Album Notes

Infectious, stunning, and catchy are a few phrases used by music critics to describe Anchorage, Alaska's The Roman Candles, often hailed as the best rock and roll band in the state. The Roman Candles began at the tail end of 1997 and have flickered off and on several times while evolving into the rock powerhouse they are today. The current lineup includes some of the most talented musicians in Alaska, including Jared Woods (voted top male singer/songwriter by the Anchorage Press 2002), his brother Christian, Gena Gastaldi (of See Danny), and Erik Braund (of JEB).

Last year, principal singer/songwriter Matt Hopper won the rock category in Alaska Public Radio's Song of the Year Contest and the song landed on the "Seen/Unseen" Benefit Compilation alongside Frank Black and the Catholics, the Czars, Over the Rhine and the Denver Gentlemen. Fledgling indie Absalom Recordings put out the Candles' first EP then folded shortly thereafter, leaving the Candles without a label.

The band has shared the stages with Starflyer 59, Pedro the Lion, Damien Jurado, Dan Bern, The Gin Blossoms, The Young Dubliners, and Switchfoot while also performing their own sold out shows locally. They have played major Anchorage and Fairbanks venues including the Wilda Marston Theatre, Atwood Concert Hall, Chena Convention Center, and continue to expand their touring to all major markets in Alaska and soon beyong Alaska's giant borders.

Most rock bands nowadays feel lucky if they can get off the stage without breaking any instruments. The Roman Candles feel lucky if they can get away without breaking any bones. Their live performance is that of sweat and furious pounding of their respective instruments. Their melodies, however, are their secret weapon, sticking into the hearts and heads of their audience long after the last chord has been sprung.

The band is beginning a lower 48 tour in September of 2003, and will release the follow up to Bang! Bang! Bang! in late 2003/early 2004, alongside a DVD full of live clips and music videos.

Matt Hopper - Vocals, Guitar
Jared Woods - Guitar, Vocals
Erik Braund - Drums
Gena Gastaldi - Keys, Vocals
Christian Woods - bass