"It has long been our opinion that Shebang is a textbook example of the aspiring artist who deserves to be heard. All 13 tracks on this CD have reinforced our opinion.
Shebang has once again called upon the wizardry of Brett Hestla and Justin Thomas to helm the production ...... The result is a collection of tunes that rock from start to finish."
- Jaime Eschelman
SHEBANG / PRETEND NOT TO NOTICE
Written by RockinRita
March 2008
Pretend Not to Notice, Shebang’s first full length Cd has a bona fide sound all their own.
Classify this as punk/modern rock, yet should easily appeal to a broad spectrum of music enthusiasts.
Every song is the complete package, no gaps between melody/lyric/or arrangement. Brilliant job by producer Brett Hestla.
Now I’m throwing some comparisons out there just to give a written visual.
Musically there’s the rhythm of the Ramones punk sound and the driving, bad ass rock melodies of say, Joan Jett.
Gina Longo's vocal has similarities of Flyleaf’s Lacey Mosley. High notes strong, great tone and range,
that quiver in the voice that makes a very good singer. Guitar work of Deb Cox is clear and clean,
and still smoking up that fretboard. Just listen to :53 second piece "This Has No Title". Sweet.
Track by Track
1) Still Waiting
"Waiting for the times to change,so we can stay the same."
Definitely radio potential in this song, if radio had potential. Hot guitar solo, great hook, pounding strength. 2) Pretend
"Pretend not to notice..."
Title track has even stronger hit factor, melody just stays in your head. 3) Strong Enough
"We have cried enough for now."
Pounding piece, excellent punk beat. 4) Spinning Lies
"You justify and I tranquilize my own pain."
Fast paced and catchy. Another perfectly structured song. 5) Asking
"Are you waiting over there, won’t you just stay over here?"
Nice harmonizing and percussion piece. 6) Think Again
"Every soul that you touch now, has to run for their life"
Dark and brooding, in both melody and lyric. Very hypnotic, once again with strong guitar solo. 7) Culture Shock
"9 to 5 I can’t breathe, this world drives me mad."
Absolutely amazing song. Shout spoken lyrics puts your fists up in the air. Cool bass line, drumming delight, guitar bliss. 8) Misunderstood
"With your dreams come your luck, your true romance"
Good story telling song. 9) What I Want
"I’m so far gone, but it’s what I want. Don’t help me I’m okay."
Nice bass line carries through melody. Nice use of stereo, listen through headphones. 10) Usual Mess
"How am I supposed to survive?"
Starts with enchanting acoustic guitar then kicks in royally. Gripping long note held by Gina really grabs hold of you and
gives shivers. This reviewers favorite song. 11) This Has No Title
Guitar solo that probably should have led into a song, such a tease. 12) How I Feel
"When did you see me walking out, slipping in the back row?"
Raging guitar rhythm and guitar solo, repetitious chorus. 13) One of These
"All our truths are not the same."
Groove is very similar to "How I Feel" just less guitar power and less repetition.
Nominated in late 2007 for an Independent Music Award in the Punk category for "Pretend" Shebang is an Orlando based female fronted punk/modern rock band that delivers radio friendly anthems with crunchy guitars and memorable hooks.
In 2005, New York native singer songwriter Gina Longo joined forces with alternative lead guitarist Deb Cox to record the 5 song cd "Wild Nights In High Heels" at Gridlock Studios in Orlando with Brett Hestla and Justin Thomas producing.
Gina's memorable radio friendly hooks and Deb's modern alternative guitar sound blend to give Shebang a unique sound all their own.
Shebang delivers a live show that promises to be the hardest hitting rocker girl shows ever.
The 2007 12 song full length cd "Pretend Not To Notice", released by the bands own label, Crunch Track, is finding it's way to college radio as Shebang focuses on live shows to promote the cd. Shebang continues to build a strong regional following as they continue to expand outside of their hometown of Orlando.
This female fronted punk meets modern alternative band is well suited for fans of both genres and will fit well in any modern rock radio format.
GINA LONGO!!! :) Save the Dates! Aug, Blue Meridian returns to Orlando.. and we mean the Blue Meridian you're used to. Donovan, Manny, Dean and Kevin! We have 4 events planned, all the details can be found on our myspace, but the highlights include Aug 7th at the Back Booth w/ Mighty Joe Plum, fully loaded and electric, an acoustic send off party at the Rock Bar (formerly Central Station) and some live air time on Real Radio in between. Tell your friends... Be seeing you soon!
GREAT TO MEET YOU LOVED YOUR SOUND... HOPE TO SEE YOU AT FINNEGANS AS WELL...I FORWARDED THE INFO BUT DROP HIM A LINE AS WELL..I LEFT THE DETAILS IN E-MAIL... THANKS... JAMMIE
Nominated in late 2007 for an Independent Music Award in the Punk category for "Pretend" Shebang is an Orlando based female fronted punk/modern rock band that delivers radio friendly anthems with crunchy guitars and memorable hooks.
