Harvard

Artist Information

Biography

Beautiful, Dark, Intricate, Catchy; these are all words that come to mind when listening to Harvard, a five-piece outfit based from Charlotte, NC, a band that combines indie-rock with post-hardcore and pop sensibility. Harvard has mastered their art; focusing on the four-minute song for the masses while having enough depth to keep the musician’s interested. When listening to a Harvard song you can expect moving rhythms underneath swirling guitar effects and a female-esc vocal performance almost sweet enough for R&B. These are artists working together that know their instruments and aren’t afraid to combine experimental elements that you wouldn’t traditional hear in a rock band.

The Band is often described Musically as a Heavier version of As Tall as Lions headed by female-esc vocal performance almost sweet enough for R&B yet reminiscent of such underground vocal heroes as Daryl Palumbo(Glassjaw/Head Automatica) and Anthony Greene(Circa Survive/Saosin). The band is not afraid to push the limits and boundaries of traditional rock music to create a sound and genre all their own. Some of their new tracks slated to be released on their debut full length include such instruments as trumpet, Accordion, Vocal synthesizers, tambourine, Maracas just to name a few

Instrumentation

Jesse Clasen- Vocals & Various Instruments
Jason Shaw- Guitar/Sounds
Lisandro Herrera- Guitar/Sounds
Tim Cossor- Drums
Garret Leister- Bass

Discography

Animals(Ep)

The Inevitable and I(debut full length) produced by Brian Mcternan(circa survive,thrice,senses fail)

Audio

• On With Disease
  Listen  
• French Girls
  Listen  
• Ghost
  Listen  

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Animals(Ep) Review [+ Show ]
  

  Harvard University is one of America’s most prestigious and admirable institutions. So when I found ...Harvard University is one of America’s most prestigious and admirable institutions. So when I found out I was reviewing a band from Charlotte, North Carolina that had the same name I was expecting a lot; not really, but it works for a good opener. Anyways, Harvard released a very impressive EP titled “Animals”, and I was sold on it after listening to it one time through. With that said, the first thing I noticed was Jesse’s (vocalist) voice. He definitely enrolled in the Anthony Green, Daryl Palumbo, and John Gourley School for vocals. This guy can hit the highest of high notes without cracking, and his pension for beautiful vocal dynamics and interesting lyrics sets him in the foreground of this band. The rest of Harvard are very talented musicians, especially their drummer; he might as well be called a percussionist. “Animals” has very spacey and epic songs bunched in with jazz, pop, and indie rock elements. There are a ton of effect pedals and delay in relation to the guitar work, which can become a crutch for some bands; Harvard embraces it and makes it work. The effects, song structures, and musical direction of “Animals” are very tasteful. A stand out track, “In Other Words” ends with a bossanova feel, which is rad in it’s own right. I also noticed a lot of fusion, progressive rock, and Latin elements in relation to the composition of “Animals” too. For some reason, Harvard thought it would be a good idea to let Jesse scream… Big mistake… It literally ruined a good song called “Spy Vs. Spy” for me. The screaming itself wasn’t bad, but it was very unnecessary, and it seemed cheesy. I did however, like the backing vocals behind his screaming on that song, which was gorgeous. That’s right, I said his voice sounded gorgeous. I highly recommend this EP to any one who likes Circa Survive, Portugal. The Man, and The Fall of Troy.

• Li Showdown Review [+ Show ]
  

  Okay everyone, calm down, I know these guys aren’t from LI but hot damn their tracks are dope. A fou...Okay everyone, calm down, I know these guys aren’t from LI but hot damn their tracks are dope. A four piece from Charlotte, North Carolina, Harvard is an example of a band whose not afraid to experiment rather then casting their art into an already existing mold. Thanks to their post in the SOUND OFF! section, I followed their link and was pleasantly surprised.
  
  It goes without saying that although the internet has allowed for the free flow of expression by musicians of all sizes, the majority of the music put out today downright sucks. That is why, finding a new artist, whose talent speaks louder then their hype, is not only unique, but god damn RARE!
  
  Infectious riffs, ridiculous vocal technique, [think lots of range with perfectly hit high notes and lots of dynamics a la the likes of Anthony Green and Daryl Palumbo] and the overall production of their tracks, allow the true geniuses within to shine through. Go scope their tracks and pay them the respects they deserve by heading on over to their myspace. If perhaps you find your next favorite band, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

• PR Firm Press Release [+ Show ]
  

  Harvard www.myspace.com/harvard www.purevolume.com/harvard12369 Beautiful, dark, intricate, and...Harvard
  www.myspace.com/harvard www.purevolume.com/harvard12369
  
  Beautiful, dark, intricate, and catchy are only a few words that can begin to describe the five piece rock band, Harvard - straight out of Charlotte, North Carolina. Composed of band members; Jesse, Tim, Garrett, Lee, and Jason, the band combines indie rock with post hardcore and pop sensibility to compose works of art. These works of art posses moving rhythms underneath swirling guitar effects, trumpet solos, and even a female-esque vocal performance almost sweet enough for R&B. Unafraid of taking a nontraditional approach to rock music, these skilled musicians combine experimental elements not typical of bands in the rock genre.
  
  Often described as a heavier version of As Tall As Lions with a vocal mix of Daryl Palumbo and Anthony Green. The band is known for their live energetic shows with performances that are nothing short of incredible. The band has shared the stage with the likes of Dear and the Headlights, As Cities Burn, Emery, Gym Class Heroes, The Forecast, and many more.
  
  Harvard currently has 15 new songs ready to record, for a brand new full length album; including two rough demos that can be found on their myspace page. They are also in the midst of finding a label to call their home, and a producer to move forward for their next record.
  
  Their EP "Animals" can be found on itunes and amazon. The band is available for phone, online, email, and in person interviews. New pre-production demos are available upon request, as well as the "Animals" EP for any reviews.
  
  For more information about Harvard, or interview requests please contact
  Vicky Mathew
  (718)790-9301
  sweettalkpr@gmail.com
  

Setlist

Typical Set list can last anywhere from 30min to 75min.

Tracks as of Dec 2009 included in their set typically include

Red Dress
Ghost
French Girls
Deliverence
Memory Police
The Creative

Basic Requirements

Calendar