San Jose’s Serenity Now! has metalled it up for its forthcoming album, The Ultimate Trip. A Sabbathy Zep influence is not exactly what one might have expected from the band that has found its biggest success so far with the sweet slice of alternapop that was “Miss Congeniality.” The hooks are as strong as ever, and just when you think you have the group pinned—or repinned—“Folks Like Me” rolls out as a poignant Gram Parsons–esque ballad, and the album’s best song, “The Long Way to Suicide,” sounds like a song from the fourth album Big Star should have made instead of In Space.
- San Jose Metro
Serenity Now! is a three-piece rock band from the San Francisco Bay Area. Led by singer/guitarist Erik Fong, the band is built on an unlikely combination of influences that forms what has quickly become its signature sound of love-and-hate, sweet-and-angry aural juxtapositions. Think: the simple, hooky songwriting of Nirvana; the memorable riffage of Megadeth; the harmonies of Phil Spector and the Beach Boys; the raw and organic feel of Aerosmith and Guns; the catchy sweetness of the Raspberries and Cheap Trick; the rock n' roll philosophy and unpredictability of the Queens of the Stone Age; the lonely, introspective lyrics of Joe Jackson and Ric Ocasek.
The band debuted in 2005 with its three-song EP, Art Irritates Life, which offered a glimpse into Fong's early '90s alternative influences and a massive sound that one iTunes reviewer labeled as reminiscent of the "...wall of sound on low." Building upon the strengths of song and sound, Fong recruited hard-hitting drummer and fellow East Bay native John Riggs, along with well-known local bassist Leon Marcelis. The duo complemented the upbeat energy of Fong's driving guitar and powerpop-influenced vocals for Serenity Now's 2007 full-length album, Destruction of the System from Within. The summery, catchy, hook-laden, two-and-a-half-minute "Miss Congeniality" caught enough ears to earn a spot on such places as Bebo's August Monthly Mix (alongside G Love, Bitter:Sweet, Donavon Frankenreiter, Joan as Police Woman and more) as well as Insomnia Radio's San Francisco podcast (alongside Asobi Seksu, Band of Horses, Oranger, Unjust and more). Destruction was also added to iTunes' 2008 "Next Big Thing" promotion, which highlighted up and coming artists. Live performances during the Destruction era included an exclusive private show at the iTunes headquarters in Cupertino, CA.
Serenity Now!'s latest effort, The Ultimate Trip, was recorded in October 2008 at Prairie Sun Studios (Primus, Faith No More, High on Fire) in Cotati, CA. Minding key creative phrases like "'70s powerpop on steroids" and "What would Zeppelin do?," the band filled the seven-song release with a wide variety of hooks and grooves, mixing things up nicely in a clear refusal to ever be labeled a one-trick pony. From the melancholy, alt-country-inspired solitude of "Folks Like Me" to the acoustic Spanish-folk feel of the title track to the war-driving march of "Reap the Whirlwind" to the '50s-style pop thump of "The Long Way to Suicide," the band's musical menu continues to grow. Completing the East Bay connection, bassist Marcelis was replaced with Fong's childhood neighbor and fellow metalhead, Eric Mullin. Mullin's smooth, tasteful, melodic bass lines have provided the perfect bridge between Fong's and Riggs' balance of groove and precision.
Along with the official release of The Ultimate Trip in the early part of the year, Serenity Now! plans to spend the majority of 2009 on the stage, giving its fans as hard, loud and energetic of a live rock n' roll show as it can. And of course, not to be pigeonholed, Erik will also pursue solo acoustic shows.
For booking, interviews, promo discs or Serenity Now's EPK, please contact info@serenitynow1.net.
Buy The Ultimate Trip on iTunes
Buy Destruction of the System from Within on iTunes
Buy Gather the Masses on iTunes
Buy Art Irritates Life on iTunes
Erik..Can't make it for the singing competition tonight because of open mic...but I know you will do well...at least I hope so..we would not want you to go breaking stuff! Flyer is all set I'll get a copy to ya soon. Later!
Playing METRO MAY-HEM tomorrow night so we won't be able to make it out to your show- have a good one and catch up soon... Hey did you every get a hold of Gary? Cheers- -Jym
No worries guys... I just wanted to do as much as I could for him and I do understand schedules...you know you are my favorite band so I wanted you to be there...We got the Stereo guys to come out...and many more...plus my band Sling Blade will be there as well... I know you will all be there in spirit. Be well guys!!!
Guys... Nancy lost her brother on the 2nd of May... We are putting together a benefit show in his honor at Schellys on May 14th Thursday to help pay for his expenses. I am providing all the equipment...drums..P.A. Amps everything...Bring your guitars or bases and the rest is covered. For you Eric I know you may want to bring your 5150..I have one as well... all I ask for is for you guys to show up if possible. I have some of the guys from Tesla comming and am trying to get at least 6 bands together. I will pay out of my own pocket for gas or whatever you need but we need you guys. Going to send a message to Stereo Freakout to see if they will come too. Either way.. Thank you and be well.
You guys are the Bomb!!! I appreciate your music! A good friend of mine bought the old Schellys's stage we built it and set it up this week with full P.A. and Drum riser...sits on 4 Acres...More details later... hope you guys can come out and help us do a couple of shows...would be great to showcase at. Anywho... take care and know that you have a great friend!!! BEER!
Hey there!..sorry I couldn't make it out to ur show on Wednesday..but hopefully i'll be able to catch da next one! In the meantime, you should come hang with all of us at Schelly's on Thursday nights for jam night cuz I'd like to chat with u some more and u really should check out Art, it would totally be worth ur time! ;) Anyway, take care!
Eric..Eric and John...once again glad to see you guys...listen to my music and see and hear what I am doing...mostly ideas but hopefully you will get a measure of what I do. Jam night at Schellys if you are interested. Be well guys!!!!
Eric ...Eric ...John...All I can say is BAD ASSSSSS!!!!!!!! Hope to talk to you guys really soon. Thanks for letting me up there on such a whim. Sending you some contact information and some music.
