Voice Of Addiction

Artist Information

Biography

Late 2010 Voice Of Addiction re-issued 2 sold out albums onto a combined double album. Their 4th release "Reduce Reuse Resist," a full length, came out Digitally in May, CD in June & Vinyl in July 2011. Tracked/mixed/mastered at boutique studio Stranded on a Planet with our producer Scott Fritz. V.O.A. realizes how important the live show is to their career playing 100+ gigs in 2009, 2010 & 2011 including the U.S. summer tour done in conjunction with nine12 Records & Wrecking Ball Production, to promote the new album, Reduce Reuse Resist. V.O.A. has also been hosting the Chicago Punk Night for over 3 years, bringing in the best in local, regional and national punk bands. Signed with Wrecking Ball, Canadian American Records & GO Diy Records, publicist team Rainmaker Media Group and distro with Hell City Records.
Voice Of Addiction has played over 500 shows in 7+ years of existence.

Instrumentation

Ian Tomele - Bass, & Vocals
Andy Petty - Drums

Discography

*"Voice Of Addiction" S/T Full length 2004: featured on WZRD FM Chicago along with a live set on air. Songs featured on the Skratch Magazine Comilation volume 27 and distributed nation-wide
*"EP 2005," Featured on isound radio, featured on fearless Radio FM, Streaming on both official Voice Of Addiction websites
*"A New Religion" 2006 summer Streaming on both voice Of Addiction official websites, still gets airplay online and locally
*"Re-evolution" March 08, streaming on all our online profiles, receiving radioplay online, locally and in college markets
*Re-pressing of last two album combined 2010
*Reduce Reuse Resist released July 2011 Streaming on VoiceOfAddiction.com and has been receiving worldwide airplay, online and college.

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter
• Last.fm
• punkrockers.com
• Reverb Nation

Audio

• 01-Wrecking-Ball
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• Warriors
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• September Remembered (2011)
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• 05-Mother
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• 02-Constant Pollution
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• 04-Jo-C
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• 07-Decision Street
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• 08-Need To Feed
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• 11-45 Revolutions
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• 13-Need Change
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Lyrics

• Warriors
• Wrecking Ball
• September Remembered
• Constant Pollution
• Jo-C
• Mother
• Decision Street
• Need to Feed
• U're All Crazy
• 45 Revolutions

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Skope Magazine Review [+ Show ]
  

  Politically-charged punk outfit Voice of Addiction self-admittedly have no intention of putting thei...Politically-charged punk outfit Voice of Addiction self-admittedly have no intention of putting their addiction themed lyrical subject matter up against a wall and taking a look at it. Instead, they’d rather just crash through the wall. That approach to making music is none the more apparent than on their latest release Re-evolution, six-tracks of agro aural assault earmarked with intermittent Ska swagger.
  “Broken Bones and Broken Homes” sets the pace with jangle electric that gives way to a full Punk onslaught of staccato stop-and-go guitar and percussion. The gruff growl lyrical delivery of Ian Tomele is reminiscent of Lucifuge-era Danzig with a bit less twang. “The Walls” opens in vintage Clash manner only to give way to their ubiquitous Ska break with a molten metal middle. Weighing in as the longest track on the album (6:07) Walls allows V.O.A. a myriad of tempo changes and shows the breadth of style and speeds at their disposal. “Right! Now!” features agro-guitar work, which again gives way to multiple time changes, differing lyrical deliveries and another Ska break at about the halfway mark. Returning to the source, the track wraps nicely with the sonic barrage from the opening notes.
  Before you chalk this heavy hitter up as six-tracks of raw emotion, it is important to note that V.O.A is comprised of three musicians classically trained in their craft. Combine that with their aforementioned emotion and relentless passion for music and the result is a double threat outfit made up of more gusto than glam. The pure Punk facets meld nicely with the intertwined Ska elements and V.O.A. prove, loudly, that they have equal command of both styles. This writer smells early era Buzzcocks moxie and The Ernies Ska grooves.
  by Chris West

• Crossover Review [Germany] [+ Show ]
  

  Voice Of Addiction come from Illinois and have compiled a bouquet of colorful tunes for us (sometime...Voice Of Addiction come from Illinois and have compiled a bouquet of colorful tunes for us (sometimes I just do not come from these formulations Musikantenstadl away). but in fact has something for themselves, as the band blends different styles of gay, without even beginning to occur as bad here (I think anyway). And why? "Broken Bones and Broken Homes" is the relatively conventional opener, which is a mixture of punk and rock and come off pretty impulsive. Singer Ian has a strong voice, but always sounds to me as if he had a slightly Eastern European accent. No idea why, never find a mention and Ian sounds as a name not necessarily socialist. Could have done well to do with my ears. But ultimately, no matter, since it is no disadvantage. Voice Of Addiction consistently sound like they would a revolution in the hearts and this will also start. Then one brings always a time of continued elements of ska and reggae and mixes it with the brutality of punk and the versatility of the "regular" rock music. Sometimes this activity is reminiscent of Fugazi funny, my wife hears the Queens Of The Stone Age and the Foo Fighters have probably left their traces. As yet only a large fortune is missing, the accuracy is the ability to say, this energy and undoubted talent to transform into coherent songs. All are not on "Re-evolution" represents tracks badly, but they can miss this special thingy that makes an ordinary song from a passionate anthem. The closest is the already mentioned opener up to this quality standard, the other songs are good, but not exactly outstanding. But this is ultimately quite different happened. A decent performance, you can definitely attest to the band, which would be found on 'Ner Richter scale 1-10, with a stable 6.5 again.

• Rock and Roll Guru review [+ Show ]
  

  Packed with more style changes than a Victoria’s Secret fashion show, Chicago’s Voice Of Addiction h...Packed with more style changes than a Victoria’s Secret fashion show, Chicago’s Voice Of Addiction have unleashed their heavy fueled, ska-punk sound on Re-evolution. This is a heavy, grunge-infused record, unique in sound and style offering a refreshing take on modern rock.
  
  The alum opens with the heavy tune, Broken Bones and Broken Homes. A hard rocking track that is always evolving, Broken Bones… is a great introduction to Voice of Addiction. Their sound is unlike any heard before, a delicate blend of several types of rock and roll. Voice of Addiction showcase that range on Re-Evolution.
  
  The best song on the disc is The Walls, which has lead singer Ian Tomele’s vocal range starting in the high and progressing to a low growling, before resuming the high range again. With spectacular bass solo, heavy drums, and the perfect rhythmic blend from guitar, The Walls is a song that will have fists pumping and feet stomping. This is old fashioned, kick in the balls, give me some more, rock and roll. This song must sound amazing in its live format.
  
  While The Walls was heavy on bass and showed Ian Tomele’s vocal ability and bass playing prowess, Right Now opens with a guitar riff that gives Jeff Walschon the spotlight. Filled with more tempo changes that define Voice of Addiction’s style, Right Now is a slower, groove inspired number packed with jam moments that would make some dead-heads envious. The song explodes from there into a hardcore rocker’s dream. That’s VOA showing their ability to turn on a dime in the middle of a song. It works well for them and enhances their music, bringing it to the next level with power and force.
  
  Re-evolution offers a perfect taste of Voice of Addiction that leaves the listener wanting more. That is something any solid record should do. Voice of Addiction has captured an exceptional, hard rocking, punk, blues, metal sound that is worth listening to. If you haven’t heard this band, do yourself a favor and check out their latest album, Re-evolution. It’s worth the time and the effort to hear some ass-kicking rock and roll that is such a rarity anymore.
  Ryo’s Rating: 7.5 (out of 10)

• Blokner Reviews [+ Show ]
  

  Voice Of Addiction are newer act on local Chicago, Illinois and USA punk/post punk/underground scene...Voice Of Addiction are newer act on local Chicago, Illinois and USA punk/post punk/underground scene. " Re-evolution" is a band's first offering, and group has received some positive reactions from national press. In its own way, a young musicians from band tries to establish old punk ethos and psychology. I can not say that thay are influental by the British wave, cos' its approach are more orientire to 80's/90's period and also influences from USA acts from mentioned era are clearlier, but they have also offered own views. Their music comphrises elements of punk/rock and ska, but melodic traces are evident in practically each track from album. A members from band also shares evident performing enthusiashm, and one hidden
  optimistic message passed through present materials. A closing track " Martyr" could be a favourable one.
  

• Swift Reviews [+ Show ]
  

  Illinois band Voice of Addiction has encapsulated energy, poeticism and overall their clear and evid...Illinois band Voice of Addiction has encapsulated energy, poeticism and overall their clear and evident message to the masses with their album Re-evolution. This trio is made up of post-90s punk/ska poster children with a lot to say.
  
  Broken Bones and Broken Homes is the opening track on Re-evolution. Its punk rhythms and highly energetic vocals give this song a Clash meets Sublime kind of vibe.
  
  Got Your Number, the second track, is once again jam-packed with energy - this time Voice of Addiction throws in some 80s hair-metal guitar and dissonant harmonies.
  
  The Walls is a highly politically-charged tune detailing corporate greed, taxes and government cover-ups. This song shouts in the face of government and process.
  
  Right Now continues with a message of plastic buildings and the turmoils of living in a society spoon-fed by mass media and controlled by money.
  
  Grease the Wheel is a much more laid back song. Kind of a breath of fresh air after such emotionally abundant tracks that came before. With a reggae back beat, this tune has a “why can’t we all just get along” message.
  
  The final track, Martyr, polishes off this album with another reggae track that evolves into a dark rock tune and then back again.
  
  At first listen, you wouldn’t expect Voice of Addiction to have such a "tree-hugger" message, but they do - and they pull it off great. For all you hippies out there who just can’t stand jam bands, check out Voice of Addiction and their album Re-evolution.
  
  4 out of 5 stars
  

• Nov 28 2009 live show review [+ Show ]
  

  Hey, blogspot readers, time to work off those extra holiday pounds with Voice Of Addiction! Forget h...Hey, blogspot readers, time to work off those extra holiday pounds with Voice Of Addiction! Forget health guru Richard Simmons ...this local band will definitely get you in shape sweatin' to their punk rock sound. Recently they had The Mutiny crowd jumpin' and jivin' to the music as well as screaming for more. SouthSide does not remember the last time when she danced so hard after seeing one set.
  
  VOA was loud and fast. They had the type of punk music which got the blood going from beginning to end. Lots of wild guitar riffs and angst to blast your ears away. There were times when this reviewer thought the riffs and percussion rhythms were off beat. Yet, she quickly learned that the mesh of confusion was what this band wanted ...sometimes. It drove them to perform wildly all over the stage and in the audience ...strumming faster and furiously. Thus it did start pockets of moshing and fan dancing near the front of the stage. Whew - it's exhausting while trying to keep up with VOA.
  
  One interesting note Southside noticed about this band was their sound wasn't purely straight punk rock. She heard a wide variety of combinations such as reggae/ska to metal and classic guitar rock. There was also a bit of garage/grunge in their songs which kept the music energizingly fresh. Heads everywhere were banging to the fast rhythms. SouthSide suggests listening to their Empty Bottle - an excellent song to forget about your problems. She enjoyed the downtempo taken during the chorus while the lyrics were sung hurriedly as if someone was anxious or frustrated. Fans during the performance were encouraged to drink since most songs were labeled as VOA's drinking songs. Yet, this reviewer got the feeling that all the songs were drinking songs.
  
  Besides the rockin' music, this band also provided some comedic relief and funnies between songs. While performing, VOA had their wild moments on stage that kept everyone busy at dancing or joining in the antics with them. Watch out for that final song, blogspot readers! Everyone, including the band, went out of control during System Control ..but it's all good to have a mini riot to blow off some of that mall shopping steam. This was what they're all about - letting loose and having a good time. SouthSide highly recommends checking out Voice Of Addiction at their next performance.

• Resonating Message of Voice of Addiction [+ Show ]
  

  Rage rock may not be the most common way to get a message across, but if it's done right it stands a...Rage rock may not be the most common way to get a message across, but if it's done right it stands a damn good chance of doing just that. Chicago's Voice of Addiction takes their powerful melodic and rhythmic wall of sound and interjects common issues of the day; the combination of the music and the message is meant not only to open eyes but open minds as well. It may sound like an attempt to start a revolution and the band has no problem with that, but the purpose in the music is awareness that maybe the wheel needs to be dismantled, not reinvented. The band-vox/bassist Ian, guitarist Jeff and drummer Andy-has a persevering mantra; you'll hear it in the music and their message. I'm not a PhD of knowledge when it comes to punk and ska, but I do know excellent progressions and dramatic starts-and-stops in a bands' music when I hear it. And I hear the message too.
  

• Stimulates, reverberates, and titillates. [+ Show ]
  

  In tune and on task. Voice Of Addiction comes together like clock work. Even in practice they never ...In tune and on task. Voice Of Addiction comes together like clock work. Even in practice they never miss a beat. A collection of collaborators cleaning house with stainless track after stainless track. Each member vital to the post punk three way which has occured. They are in bed with everybody and soon their swinging sounds will seduce your ears too. They are one of Chicago's more political bands trying to make a change. Check out what they have to say.
  

• Voice Of Addiction - re-Evolution [+ Show ]
  

  To be honest, when I received Chicago band Voice of Addiction’s “Re-evolution” in the mail to review...To be honest, when I received Chicago band Voice of Addiction’s “Re-evolution” in the mail to review, everything about it made me think it was going to be a 2000’s-era style straight edge hardcore record – the album art, the band name, to an extent the lyrics, etc. That kind of shit bores me, so I was delightfully surprised when I popped it in and found it instead to be some good old fashioned rockabilly-tinged melodic punk rock. Voice of Addiction describe themselves as “politically charged punk/rock/ska” and I would have to agree with that statement to the hilt. Staunchly anti-capitalism and simultaneously concerned with global injustice, they effortlessly blend the ferocity and speed of 80’s punk with the finer (and non-annoying) points of ska and the flair and swagger of rockabilly, but with results that defy the generic and what you might come to expect with music in this vein. There are even some surprising elements of crossover metal, modern hardcore and alterna-rock that gives the record quite a bit of versatility. “Re-evolution” is fun and heartening, without sacrificing the seriousness, aggressiveness and urgency of their call-to-arms message.
  
  The record begins with introductory track “Broken Bones and Broken Homes,” a title that immediately gives you a sense of Voice of Addiction’s lyrics and motivation for playing their brand of in-your-face rock ‘n’ roll. They are here to protest and make some noise, albeit some pretty toe-tapping noise. The song is definitely the most rockabilly-influenced out of all of them, but spins it with a modern heavy punk rock twist that is refreshing to hear outside of traditionalist throwback bands. It’s bouncy and fun, but without enough fire and oi-influenced shout-alongs to keep any anti-establishment 77 purist pumped to dismantle oppression and dance concurrently. Songs like “Got Your Number” and “The Walls” subscribe to a more stripped-down punk sound, with a driving bass line rooting beneath some snotty solos, hard-as-nails riffing and fuming shouting. Also, as a notorious hater of ska, I appreciate Voice of Addiction’s apparent talent for giving skank parts some attitude and balls.
  
  My favorite track on the record, however, is definitely the fourth track, “Right! Now!” which I would choose as the song to recommend to anyone who is curious about Voice of Addiction’s sound. The song in a sense defines the band perfectly, as it displays not only their burning and critical message/lyrical content to a T, but also exhibits their extreme flexibility in songwriting that somehow lacks any sort of lackadaisical nature. The tune delves itself into punk, metal and even indie rock, jumping between vocalist/bassist Ian’s gruff warble into big riffs, ripping solos, lightning-fast progressions and noisy melodic indie-esque chords. All in all, if you’re into some traditional political unrest-fueled punk rock that unapologetically digs into some fresh new earth, pick this up.
  

Setlist

the set list of V.O.A. is usually around 35-40 minutes. Although V.O.A. has played anywhere from 25 minutes to two hours.

Basic Requirements

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