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The lives of The Early Strike run parallel to the lives of most of their fans over the past few years -- they've experienced heartbreak, left school for the real world, finally moved out of their homes and found careers. And though the group has spawned outstanding international notoriety over the past couple years, The Early Strike are just as easy to connect with as a best friend, with hardly any fan/band separation to be found.

And even for those who haven't lived along the same lines, relating to The Early Strike?s music and message is a cakewalk. Heartache? Loss of a loved one? Enjoying your life? Mixed emotions? Just a few of the topics The Early Strike have touched upon, if not delved into, during their illustrious career.

Launching in 2005 as a conglomerate of various acts in the Texas region, The Early Strike?s winning mix drew from several hats -- straightforward rock hits, pop-punk energy and hardcore song structure -- to create a unique melding of musical ideas.

After self-releasing an Full Length on a Entertainment Label called TRB Entertainment, Steve Kravac (MXPX, Blink 182 and Less Than Jake) caught wind of the group, releasing a full-length (Held For Ransom) in 2009.

Held For Ransom is also a more diverse record sonically. Though the signature pop-punk styling of their self-titled record are fully in tow, the band has reached out even further, generating fresh ideas and expanding their musical bandwidth outwards. There are more hardcore-inspired breakdowns. "It's awesome how kids sing along and go crazy".