Sohns

Drivers,

A little over three years ago I had the pleasure and privilege of booking and performing alongside Texas' own: Sohns. At that time both of our projects were on the Kentucky based nonprofit label Mayday! Mayday! Records. On that tour Sohns had ventured all the way down to the murky swamps of South Florida with their very close friends and fellow San Antonio natives: The Grasshopper Lies Heavy. Initially, upon hearing Sohns I was completely and utterly blown away. The vocal range was something that was unlike almost anything I had ever heard ranging in spectrum from insanely high pitched yelling and screaming to extremely guttural growling and chanting. The music commanded me to instantaneously start banging my head to the rolling beats and hum along with the edgy guitar and bass riffs as they all intertwined together weaving into the bands eclectic sound. 

At the time of our meeting the band was comprised of Alex Mendez (vocals), Marcos Gossi (guitar), Wes Dunn (bass), and Lawrence Mecado (drums). The year is now 2012, and many things have changed…including Sohns. Although the band's lineup has changed, now consisting of Alex Mendez (vocals), JC Rodriguez (guitar), Luis Enrique Farklas Trevino (bass), and Lawrence Mercado (drums), the band continues to break new ground with their explosive tunes. 

Ripe/Rot 7” is the story of Vincent Calloway as told by Sohns. 

Stream the album via The Flannel Gurl Records BandCamp page or below.

This is the bands first release on their new label; the one and only Virginia based Flannel Gurl Records. Check out the video for the song “Abomination” off the Ripe/Rot 7” below.

Sohns just wrapped a summer tour with The Reptillian that took the bands through the east coast, parts of Canada, and back through the Midwest. Watch the video flyer below for exact dates. The video is for the song “Soul Salvation” off the Ripe/Rot 7” and was filmed at one of the band’s shows in San Antonio.

If you’re a fan of heavy music, high-pitched vocals, or parties…this band is definitely for you and certainly worth the listen. Enjoy the tunes and pass them on.

-Marshal

 Montgomery Drive 

Algernon Cadwallader

Drivers,

Rumors have been swirling for sometime but its official…Algernon Cadwallader has been laid to rest. The Philadelphia three-piece that was comprised of Tank Bergman, Peter Helmis, and Joe Reinhart announced the unfortunate news through the official Algernon Cadwallader Blog shortly after midnight on August 26th, 2012. Tank Bergman wrote:

I've had an amazing past 5 years touring and writing music with my best friends Peter and Joe. So here's the news: I'm having a kid and got a nursing job! I'm stoked about a little Tank running around with drumsticks. Unfortunately I'm unable to tour anymore.

You can read the full statement here. Since the bands formation in 2007, they released two full-lengths: 2008's Some Kind of Cadwallader and last year's Parrot Files in addition to releasing several 7"s.


The three friends crafted an excellent sound utilizing Kinsella esque vocals, beautiful harmonies, and amazing energy that all coincide with each other perfectly to create one of the best emo bands of our time and possibly all time. Taking off where Cap’n Jazz left off, Algernon Cadwallader takes the sound and expands on it making use of lots of finger tapping and noodling techniques to construct their melodic tones and tunes. In addition to creating music the trio created numerous other things. Peter Helmis created all the bands t-shirt designs. Joe Reinhart recorded and mixed all the band’s music in his studio The HeadroomPhiladelphia. The trio collectively printed all their shirt in their own warehouse in addition to personally booking all of their tours. Furthermore, the three members of Algernon Cadwallader own a record label, Hot Green Records.

The catalog left behind by Algernon Cadwallader will undoubtedly be one that is sought after and treasured by many for years to come. The fantastic music by Tank Bergman, Peter Helmis, and Joe Reinhart will continue to influence many musicians and speak to its multitude of listeners. 

Although the news of Algernon Cadwallader's end comes following weeks of rumors, the breakup is a definite loss for the music community. If you haven't already heard the bands excellent tunes I would highly recommend the song: "Some Kind of Cadwallader" as a great starting point. Check out the song and watch the video of them performing "Serial Killer Status" above.

-Marshal

 Montgomery Drive