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Strata
Posted by Rob Ortenzi on 08-Nov-07 @ 01:32 PM|
HQ: Campbell, CA NOW PLAYING: Strata Presents The End Of The World (WIND-UP) THE STORY SO FAR: With two self-released EPs, two full-lengths and two songs on major film soundtracks (Elektra, The Punisher), Strata have quite a bit under their collective belts. Assembled in 2000, vocalist Eric Victorino, guitarist/synth op Ryan Hernandez, bassist Hrag Chanchanian and drummer Adrian Robison have done something extraordinary by shunning their original metal sound for something a bit softer and a lot more melodic. Since their hard-edged, self-titled 2004 Wind-up debut, Strata came back with both a new indie-pop sound and a refreshed musical outlook. "I don't want to see people moshing and punching each other in the face," says Victorino. "I want to see eyeballs staring and mouths open and know that those people are being introduced to something different." WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW 'EM: When most bands switch genres, they crash and burn. Strata's second album, Strata Presents The End Of The World, is proof that a band can not only succeed with a new direction, but develop further than they had before. The brunt of the album's songs tell the story of a romantic relationship, but one ("The New National Anthem") is politically ambitious. "[The song] doesn't pull any punches and isn't really a statement," says Victorino. "It's just telling people to open their eyes and pay attention." Liz Van Pay YOU LIKE? YOU'LL LIKE: DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE / MUSE / BRIGHT EYES |
