Origin Theory plays with Wisteria!

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Check out their music!   Origin Theory Wisteria

Punch Drunk Poets “PDP” is a DC-based alternative rock quartet with a soulful yet psychedelic approach to rock. With a fresh approach to lyric-writing and an ear for eclectically melodic and rhythmic tunes, these nouveau feel-rock pioneers are building a completely new sound that still manages to be reminiscent of the glory days of songwriting and music. The band can certainly be described as having an original sound. Intricate rhythm and lead sections mixed with lyrics addressing subjects of depth and philosophical introspection, as well as fictional stories with humorous connotations will fulfill your musical desires.

In March 09, after two years under the radar and an intense creative cycle, PDP released its debut album “Another State of Mind”, produced by industry-veteran Jim Ebert (Butch Walker, Meredith Brooks, Cowboy Mouth, Marvelous 3, Niki Barr). The album is a refreshingly eclectic palette of rock, sporting raw poetic ballads in the traditions of Jeff Buckley and The Doors as well as raucous hard rock in the spirit of Soundgarden and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Having released their first album, PDP now is poised to build upon its live presence in the music scene as well as mastering the art of creating a sound of depth and accessibility by listeners. The band is currently engaged in yet another extensive creative cycle in preparation for a sophomore album, and gearing up for a small east-coast tour.

UPCOMING GIGS

A Sound of Thunder is currently recording their debut EP at Inner Ear Studios in Arlington, VA and busy rehearsing weekly at The Soundry.

Check them out on Myspace!

UPCOMING GIGS:

The main force behind the band is Karl Ridgeway, who plays guitar and occasionally jumps in for backup vocals against his will. Karl has been playing guitar for a very long time and gets progressively better at it every year. His main influences include a longstanding loyalty for Tool, a passionate love affair with Opeth, and a few (select) others such as Meshuggah (for rhythmic intricacy), Porcupine Tree, Dream Theater, and Dragonforce (in a tongue-in cheek sort of way). He also occasionally lends an ear to acoustic-based bands such as The Decemberists, Iron and Wine, and even singer/songwriter Imogen Heap. Karl has consistently written and recorded songs since high school, and is the driving force behind our creative efforts. He has also participated in numerous musical projects throughout the years. It is true that he is very talented, but it is even more true that he is persistent, driven, and (although it is a bit indulgent to say so) visionary.

In 2003, Karl formed Epistemic (www.epistemic.org) with Stephanie Hossfeld (myself), four other non-members of Origin Theory in Harrisonburg, VA. At this point, Karl and Stephanie were all ex-music majors at James Madison with a slight chip on our shoulders. At the time, forming a metal/prog band seemed like the perfect snub aimed towards the music department, although it was most likely unnoticed by anyone who could actually give a shit.

Influences

Our sound is generally a melange of slightly altered ripped-offish riffs that slowly evolve into something more unique. If we were to classify ourselves, we might say something confusing like melodic hard rock/gothic metal with a splash of acoustic, or maybe some sort of prog. Our songs tend to visit several different musical themes within one body, often contrasting greatly between sections in terms of style and time signature.

While Karl generally comes up with the original idea for a song, Stephanie usually writes the lyrics and vocal melodies.

Once the song has become less nebulous, Aaron, Aaron, and Ori write their parts to create a more finished sound. The synergy of the whole group often changes the songs even more, sometimes altering the overall form and flow and provoking other new ideas.

Another quirk to our band is that we use Subversion to designate and monitor tasks. Chalk that up to having four programmers in our midst (Karl, Ori, and the Aarons).

Origin Theory. Pretentious? Yes. Self indulgent? Oh definitely. But if we don’t, who will?

ON MY SPACE

http://origintheory.net

The band originated as a solo project sparked by front man James Stevens. In August of 2005, James began assembling a group to bring his solo compositions to the stage in a full band environment. Through this search James met Adam Lee, the first and last drummer to audition for the new project. It was then that the idea of expanding this solo effort into a full-on rock band became a realization. For over a year James and Adam played local and regional shows often with friends filling in on bass. The name Rome In A Day was christened in April of 2006 followed shortly thereafter by the band’s debut recorded offering, a five song EP entitled “Thin Air.”

The band started to really settle into its own in December of 2006, when Ali DiPippo came onboard to play bass guitar. In Ali, Rome In A Day discovered not only an accomplished bassist and vocalist, but also an exceptional talent for songwriting. Ali’s progressive rock background added an edgy twist to the material that has been regarded as a cornerstone of the band’s new sound. The trio continued to perform and write original material when in April of 2007 the final piece joined the puzzle in the form of bassist Jay Brazao. With Jay completing the lineup, Ali shifted to her more natural role of lead guitarist and the rest as they say, is history.

From a musical standpoint, Rome In A Day has something you may not have seen before. Equal parts modern rock edge and soulful vocal styling. Rome In A Day offers electrifying original music featuring strong male and female vocals combined with pure rock adrenaline.

Rome In A Day has performed at several of the region’s top venues such as the 930 Club (Washington DC) and Ram’s Head Live! (Baltimore), as well as several notable out of town venues including Grape Street Pub (Philadelphia) and Arlene’s Grocery (New York). Performance highlight’s of 2008 include “Shamrockfest” (DC’s largest outdoor music festival), Dewey Beach Music Festival, Steamtown Original Music Conference, DC101’s Last Band Standing Competition, and performing before a Washington National’s MLB Game.

website:  http://www.myspace.com/RomeInADayMusic
media:   http://www.youtube.com/RomeInADayMusic

SHOW SCHEDULE:

Good Juice are generally classified as heavy metal, although Thor scoffs at the notion of labeling the band’s sound. “We play rock n’ roll” is the band’s mantra. The band’s music takes on themes common in the genre including war, good versus evil, abuse of power, promiscuous sex, substance abuse, and “life on the road”. The band are currently rehearsing at The Soundry and preparing to launch a tour of select cities in the fall.