of cosmic listening awareness on their (or, I suppose, “our”) toes with a mix of sounds and sensibilities that span the ages of music from “folk” to “very present day.” - BostonBandCrush.org

This week on the show Dylan sits down with a Zach, and a Beth, from a band called The Motivated Sequence. The Motivated Sequence = TMS. Tell Me Something = TMS. Match made in heaven? - TellMeSomething.org

This week on the show Dylan sits down with a Zach, and a Beth, from a band called The Motivated Sequence. The Motivated Sequence = TMS. Tell Me Something = TMS. Match made in heaven? - TellMeSomething.org

"This combination of different personalities and music interest that the members of the Motivated Sequence share makes for a unique sound that the band offers." - The Suffolk Journal

"Great hooks and a great sound with plenty of space as opposed to an aggressive act which pushes the envelope to fill up every sonic hole. Motivated Sequence is a very smooth act." - The Back Stage Beat

"Indie-pop with unique smatterings of violin, and strong lyrics: The Motivated Sequence." - Dig Boston

"Sometimes a song takes you in a trip in that it throws out an arm and beckons you along. "States" does not do this; rather it puts on a show in front of your ears. The theatrical quality of "States" creates a song that is full of spotlights and curtains, as different elements come to the forefront and join the brilliantly-lit chorus on the front lines." - Boston Band Crush

"Every week we let a local band tell us about themselves. Today, we get to know The Motivated Sequence." - Boston Music Spotlight

Sometimes a song takes you in a trip in that it throws out an arm and beckons you along. “States” does not do this; rather it puts on a show in front of your ears. The theatrical quality of “States” creates a song that is full of spotlights and curtains, as different elements come to the forefront and join the brilliantly-lit chorus on the front lines.

The vocal performance elements of the track simply glow down upon the audience (that’s us) like performers in a musical who are not afraid to make eye contact and smile. The result is instantly magnetic - we don’t want to just listen to “States,” we want to listen in to it, even when occasionally enveloped by the rich vocal harmonies that rise up towards the end of the vocal phrase on special occasions. The harmonies swell into brilliant full form almost instantly, creating a treat for the ear.

The pedestrian quality of the rhythm creates an odd sort of contrast with the brilliant light created by the vocals. This, of course, adds to the theatrical feel; as if the vocalists are under the lights and the rhythm section is in the pit or behind the curtain or something. To their credit, the rhythm section simply assists in aiming the lights at the vocals, letting the bright parts of “States” shine even brighter. - BostonBandCrush.com

It’s a strange juxtaposition at first, the swelling strings and campy vintage sci-fi footage. But when the storyline kicks in for the title song from the debut album The Science. The Fiction. from Boston-based The Motivated Sequence, it makes a lot more sense.

“I am the science, I am the fiction, I am the novel that’s poorly written
I am the silence, I am the sound, I am the one that you never found
I’m the horizon, I am the shore, I am the calm just before the storm
I am the science, I am the fiction, I am the novel that’s poorly written

I stretch my arms down the East Coast to reach the conclusion
that no one really knows where they came from or where they are going
but they know the places that they miss the most.”
- The Science. The Fiction.

In this first single and throughout their ten-track album, there’s a feeling of melancholy and disconnectedness, despite the poppiness and hopeful exuberance of the lush strings, jangly guitar, organ melodies and driving percussion. There’s just something in lead singer Zach Burt’s voice that’s vulnerable and compelling. It draws you in to his story which, truth be told, is a little sad. It speaks of relationship misfires, miscommunication and disillusionment. In light of this, the clips of hapless travelers lost in space, floating around with their antiquated equipment, is perfectly apt.

The Motivated Sequence will be releasing the album at their record release show on November 2nd at the Middle East Upstairs (the show starts at 7 p.m.). Before that, they’ll be playing at O’Brien’s Pub on September 20th. Meanwhile, you can listen to the single on Spotify or check it out on Soundcloud. - Boston Survival Guide

Boston based band The Motivated Sequence bring us a theatrical and visual ode to the old school science fiction movies that enchanted the world with this new world only explored in books. With stills from movies from the past, their music video for their song “Sci-Fi” (track to be part of their upcoming record) is simple yet beautiful and nostalgic of a film era without big budgets but a lot of heart. This talented band bring us a special brand of new, a sound so theirs, so unique and honestly enchanting. Just listen to their own blend of indie pop splashed with sounds from elsewhere and be captivated by that unique voice that could easily lead a musical in Broadway as lead this indie band who “wants to be the lightning in your heart & the thunder in your bones”. Enjoy! - Wolf in a Suit

Boston based indie folk quartet The Motivated Sequence have unleashed their brand new single onto the world titled "For The Ages", the first single off their brand new EP "The Matador". The song is a mellow, laid back affair with inviting harmonies and a rich, musical dexterity that is pretty easy to fall head over heels for. If you're not familiar with the foursome of Zach, Guy, Beth, and Christian, you'll definitely become quite familiar with their sound that is reminiscent of such acts like Arcade Fire and Fleet Foxes, but with their own unique and identifiable musical fingerprint that is quite noticeable to the casual listener. I was definitely impressed with the band's sonic wavelengths as a whole, and they definitely offer up something that is unique and different for the person looking to escape from the ordinary. Their live rendition now available on their YouTube channel definitely presents the song in a more intimate setting that will make you feel like they're right there at home, hanging out in your living room. An immensely powerful group that is definitely gearing up for something bigger down the road.



To check out "For The Ages" for yourself, it's available on most digital streaming providers and for more on The Motivated Sequence, please give them a 'Like' on Facebook from this locale right here, follow them on Twitter from this channel here, peep their Instagram at this spot here, and please visit their official website over here for more in depth info surrounding them, including local tour dates coming up soon as well. - https://www.musicboxpete.com