Hailing from New Haven, Connecticut and currently residing in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Bad Apples is a rock trio consisting of James Albis (Fender Rhodes, keyboards), BJ Felsted (bass), and Dave Witter (drums). Drawing on such influences as Steely Dan, David Bowie, and Talking Heads, Bad Apples continue to impress every new ear that hears them with their catchy melodies, lively harmonies, and tight grooves.
Fresh off the September 2007 release of their debut album, Home, the band has been touring steadily throughout the northeast, while sharing the stage with national acts such as The Breakfast and funk legends Tower of Power. Home showcases Bad Apples' versatility - from their acute pop sensibility in "Danny Movefastly" to their jazz chops in "Jackpot" to their ability to rock in "What Makes You Go" and "Days" - while paying homage to the place where they grew up and the people that were closest to them. Further testament to their artistic range is a guest appearance by rapper Black Child of The Inc. Records (formerly known as Murder, Inc.) in "Moses Poses: Private Eye."
Project413.net dubs Bad Apples a "perfect example of another overlooked band," but they have been far from overlooked during their four months of touring, wowing crowds with their distinct sound and rocking tunes. Playing at the St. Peters Village Oktoberfest, East Haven Fall Festival, and venues such as the world renowned Toad's Place, Bad Apples have developed a following in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. You can also hear them featured on the websites woozyfly.com and jamnow.com, or on the radio on New Haven's WPLR and William Patterson's WPSC.
Bad Apples show no signs of slowing down in 2008, continuing to tour and always writing new music. Keep up with the band at www.thebadapplesarebitter.com for tour dates, news, and other info.
'Home' album review in Bootleg Magazine
On Home, New Jersey’s Bad Apples come across as a jam band more interested in having fun than filling ears with long winded musical journeys. There are lengthy numbers on the album - fueled by jazz and funk resulting in amiably dance ready songs for the hippie crowd as much as the next square in the room.
The trio finds inspiration and fruitful creativity through funk, rock and even rap on one track (‘Moses Poses: Private Eye’). On ‘Acid Reflux’ the bounce is layered with popping drums and playful keyboards. The jazzy and soulful strut of ‘Jackpot’ is reminiscent of The J. Geils Band and Smashmouth fused in an after hours club. Singer (and drummer) David Witter’s deep gut vocals are tempered with coffee and whiskey, raspy like Dr. John and throaty like a New Orleans street preacher. ‘The Smell’ is wonderfully nervous, think ‘House of the Rising Sun’ with a faster pace and sweeter harmonies. Its carnival-esque piano driving rhythm makes it a standout among the variety of songs on Home.
However, it’s the plodding rhythm of ‘I-95’ that illustrates the smart complexity of the band. It plays evenly – steady drumming and keyboards that sound like a xylophone and guitar that exercises restraint along the way, building just enough to tease but never achieving more than it needs to be. But ‘It’s My Time’ is an album highlight, funky and catchy enough to bridge all the races, and ‘Days’ flows like honey. James Albis’ driving piano notes coupled with organ cut deep, rolling over one another like playful children. It’s a song made for radio airplay.
Bad Apples are Steely Dan meets Smashmouth meets Blues Traveller meets Ben Folds Five - many things all at once with nothing going wrong in the mix. Home represents Bad Apples refining their sound and serving as a peak into their future as a dynamic rock band.
-Brian Tucker
Check out our video for 'What Makes You Go'
"The bad apples aren't bad after all"-Project413.net
"The Band should be proud of Home. The debut album showcases originality not seen in typical debut releases."-Play New Haven Magazine
"Like a new plague splashed from the molten core of the Earth, The Bad Apples are once again available for viewing from multiple angles. These keyboard based modern day tramps of the elusive two step will shower fans with bright originals and barely recognizable failed cover-song efforts. They bring fresh levels of cool to crowds who wonder who they are night after night throughout this American region. To reach the greatest possible fan base they both agree and disagree on popular topics of the day. They are a jolly good bunch of showmen who, to my knowledge, have never taken a human life. They are smart, quick with a smile and a handshake, and as untrustworthy a group as you're likely to meet anywhere. We love them dearly and are looking forward to their ultimate demise. Not to be missed."-4/29/08
"Don’t let the name send you running, these Bad Apples are Good Eggs. They are somewhat mysterious and seem to have a secret agenda which may or may not include world domination. They have keyboards and drums…and singing and drama. They make you feel good about life as they reprogram you to “their way of thinking”. Fantastic originals, sprinkled with an occasional cover version of a song they have no right going after. Solid built American entertainment, with a written warranty to back it up."
"Some hint, The Bad Apples deliver. They are chronic and demonstrate diminished motor skills. They seem alien to the backdrop. They are perfect and seem ready to produce feats of mental concentration. They bend light. They lock you down without the slightest hint of being dragged in. They are bullies. They are cruel and without a conscience. They are constantly popping up on the Buddies roster. If everything in this world was measured by cheese, they would be on display behind safety glass. They are museum cheese. And we love them. Not to be missed."
howdy friends. really dig your sound. please excuse our recordings as they have the vibe of being recorded on an early ninties digital 8-track...maybe they were? good times ahead in july
i brought Home to school for my music a poetry class...i played "the smell" "its my time" and "jackpot"....alot of kids liked it, they want cds...are there any stocked at moms or somewhere in CT? if not, ill tell them all to wait for may when your down.
hey guys i listened to your jam now recording last thursday, and i loved it! i listened to it all night long :)
and btw, i never commented on your cd. i LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! i'm singing and dancing along with it all the time :) i can't wait to see you guys live. :)
