BLACKBOOK ROMANCE is one of the fastest growing modern rock bands on the east coast. The band formed in winter 2005, with vocalist J. Scott, guitarists Pat Bailey and Patrick Williard, their former bass player (all formerly of national faves Storm), along with drummer Jeff Wilhelm (formerly of one of the region's most sought-after bands, Floorbored). The band promptly recorded and released a new EP in 2005 entitled Side Effect, which immediately gained the band recognition in the music industry and attracted interest from various labels and management companies. After releasing SIDE EFFECT, their bass player left the group, and was later replaced by bassist Marc Brown, (formerly of Powertrip).
After briefly touring the club and showcase circuits, BBR entered the Shot At Cabo Wabo competition in Atlanta--an annual competition held across the nation (divided into area "markets").Although the fledgling band didn't take the whole competition, it left quite an impression--taking 2nd place and beating some 72 other bands, before returning home to North Carolina. The future for BBR seemed boundless. Upon the next phase in its career, the band now sought to pursue a vibrant, new sound. Wilhelm and Brown brought a new groove-based influence and sheer power to the band, which only added to the commercial appeal of the band's vibe. BBR launched a hybrid touring schedule for the remaining months of 2005--continuing through 2006; consisting of various music conferences, showcases, and club dates all along the east coast. Whie SIDE EFFECT showcased the band's commercial "hit" potential, the EP didn't reflect the band's newer, hard-driven sound, as hoped.
The group began writing and demoing more material, while keeping with their touring schedule. This material would later become BBR's second EP entitled "FALL OF MAN", after it recieved such warm reception from audiences at the live shows. But now, the band would again lose one more member. Patrick Williard departed from the band in the summer of 2006, with Marc Brown taking his position on guitar. The now-open bassist position, was filled by Matt Crow (formerly of regional faves, Epsilon Zero), after just 15 minutes into his audition with the band.
BBR was now ready to record its new EP. This time, the group enlisted engineer/producer John Pfiffner and HNBC Studios for the task. John's background in heavier rock music helped the band achieve the sound and energy that it was looking for. While BBR's touring schedule gets back into full-swing, FALL OF MAN cuts like: the funky and rocking "Grounded", the power-groove anthem "Learning To Be English", the mosh-pit inducing "Poisoned Tree", the dark and soulful "Save Me", and the band's heaviest, yet most-promising track yet "Open Up", pepper the FM airwaves along the east coast. "Open Up" will also be featured in the upcoming horror movie "Sin-Jin Smyth", along with a video for the track, featured on the DVD version. But once again they lost another member. This time the band parted ways with original guitarist Patrick Bailey. They then moved Matt Crow back home to guitar and auditioned several bass players, finally bringing in Shep Taylor, a seasoned musician and great personality. They finally feel that they have found the right line up. Reemerging as one of North Carolina's best up and coming bands, Blackbook Romance is contagious, infectious, and ready for your ears.
|
Online Now!
