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Saturday 03 May 2008

Arthur Yoria * Southern Backtones * Pale

Arthur Yoria - (Houston, TX ) Based in Houston, TX, the Chicago native got a late start in music when he first picked up the guitar while attending the University of Houston. After stints in the Houston based bands, The Jeepneys and Lavendula, Arthur decided to set out on his own and released a 4-song, self-titled EP in 2001 followed by a 5-song EP, can you still look adorable in 2002. Having racked up rave reviews and nomination after nomination in the Houston Press Music Awards, Arthur felt it was time to record a full-length. So with the help of good friend and former Houston Rocket, Matt Maloney, 12Records, Inc. was created for that very purpose. Building on the success of the label’s first full-length, I’ll Be Here Awake which was released in 2004, Arthur has since released a 5-song EP of songs in Spanish(Suerte Mijo,) a 3-song EP(Something Must Be Wrong) and a full-length(Handshake Smiles) respectively. 2008 brings with it an entirely new approach to the music business for Arthur and 12Records. May will mark the release of the first in a series of 12 digital singles that will be released over the next 6 months. Out of the 12 songs, the fans decide through on-line voting which 10 songs will make up "The Fan LP" which will go to print on CD and/or vinyl. Whether it’s with his seasoned 4-piece band or with his “solo-electro” act in which Arthur showcases his mastery of guitar, vocal and beat looping, the live shows have been known to captivate even the most jaded of venue patrons. He’s toured the U.S. and South America as well as the U.K. playing on stages such as the Knitting Factory in L.A., Sin-e' and CBGBs in NYC and the world-famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, England. In addition, Arthur has had songs placed on the hit Fox tv show, the OC, the Fellicity DVD collection, various MTV shows, the National Lampoon film, Adam & Eve and has had songs featured in both Arizona Jeans and Domino's Pizza ad campaigns.

Southern Backtones -(Houston, TX) "Southern Backtones is not Southern rock. It is a sea of expansive, dark rock with the unmistakable, vampy touch of David Bowie and the indigo mood of Echo & the Bunnymen." - Houston Chronicle "The only way this could get any beautifully darker is if it grew black wings and flew away." - Ft. Worth Weekly "Alt-rock guitars, darkly poetic lyrics and a vocal style reminiscent of the mid-90s Britpop movement...the musicianship and songwriting on this effort are top notch. Highly recommended." - Exclaim! Canada's Music Authority "Smacks of mass appeal!" - Houston Press "If U2 came from Texas and were weaned on The Cult's big-guitar panoramas they would be called the Southern Backtones and they would rock." - Download.com "A must see of local music." - Daily Cougar "Rich sounding well crafted rockers." - ASCAP.com "The Southern Backtones have songs that the Killers and Strokes would kill for." - MetalUK.com "Best local release in Houston in 2006." - David Cobb, donewaiting.com "Excellent CD! Highest recommendation." - The Scene Magazine

Pale - (Houston, TX)  “The rock quartet is on fire… and could be on its way to becoming a headliner.” -TMZ.com “Pale is definitely on the verge of big things” -Wayne Kramer, MC5 “Calvin is a friend of mine and Houston should be proud to claim a band like Pale.” -Win Butler, Arcade Fire “They put on a great show…definitely a major label prospect.” -David Katznelson, CEO and President, Birdman Records “Pale has a true mainstream national appeal. A band that always puts on a big rock show whether playing a small club or theatre.” -David Cobb, Envy Magazine “’Here’ is a great record. It gets stronger with every listen” -Mitch Burman, Scott Stapp Band “Exceptional songwriting. I can’t help but smile at how truly original Pale has become.” -Janet Wilson, Dallas Observer “Moody and often marvelous” -Joey Guerra, Houston Chronicle "ENVY national pick of the month" -Envy Magazine March 2007 Lately, the indie rock band Pale cannot help but get noticed. Pale has spent the last several years honing their trademark blend of passionate melodies and explosive, guitar fueled choruses. As a result, the band has received impressive media attention, industry accolades, and invitations for several high-profile live performances, including opening for the likes of Depeche Mode, Rodger Waters, and Frank Black, and appearing on the television show ‘Extra!’ The band’s cohesive medley is completed with the honest songwriting and perfect chemistry between vocalist Calvin Stanley, guitarist Robb Moore, bassist Stephen Wesson, and drummer Travis Middour. Stanley’s powerfully emotive vocals are vaguely reminiscent of a Thom Yorke/Rob Dickinson hybrid, yet he creates a sound all his own. Pale belongs in every rock aficionado’s music collection.

 

Last Update Sunday 27 April, 2008