Reviews of The Passive Aggressives:
Those who feel there aren't enough women in rock who actually rock will want to take note of the Passive Aggressives, out of the San Francisco Bay Area. The quartet has a rocking, bass-heavy sound that is a refreshing throwback to the alt funk/rock/metal scene of the late '80s and early '90s. While their sound recalls certain artists from that era, it's hard to think of anyone on the modern music scene who compares with the Passive Aggressives. Vocalist Keren Gaiser, who once served in the Israeli military has some stellar pipes that sound great stretching over power trio grooves which provide a launching pad for her to belt it out, but don't force her to scream. The name of the band perfectly captures her vocal style, and it's an alluring one. Guitarist Jose Santiago has got chops and melody and really knows how to use a wah-wah pedal, while bassist Damian Lynch and drummer Tim Dayner have a tight chemistry.
--Bullzeye Magazine
Liquid, almost twangy female vocals front this rough and ready dry-punk outfit. The contrast catches the ear; the funky, hard rock song constructions and Raggedy-Ann-in-the-gutter grit retain it. This is a highly promising young band.
-- Jon Sobel - BC Magazine-
This is the real deal and I love it.
Hating on the Bush administration and Republicans in general is quite in vogue now. But this funky quartet bounces and weaves from cliches with their bass-laden alternative rock sound. You can tell this is one helluva good live band as their songs just jump right out of this album. The group isnt putting up a facade, this is the real deal and I love it.
- J-Sin of Smother Magazine
After seeing the title of this post, you might have thought that you were going to be reading about some sort collaborative project between Primus and Veruca Salt. That would be really cool, but you're getting something that's just as good and with just as hard a rock 'n roll punch: The Passive Aggressives. Plus, it's something new and unique, despite the similarities to the previously mentioned bands, which makes the music all that more interesting to listen to. The Passive Aggressives give the feeling that something is about big and angry is about to erupt.
-- Radio KRUD
As their name suggests, tempos changing from melodic to all out guitar lead aggression and back in a heart beat. This isn't a bad thing though, as it keeps your attention. Whatever label you want to throw on it, the bottom line is that it's fresh, different, and takes a stand.
-- Indie Music Stop
You're in for something different, a bizarre mix of rock and stomp that throws with the best of 'em. Keren and the boys have got it going on and then some.
www.thepassiveaggressives.com
-- Starr Tucker New York Waste Magazine
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About The Passive Aggressives:
Few bands are more aptly named than The Passive Aggressives. The term itself hints at the unresolved conflict at the heart of their music, and in many respects, speaks to the creation of their sound. Mixing aspects of Progressive Pop and Alternative Metal, it's a sound not easily defined (definitely a passive aggressive move). Sweet-sounding melodies draw the listener in, a voice coos and then the hammer comes down creating a full bipolar listening experience -- dynamics at their extreme. Perhaps it can be called "libido rock" - Mixing in the progressive metal parts of bands like Tool and Primus and the Pop Rock parts of artists like Heart and Evanescense. The San Francisco based quartet's, full-length album, "Conflict Resolution" is like nothing currently out there -- and they want you to know it. Enjoy!
Consisting of Keren Gaiser on vocals, Jose Santiago on guitar, Damian Lynch on bass and Tim Dayner on drums, the Passive Aggressives may be rooted in styles both past (Heart/Primus) and present (Mars Volta/Audioslave), but the way they came together is pure internet-era -- through ads on Craigslist. Music brought Keren to San Francisco after serving in the Israeli military. And, after establishing a solo pop career which included multiple CDs and shows in the US, Europe and the Middle East, Keren was looking to find a solid group that could hold its own against the power of her voice. Jose, Damian and Tim had been in the Alt-Metal band Feral Moan, a Bay Area favorite, but in meeting Keren online during their search for a new vocalist, they found the unique piece needed to create an original sound.
Conflict resolution was recorded in Artspoke Studios in Albany, California, where the band pushed the envelope further than they did on their debut EP "Reloaded." The new album features 15 tracks that tackle much more difficult subjects. Whereas the first release discussed external societal issues like prostitution, gambling and politics, "Conflict Resolution" takes a more personal look at more internal conflicts like depression, guilt, isolation, and suicide. In another Passive Aggressive move, the lyrics are thoughtful, passionate, and designed to exist on multiple levels where meanings shift with each listen. "One More Look" is either a love song to a spouse, a discussion of eyes, or verse attacking racism. And, if it is a love song, they counter the statement with "All We've Got Is Now," the anti-love song praising the virtue of seizing the moment. The album's rock- ballad, "Don't Want To Be You," compares the loneliness caused by an absent father with the personal guilt of abandoning one's own family. Says Keren, "its about me being grumpy at my old man." The album thrives on extreme dynamics such as "World Of Compromise," which gradually builds from an acoustic guitar folk melody into a climax of full metal angst detailing, as Damian says, "an Ode to Bill Gates and the dog eat dog corporate culture." The most groove based of the tracks, "Slice It Away" deals with suicide and the track "Soundtrack To The Voices In My Head" takes an intellectual stab at the media in a rocked out punk anthem.
While the lyrics are intentionally ambiguous, it is the Passive Aggressives' virtuosic playing that announces itself immediately to each listener. The rhythm section of Damian and Tim simultaneously steadies and fuels the band, so that Jose can mix severe melodic and explosive playing and Keren has a foundation to, as Jose says, "Tear the roof off of the building."
Even while their debut EP is still getting airplay on college radio stations across the US and Canada, The Passive Aggressives are ready to gain an audience the old-fashioned way; face to face and show by show, overwhelming audiences with their fun, adrenaline fueled live show. With tours of California and the west coast behind them, the band is actively pursuing festivals across the country and Europe. Their music was received by more than 25,000 people in Austin at this year's SXSW, and you will soon see them at a festival near you. Conflict Resolution is the release you've been waiting for, and the promise of their debut Reloaded is now fulfilled.
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