Never before has there been a more accurate representation of an Acquiesce concert than on their newly released EP, "Shattered". Packed to the brim with monstrous guitar-based riffing and alluring vocal hooks, this album is as good as rock 'n roll gets. Clearly, to these boys, it doesn't matter if you are fancy; what matters is the music, and the music is rock. Each of the five tracks highlights the incredible blend of audacious lead guitarist Dan Sweeney and the intriguing lead singer Brett Kohart. Thanks to continuing support from power-drummer Jim Spengler, the overall tempo and intensity of this new album bring Acquiesce to a new level of greatness. Their unique blend of classic rock and modern sensibility grab you from the very first riff and never let go.
From beginning to end, this album rocks, and you'll want to hear every song over and over again. "Shattered" is by far the best Acquiesce album to date. Note worthies include the ripping opener "Messing With You" the title track, "Shattered" as well as the ballad "When It Changed" which one day, to no one's surprise, will make it onto the soundtrack of a major motion picture. In a time where mainstream rock is suffering from a severe identity crisis, here comes a band that is nothing but down n' dirty, real rock'n'roll.
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What began as a casual jam in 2001 has grown into citywide recognition of musical dominance. Testimony to their ability, business acumen, and unparalleled enthusiasm lies not only in their Sold Out headlining spot at Gotham's famed Bowery Ballroom in March 2004, but also in the fact that they accomplished this extraordinary goal with no formal assistance. Relying solely on a spectacular high-voltage live show, self-released albums, word of mouth, a web site, and a single email list, Acquiesce continues to accelerate in pursuit of worldwide recognition. So far, this "take-no-prisoners" attitude has paid off.
Not to be outdone, East Villagers Brett Kohart (vocals /guitar), Dan Sweeney (guitar), Alec Senese (bass) and Jim Spengler (drums) have played to packed houses from Boston to Chapel Hill, breaking more than a few attendance and bar records along the way. Acquiesce has also sold out hometown spots like the Mercury Lounge, Maxwells, Don Hill's, Pianos and Arlene Grocery. These dramatic performances, straddled between exhilarating summer shows on Long Island (Stephen Talkhouse, The Inn, Surf Club) and winter shows in Washington D.C. (Black Cat, Velvet Lounge) have brought the band a loyal following more established bands would kill for.
Acquiesce exudes authenticity. The longstanding friendship between members, devotion to their audience, straightforwardness in song, and genuine passion for life all speak for themselves when Acquiesce claims the stage. The ever-present and universally impressive support they receive reveals itself most obviously when crowds of expectant fans return time and time again in larger numbers to see them play. With over fifteen hundred CDs sold at these shows, Acquiesce has maintained a level of success most unsigned bands can never hope to attain.
With an all-American image and a classic approach to rock 'n roll, Brett, Dan, Jim, and Alec strive for purity of heart, simplicity of purpose, and depth of passion in their lives and in their music. While ostentatious in show but humble in spirit, Acquiesce believes in keeping their stage supremacy unquestionable, their dedication indelible, and their live show electrifying. There is no doubt that their sonic footprint has grown massive or that their single-handed ascendancy is admirable. Soon enough, Acquiesce will become a household name; one synonymous with hard work, talent, and pride.
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