Bad Science Fiction is making waves as a "new" San Diego band, with a live show that includes go-go dancers with snakes and psychedelic lights, as well as a strange sound that can't easily be labeled. The musicians are hardly newcomers, though. Chuck Schiele, a singer/ songwriter in the acoustic Americana group the Grams, wanted to plug in and rock, and Bad Science Fiction became a side project. In 2007 he was joined by friend and guitarist Mike Head (of Country Rockin' Rebels), who became a partner in the project, which eventually became a band. Other local musicians joined to record their debut disc, Therefore.

The 11-song disc is produced by Schiele, with four instrumental tracks cowritten and coproduced by Schiele and Head. Since both guys are experienced producers with their own studios in Ocean Beach, the production is flawless. The sound is designed to be unusual and is tough to peg; a sort of post trip-hop fusion of electronic background noise overlaid with a pounding house beat, overdriven electric lead guitar riffs, spacey keyboards, and clever lyrics. The dense sound mix is so smooth that the multiple loops, computer effects, and percussion fill the empty spaces perfectly without crowding the central vocal and guitar focal points.

"Rise Up" is a strident call to action with lead singer Schiele taking a political stand, invoking Dr Luther King at one point. Hypnotic keyboards weave in and out of aggressive, distorted guitar by Head. A lighter touch is given "92107 (yeah...)", about OB, as Schiele sings about "another beautiful day" and Head answers with some quicksilver licks. The next three tracks are "Candyman Suite," beginning with the percussion instrumental "Ghetto Hash," and moving into "Work It Out." This track plows forward with an almost straight-ahead guitar rock approach, a highlight with a strong vocal by Schiele and more good work by Head. "Bad Requiem" is another instrumental, the best on the disc, built around computer effects, percussion, and a guitar riff; the next tune adds funny lyrics and some funk chords to a similar structure for "Go James Brown." "Love Factory," which shares its title with the Grams' latest album, is more funk, with a big dance beat and background vocals, while the vocals and instruments in "Judas" seem to fade in and out of an electronic fog. Things get heavy on "Voodoo," another highlight that recalls late ‘60s psychedelia, with an almost straightforward, bluesy guitar riff rock tune augmented by some nice acid rock guitar touches and plenty of reverb; it is like a lost cut from a Love or Quicksilver Messenger Service album.

Therefore has an experimental sound, which samples freely from electronica dance music and heavy rock to form a hybrid that succeeds on its own terms. Bad Science Fiction hasn't reinvented the wheel, but has found a new and very enjoyable way to roll.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Bad Sci Fi's debut release "Therefore" is a fantastic collection of songs, sounds and interesting bits that will tickle your ears in pleasure.
They know how to write and perform a good, solid rock song- listen to the anthemic "Rise Up" (an ode to Martin Luther King) or the straight ahead drive of "Work It Out." They also know how to funk and grind with songs like "Go! James Brown." Classic rock fans will love the guitar shredding and modern listeners will appreciate the mashup of solid grooves and electronica sounds. 
Bad Sci Fi is commanding during live performances; complete with costumes, go-go dancers, lights, fog, props and all. They understand that music is entertainment and they give their audience a full show. Even when stripped down of accoutrement, they're seasoned performers who know how to rouse a crowd. Bad Sci Fi have a video on YouTube for "Rise Up." It's weird and wonderful just like the band.
Buy this CD, better yet buy 2- they're small :-)  It's fun, it's good. Go see Bad Science Fiction live. Ask for them by name. Bad Sci Fi was just nominated for a San Diego Music Award for Best New Artist. They're a great band, you're gonna love 'em.
                            Read more...