Album Notes

Dave, Dennis, Mike and Will were not always The Realistics but they did always hang around together. These high school buddies spent their weekdays cutting class and their weekends roaming the streets of Manhattan sneaking into clubs and checking out every band they could.

Because of their common musical addiction, the guys started trading records with each other--from new wave to punk to obscure records from the 50's. Over the years, they played in bands but never played together until 3 years ago. One night they decided to head down to a practice space to just to make some noise and by the end of the night they had written their first two songs. Three weeks later, they played their rousing first show at a crowded outer-borough SRO that left the audience enraptured and clamoring for more.

From these rather humble beginnings, they all decided to quit their other bands and form The Realistics. Dave (drums), Dennis (vocals, guitar), Mike (vocals, bass), and Will (vocals, rollbars, oscillators) started playing around town, talking their way into New York stalwarts like the Mercury Lounge, Brownies and Don Hill's. Word quickly spread about their arresting performances earning them a devoted fanbase addicted to The Realistics' fueled-up brand of rock n' roll.

By late 2000, their consistently packed shows grabbed the attention of Tiswas Records owner Nick Marc who asked them to record for him. The result is 2001's energetic fireball, Real People Are Overrated. Following their debut release, they ventured outside the five boroughs to share the stage around the country with acts like Joe Strummer, Phantom Planet, The Strokes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Mooney Suzuki and Les Savy Fav.

The Realistics' showcase at SXSW in March 2002 earned them rave reviews, including the Austin Chronicle's, "New York's The Realistics give The Jam a run for their money with their retrofitted punk-pop. Hard to believe they've got only one guitar; there are more hooks here than in a dozen dimly lit lover's lanes and [chock full of] pogo-happy, Television-era punk rawk." Anxious to hit the studio again, the guys recently finished some new material in between U.S. tour dates during Spring 2002. In July 2002, the boys will head to England for a series of dates.

The Realistics' sound channels the force of a pack of teenage boys loose on the town for their first all-nighter, but with the polish of that one kid in high school that just seems cooler than the rest. With an addictive blend of bright tones, catchy hooks and raw energy, The Realistics have perfected the art of punk-wave pop that's informed by an eclectic array of musical styles and influences. From melodic ear candy to abrasive analog anthems, their songs are audio primary colors guaranteed to please.