Greta Van Fleet

Silent Theory: A Rock Band's Journey from Idaho to the Charts

Silent Theory, hailing from Moscow, Idaho, is a rock band with a history as vibrant as their music. The band's roots stretch back to 2010, when drummer Mitch Swanger and lead vocalist Nick Osborn joined forces. They quickly recruited rhythm guitarist Bob James, as well as Mitch's brothers, lead guitarist Scott and bassist George, forming the core of the band.

Their debut album, "Black Tie Affair," released in 2011, marked the beginning of their journey. Signed to Turkey Vulture Records, Silent Theory embarked on a national tour after the album's release. However, the tour's success was shadowed by Nick Osborn's departure, leaving the band to forge a new path. They parted ways with their label and went fully independent.

Following Nick's departure, the band tried to find their footing again. They recruited Sean Walker, a singer from Seattle, Washington, in 2013, and released the single "Outta My Head." Unfortunately, this partnership was short-lived, as Sean pursued other musical interests. This left Silent Theory at a crossroads.

A fateful introduction in 2014 brought them together with vocalist Dakota Jerns. Their chemistry ignited, marking a turning point for the band. With Dakota on board, they released "Delusions," a powerful album that garnered significant recognition. The lead single, "Fragile Minds," soared on radio charts and YouTube, becoming the band's first video to reach over a million views.

In 2021, Silent Theory signed with Paul Crosby Management, the founder of the renowned rock band Saliva. This strategic move signified a new chapter for the band, propelling them toward even greater success in the rock music scene.

Silent Theory's story is one of persistence, resilience, and the power of finding the right combination of musicians to create captivating music. Their journey from Moscow, Idaho, to the forefront of the rock scene showcases their dedication and talent.

All Time Low: A Pop-Punk Powerhouse

Hailing from Towson, Maryland, All Time Low burst onto the scene in 2003, bringing a fresh dose of pop-punk energy to the music world. The band, comprised of Alex Gaskarth (vocals/rhythm guitar), Jack Barakat (lead guitar), Zack Merrick (bass/backing vocals), and Rian Dawson (drums), took their name from a lyric in the iconic New Found Glory song "Head on Collision."

From their high school days, All Time Low has become a touring machine, headlining countless shows and captivating audiences at major festivals like Warped Tour, Reading and Leeds, and Soundwave. Their relentless touring schedule has solidified their status as a live act, known for high-energy performances and infectious stage presence.

Their musical journey has yielded nine studio albums:

• The Party Scene (2005) - A debut that showcased their raw energy and early pop-punk influences.
• So Wrong, It's Right (2007) - A breakout record that solidified their place in the pop-punk scene.
• Nothing Personal (2009) - A more mature and introspective album that experimented with different sounds.
• Dirty Work (2011) - A raucous and energetic album that further cemented their live show reputation.
• Don't Panic (2012) - A concept album that explored themes of anxiety and self-doubt.
• Future Hearts (2015) - A critically acclaimed album that showcased their growth as songwriters.
• Last Young Renegade (2017) - An ambitious and experimental record that pushed the boundaries of their sound.
• Wake Up, Sunshine (2020) - A hopeful and optimistic album that resonated with fans during a challenging time.
• Tell Me I'm Alive (2023) - Their most recent release, capturing their signature pop-punk energy with a new-found maturity.

Beyond studio albums, All Time Low has also released two live albums:

• Straight to DVD (2010) - A live recording of their energetic performances.
• Straight to DVD II: Past, Present and Future Hearts (2016) - A celebration of their live journey, showcasing their evolution as a band.

Early Days:

The band's journey started in high school, covering their pop-punk heroes like Blink-182. Their original lineup included Alex Gaskarth, Jack Barakat, TJ Ihle, Chris Cortilello, and Rian Dawson. After Cortilello and Ihle left the band, All Time Low entered a brief period of dormancy until Zack Merrick joined on bass and Gaskarth took up guitar. This marked the formation of the lineup that would define their sound and success. They released a four-song EP in 2004 before signing with Emerald Moon Records, a significant step toward their future triumphs.

Hedgehog: A Sonic Spike Through China's Indie Scene

Hedgehog, the Beijing-based trio formed in 2005 by ZO (Zhao Zijian) and Atom (Shi Lu), has become a cornerstone of China's indie rock scene. Known for their infectious songwriting and electrifying live performances, they've earned a reputation as a must-see act across the country.

Their sound is a potent blend of influences, drawing from the raw energy of The Ramones, the melodic hooks of The Jesus and Mary Chain, and the grunge grit of Nirvana. This potent cocktail has landed them features in City Weekend's "The Beijing Bands You Should Already Know About" and "The Hottest Bands of 2011", solidifying their status as a major player in the Chinese music landscape.

A key element of Hedgehog's energy is Atom, whose small stature belies a ferocious drumming style. Her moniker, a nod to Astroboy, embodies her surprising power and energy. While ZO primarily handles lead vocals in both Mandarin Chinese and English, Atom also occasionally takes the mic, adding another layer of dynamism to the band's sound.

In 2011, Hedgehog took their sound stateside, embarking on a US tour alongside Xiu Xiu. This tour culminated in the recording of "[Sun Fun Gun]" in New York City, produced by Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's John Grew and Russell Simins.

Beyond their main act, ZO and Atom also have a side project, B-Side Lovers, which they formed in 2009. This two-piece venture allows them to explore a more experimental edge, focusing on raw songwriting and instrumental innovation.

Hedgehog, with its unique sound and explosive live shows, continues to push boundaries and pave the way for a vibrant indie rock movement in China. Their music, a sonic blend of influences and infectious energy, is a powerful force that transcends language barriers and captures the hearts of audiences both in China and beyond.

Mudvayne: A Sonic Revolution from the Heart of Illinois

Mudvayne, the heavy metal titans hailing from Peoria, Illinois, burst onto the scene in 1996, ready to redefine the genre. Known for their audacious sonic experimentation, theatrical face and body paint, and iconic masks and uniforms, Mudvayne became a force to be reckoned with, selling over five million records worldwide.

The band's core consists of Greg Tribbett (lead guitar), Matthew McDonough (drums), Chad Gray (lead vocals), and Ryan Martinie (bass). They were joined on stage by live rhythm guitarist Marcus Rafferty.

Mudvayne's journey began in the vibrant Peoria underground music scene, where they quickly gained notoriety. Their breakthrough came with the release of their debut album, L.D. 50, in 2000. The album's lead single, "Dig," became a heavy metal anthem, propelling the band into the spotlight.

After releasing four more critically acclaimed albums and touring relentlessly for nearly a decade, Mudvayne took a hiatus in 2010. However, their legion of fans never forgot them. In 2021, they triumphantly returned to the stage, proving that their sonic power remained as potent as ever.

The Early Days: Kill, I Oughtta, and L.D. 50 (1996-2001)

Mudvayne's roots can be traced back to 1996 when the band formed in Peoria. The original lineup featured Greg Tribbett, Matthew McDonough, Chad Gray, and bassist Shawn Barclay. It was Gray's unwavering dedication to the band that cemented their future. He quit his factory job, where he was earning $40,000 a year, to fully commit to becoming Mudvayne's lead singer.

In 1997, the band financed their debut EP, Kill, I Oughtta, a raw display of their emerging musical identity. During the recording process, Barclay departed and was replaced by Ryan Martinie, a seasoned musician formerly with the progressive rock band Broken Altar. This lineup solidified the band's sound and set the stage for their monumental rise to fame.

Get ready to unleash your inner punk with BAD DOG, a ferociously fun band where rebellious spirit meets playful mischief. Led by the fearless Snarls Barkley, their infectious tunes and high-energy performances are guaranteed to have you howling along in no time. With the thunderous drumming of K9 Crash and the blistering guitar riffs of Howler and Snaggletooth, BAD DOG's energetic sound will have you wagging your tail and diving headfirst into the mosh pit.

Elephant Gym: A Math Rock Juggernaut from Taiwan

Elephant Gym, a name that instantly conjures images of heavy riffs and intricate rhythms, is a math rock trio hailing from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Founded in February 2012 by siblings KT (bass) and Tell (guitar) Chang, alongside drummer Chia-Chin Tu, this band isn't your average rock outfit. The name itself is a powerful statement, with "elephant" symbolizing their bass-driven, monstrous sound and "gym" referencing their agility and unpredictable rhythmic prowess.

From Classical Roots to Math Rock Masters:

Each member brings a unique background to the group. KT and Tell were classically trained by their mother, while Chia-Chin honed his skills in classical percussion. This diverse musical upbringing formed the foundation for Elephant Gym's unique sound. After meeting at a high school music club, the trio wasted no time in forging their own musical path. They self-produced a limited-edition EP and toured Taiwan on their single "Ordinary Route", which later found its place on their debut album.

Early Success and Hiatus:

In May 2013, their first official EP, "Balance", dropped, featuring the standout track "Ocean in the Night" produced alongside Hong-shen Hong, the frontman of the acclaimed indie band Touming Magazine. The band continued to gain momentum, collaborating with pop singer Yoga Lin on the song "Speaking in Tongues", performing with him in Hong Kong and at Taipei Arena. Their debut album, "Angle", followed in June 2014, showcasing their signature sound through collaborations with artists like Panai Kusui and Enno Cheng. However, in December 2014, a year-long hiatus was announced due to Taiwanese compulsory military service. Their farewell performance, "See You Then", served as a poignant send-off, accompanied by a touching short documentary of the same name.

A Return to the Stage and Beyond:

In August 2016, Elephant Gym returned with a vengeance, releasing "Angle" in Japan and being invited to perform at the prestigious Summer Sonic Festival. Their post-hiatus period marked a new era, with the band continuing to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide with their electrifying live performances and innovative musical explorations.

Elephant Gym's story is a testament to passion, talent, and the enduring power of music. Their commitment to their craft and their captivating live shows have cemented their status as one of the leading forces in the global math rock scene. As they continue to evolve, Elephant Gym's legacy is poised to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.