An ever-evolving beast that has grown from much simpler, typical screamo-styled beginnings, Transistor Transistors first proper full-length shows the band finding a niche all their own, somewhere between the worlds of hardcore, screamo, and punk rock. Experimenting more with varied dynamics and different sonic pallets, the records killer opening track, "Kill the Head, embodies all the best that Erase All Name and Likeness has to offer. While maintaining a balance between sheer musical brutality and catchy riffs, the band pushes and pulls the listener by smashing them in the face with their headstock one minute, before dazzling them with a melodic breakdown the next. The middle of the record finds the band experimenting equally with moody sounds and aggressive breakdowns, occasionally letting loose with pure rock riffs on songs like "Power Chord Academy. Concluded by the swelling, 13-minute epic "A Sinking Ship Full of Optimists, the record makes a full journey, ending on a dour but brilliant note as the whole band seems to be swept out into a sea of crushing noise and defiant screams of "Well sink until we float.
How did working with Kurt Balluo helped shape your sound with this release? Vocalist/ guitarist Nat: Kurt really knows what he is doing. He gave us good input, but also allowed us to take all the time we wanted trying things out, making noise and getting the perfect sound. He really understood what the band was going for sound wise and did an excellent job capturing it to record.
How do you feel the band's evolving line-up over the years has changed your sound? With the addition of new members always comes new ideas and new people bringing their own style of writing and playing to the table. With the addition of Brad and James, the band was given some time to regroup and take a breather, so to speak. We were able to just work on being a band by practicing and writing all the time.
If there really was a Power Chord Academy, what do you think the most important class would be? The core curriculum at Power Chord Academy would be based around four classes: Riffology, Lickology, Chopism and Technical Prowess 101. All of these classes would be equally important, but the Riffology class might be the most fun.
(Level Plane)How did working with Kurt Balluo helped shape your sound with this release? Vocalist/ guitarist Nat: Kurt really knows what he is doing. He gave us good input, but also allowed us to take all the time we wanted trying things out, making noise and getting the perfect sound. He really understood what the band was going for sound wise and did an excellent job capturing it to record.
How do you feel the band's evolving line-up over the years has changed your sound? With the addition of new members always comes new ideas and new people bringing their own style of writing and playing to the table. With the addition of Brad and James, the band was given some time to regroup and take a breather, so to speak. We were able to just work on being a band by practicing and writing all the time.
If there really was a Power Chord Academy, what do you think the most important class would be? The core curriculum at Power Chord Academy would be based around four classes: Riffology, Lickology, Chopism and Technical Prowess 101. All of these classes would be equally important, but the Riffology class might be the most fun.
