SMOKE
Echo Code takes its name from a practice popularized by Vietnam War pilots, who substituted numbers as code for profanity in their patter and sneakily avoided getting reprimanded for saying too much profanity over the radio. Although vocalist/guitarist Donnie Honeycutt found this behavior to be a fascinating snippet of military history, and a perfect band name to boot, his talented three-piece group never ever relies on any such vague words or lyrical hieroglyphics to create its songs. Instead, the Charlotte, North Carolina act always gets straight to the point with consistently compelling music.
“We’re not a metal band, but we’re definitely not a pop band, either,” Honeycutt states, when asked to sum up the group’s style. And like many exciting new modern rock acts, Echo Code incorporates a wide variety of influences into its unique musical personality. Stylistic inspirations range from classic older sounds to relatively newer ones, stretching from Black Sabbath’s pioneering metal innovations to Alice In Chains’ breakthrough grunge sonic. “The vocal harmonies come from the Alice In Chains side,” Honeycutt explains, “and the groove and the chunk come from the Sabbath.”
The songs “River Of Nothing” and “Quicksand” evidence Echo Code’s firm grip on sound rock dynamics. “Rivers Of Nothing” begins with ominously jangling electric guitar, before the drums and bass hammer home its unrelenting rhythm. And by the time this track reaches its chorus, its tough musical groove has become seamlessly balanced with sweet vocal harmonies. “Quicksand” alternates between a crunching, irresistible guitar riff, and Honeycutt’s passionate vocal. No need to fear this quicksand; instead, gladly let it take you under.
In some cases, songs on the band’s full-length CD are derived from Honeycutt’s real life experiences. Such is certainly the case with one titled “Liar”. “I’d just gotten t-boned by a lady running a red light,” Honeycutt relates, still a little shell-shocked from this unexpected vehicular encounter. “And she just lied to the cop about it and said it was my fault.” Seeing how people can flat out lie -- seemingly without any hesitation -- somehow reminded Honeycutt of a few dishonest people he’s met over the years in the music business. “The song’s got kind of got a double meaning to it,” he continues. “It kinda leans more toward the music business and people who will say one thing and do another. And you’ve really got to work to figure out who you can trust and see through the smokescreens. It’s really about that -- the music business -- but it was inspired by a lady that lied right in front of me to a state trooper.”
In addition to the guitar playing, vocalizing leader it has with Honeycutt, Thad Nicholson holds down Echo Code’s bass, and Jeff Nunnery is its drummer. This rocking trio’s latest CD was skillfully produced and engineered by Patrick Boyd, who’s worked with many high profile artists, such as Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes and All-American Rejects, in the past. “Nunnery had worked with Patrick,” Honeycutt says, when elaborating on how the band’s association with Boyd came about. “Nunnery couldn’t say enough good things about him, so when it came time for us to get into the studio, we went and gave him a shot. And Nunnery was right; Boyd’s amazing!”
In Echo Code, Boyd has hooked up with a group of highly energized creators, ready to make sparks fly. Brace yourself for a power surge because Echo Code has electricity to spare. -Dan MacIntosh
CULPRIT STRAIN is gonna be in the 3rd/ SEMI-FINAL round of SCUMBUM RECORDS-BATTLE OF THE BANDS, tonite down at THE MONEY. Show starts around 7pm and tickets are $6 a head. YOU MUST HAVE A PICTURE I.D.. The Money is located on Cherry Rd. in Rock Hill across from Winthrop U. and behind the Mc.Donalds. So be there to support us and all the bands and get us into the finals that will be played at BOJANGLES ARENA on holloween nite!!!!!!!! Tickets for the finals will also be sold tonite for half price of $10. They will be $20 at the door the nite of the finals. Good luck to us all!!!
Yeah man, we did have a blast, when you come back in town get up wid me, go out and get some drinks, When ya'll are back in the area playin, let us know. Told Mason we need to go to one of ur shows. Have a good week!!!!
hey guys that's a tight page! Loved the bio and the story behind your band name. That's rockin! Hey if you guys ever get to TEXAS let's jam! I'm sure our fans will love you! As you can see our fan base is really growing. Trust me our fans got a lot of love to share so hit us up when you come this way!
