There are few formulas that cannot be improved upon, and the rock and roll power trio is one them. 1956 is such a trio from Milwaukee, WI; and are releasing their third long-player “Saboteur” here in their seventh year of existence. Comprised of eleven songs that touch upon the band’s experiences touring the country; “Saboteur” is a genuine, expressive portrayal of their worlds as only they could collectively create. Whilst many bands are finding it difficult to continue in today’s volatile musical landscape, 1956 are actually thriving by putting their creativity first through constant sonic and songwriting exploration. “Saboteur” introduces no less than four new instruments to their palette, meanwhile honing their craft of post-hardcore song arrangements and aesthetics. “Saboteur” is the perfect example of this consistent trio capturing their essence and further defining their highly-original sound.
1956 live is best described as something you feel, though you have to hear it to believe it. The sheer force of their epic sound is the product of, and counterpart to, their intricate and intertwined musicianship. While the purity of the band is also something to behold, as they place equal emphasis on the passion and the fun of what they do. They continue to reach and win new audiences, validated by an opening slot for the legendary Helmet. The show marked the beginning of another cycle of taking the music to the people, one town at a time. 1956 reminds us all why we love rock and roll: because they make every note, every word, and every emotion count.
***PRESS / REVIEWS**
Milwaukee’s 1956 pounds out the heavy, chugging alternative-rock riffs like the ones that proliferated throughout the early ’90s, but underneath the grind, the band reveals an unexpected softer side. “Persistent,” one of the standout tracks from the group’s measured 2007 album, Saboteur, is steeped in the same bleary-eyed pensiveness that made The National’s Boxer such a treat.
-The Shepherd Express
Saboteur is one of my favorite CDs to come out of Milwaukee in 2007. Their live show is as good as their studio stuff. Tight sound and some of the hardest working guys I've come across in quite a while. The sound reminds me of at least five of my favorite bands but no one I would dare compare them to (although The National did come up when we had them on our show). The tracks on Saboteur are not only great but their placement makes the CD a great trip. Can't wait to see them again!
-Adler, Kramp & Adler "Mornings of FM 102.1 WLUM"
Worth the wait; Whether it’s an issue of time, money, or perfectionism to the point of psychosis, sometimes it takes a long time for a band to finish a record. In the case of 1956, it took four years to finish the moody SABOTEUR. But the effort paid off.
-Steven Hyden, The Onion: Best of 2007
At the risk of bludgeoning the band with a comparison that it is bound to resent over the next couple of months, 1956’s latest album, Saboteur, sounds an awful lot like The National. FM 102.1’s morning DJs, Kramp and Adler, have already made the connection on air; I’m pointing it out again; and countless others will come to the same conclusion once they hear the disc. The band is going to have to learn to politely smile this one off.
Of course, the comparison is meant as a compliment. The National’s newest album, Boxer, has been one of the best-reviewed albums of 2007, and Saboteur nails the same tricky dynamic: the brooding vocals, the
hypnotic, slow-burn tempo, the poised guitar hooks, the alternating whiffs of melancholy and triumph. And it’s not like Saboteur blatantly seeks to replicate Boxer. 1956’s underlying sound is much heavier than The
National’s, grounded in hard alternative and tough post-hardcore groups like The Jesus Lizard and Helmet. In their earlier days, 1956 played up those louder influences; now they’re shooting for something a little more
reserved and even-tempered.
-Evan Rytlewski, Shepherd Express
1956 is one of those bands that remind you of what music is missing today. It brings me back to the days when Music meant something more then just how the lead singer cut his hair or how many myspace friends a band had.
1956 has a rhythm section that can’t be denied. The bass work on some of these songs is great, really exploring the possibilities of the instrument in context with modern rock without showing off or losing focus.
-Benjamin Weinman (Dillinger Escape Plan)
1956... part Helmet, part Deftones, and all rock n roll. They bring a fresh new sound to the Milwaukee music scene. A band to watch for!!
-Kurt Baron, 94.1 WJJO FM
An assemblage of three men, all dedicated to the creation of strong rock music since 2001, 1956 enter the venue prepared for an aural, yet visceral, onslaught of sounds, pushed to the limits of conventional musicianship.
i realize that it might not be in the current plan. But i NEED a 1956 show!!! Its controlling my life!
I tried to put on my own 1956 show, but i hit my head trying to be Troy!
I'm even at the point of making promises that i cant keep to get you guys to play a show soon. So if you wanna come out to chicago i can probably get Jesus Lizard to come watch and hang out. That work?
Hey guys, hope your show went well this weekend. Do you have anymore coming up soon?? I will be in Milwaukee in November so say yes! Stephanie, Grey Skies
Hey all! Don't forget MARS from New Orleans and The Naima from Milwaukee are playing Club G's this Monday. We also just set up a show at the Uptowner that Wednesday August 19th. This is a do not miss show! We would love to show some support for the touring bands. Hope to see you there!!
Getting close with the new line-up....a couple more months till 100% rock power is established,...but its coming together very well............Probably be a couple new tunes demo'd on the site in the coming weeks. We would love to hook up with 1956 over the late fall/winter/spring for a show. What is 1956 up to? EM
we're back in Milwaukee at Stonefly on Thu. July 23rd at 10pm w/ Disguised as Birds and King's Horses!
our friend Matt says we're like Jellyfish performing a Satanic Majesty's request for a fuzz pedal cabaret or Queen melting in lava while Kenneth Anger films the whole ordeal in a lurid over exposed 8mm. our friend Corby says we're as inspired by Tim Burton as anything else, all Pee-Wee's Big Adventure goes to hell, all Beetlejuiced out. we say at least it's music, and everyone could use a good show. come see us!
Hello! We're opening for the Meat Puppets! Clink the link below to
purchase tickets. All ages show. Everyone is welcome. There is a very
limited number of tickets. Hurry! Thanks.
![Lollipop Factory [on tour]](http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/89/s_053a23d8a0d44cc1808d52386573e5a3.jpg)
