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New York's own The Instant Classic set to debut
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The music industry is in a state of flux. With digital downloads replacing the sale of cd’s, the RIA...The music industry is in a state of flux. With digital downloads replacing the sale of cd’s, the RIAA targeting anybody they can for file sharing, and many fans getting fed up with ticket sales there is plenty of bad press for the music industry. That is why anytime I come across a new band with a good sound, I’m reminded of the hard-working musicians that sometimes get lost behind the rest of the news.
Recently, I got a chance to hear the new EP from The Instant Classic titled “Newkirk” due out in early June. The EP has been drawing comparisons to Kings of Leon and Ryan Adams, but from what I have heard I’m thinking a mix of Phantom Planet, O.A.R., and Third Eye Blind. Regardless, all of the bands mentioned are good company to be keeping and validates the band’s rock style.
“Newkirk,” while only 4 tracks, is packed with a lot of variety and will appeal to all different types of music lovers. While listening to the disc I kept thinking it would be perfect for a bar or lounge. The music is fun and the production is on point. The vocals play well on all the tracks and the guitar breaks are well timed and seamlessly placed. Anytime I began to think a song was calling out for something The Instant Classic were there to answer. After listening to the EP I imagined the band had been playing together for years, but was surprised to learn they only formed in August 2008. I got a chance to ask singer/guitarist Mike Horn a couple of questions about the band and here’s what he had to say:
CG: How would you describe the band’s sound?
MH: “Our debut EP, "Newkirk," really was meant to give our listeners an introduction to our world but it does not necessarily give a clear distinction of where we are going and in a way, I like that a lot. The thrill of not knowing where the music will go the next time around is just as exciting as discovering a new band. By doing this, the band will constantly re-discover itself by finding new and innovative ways to please its audience.”
CG: What are the band’s plans for the rest of 2009 and beyond?
MH: “There is a lot in store for this band in 2009. Our EP will officially be released on CD in early June and available via iTunes and other music sites as well. After forming in August 2008, we got into the studio in October 2008 with the intentions of completing a demo and ultimately, that 'demo' turned into an EP. We needed a recording as a band but we were not going to have a recording until it was perfect. Given the perfectionist mindset of this band, we put the time and effort needed by devoting ourselves entirely to this record until we felt married to it. In 2009, we will promote the EP and work on new music until we get back into the studio in the Fall. Be prepared for a lot of new music from our band this year.”
You can catch The Instant Classic at the Bowery Poetry Club in New York City on Saturday June 6. For more info go to their website linked here. Look for “Newkirk” on iTunes in early June.
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REVIEW: UConn alum looking to make a 'classic'
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When Mike Horn left Storrs in the spring of 2007 with his communication sciences degree in hand, the...When Mike Horn left Storrs in the spring of 2007 with his communication sciences degree in hand, the future seemed a bit uncertain. Sure, he had his debut album, "Between the Borders," thanks to Husky Entertainment, but no one ever breaks after one recording.
Now, two years later, Horn is ready to break - and break big. He and his band, The Instant Classic, a product of Craigslist postings, have recorded "Newkirk," the latest EP under direction of producer Ben Rice. While short, it exemplifies the quartets abilities.
The band is made up of Horn, SUNY Oneonta graduates Steve Nalbert and Eric Lense - guitar and drums/background vocals respectively - and former Mike Horn & The Method bassist JP Fernandez. Fernandez and Horn have been playing together since 2000, while Nalbert and Lense did work together throughout college.
"Newkirk," which is named after the recording studio where the EP was produced, contains four tracks - three original songs and one "Borders" re-do - that range from a borderline Ryan Adams sound to slow dance prom music circa 1950 to a sound that is all their own.
Starting from the top, "Same Old" gets a bit bluesy on the opening riffs before falling into the lull of the first verse. This lull is short-lived, however, as the tempo quickly picks up in the leadup to the chorus - you can't help but nod your head to the music. The chorus is standard alternative fare, but the difference maker comes in Horn's vocals, which have matured quite a bit since "Borders" - he sounds confident, emotional and honest.
"Not Enough" is the weakest track of the four, but it's not a bad song. It does a good job at changing up the pace between "Same Old" and "A Part of Me" with its groovy riffs over the verses and solid bass-work.
Now, I was really surprised by "A Part of Me (Or Gone)" mainly because of its sincerity and heart. As mentioned before, it feels a bit like a cliché, slow dance tune from proms of old and brings to mind songs like Ritchie Valens' "Donna," but with a modern-day spin. The lyrics, on the other hand, dig a bit deeper, as Horn sings about lovers struggling to understand and exist together. You can really feel something when he sings "this is insane" to start and finish the song.
"It All Kicks In" remains one of Horn's best songs. There's fire, energy and complexity in the music. It's a fun listen that should prove to be a fan-favorite - especially live.
The Instant Classic has the talent to make some noise in New York's underground scene, and, one hopes, beyond. While "Newkirk" isn't a classic, it does a great job at letting listeners understand what the band is all about.
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RECORD RELEASE! The Instant Classic
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May be Saturday June 6th will be the day that you decide to watch Saving Private Ryan one more time ...May be Saturday June 6th will be the day that you decide to watch Saving Private Ryan one more time just to remember the invasion of Normandy .. OR may be its the day you go check out The Instant Classic’s new release titled Newkirk.
For the most part, bands form through friendships and interaction with other musicians (unless of course you are hired .. weird) but that is not the case with The Instant Classic. These fellas are a product of a Craigslist search! JP Fernandez (bass) and Mike Horn (vocals/guitar) had been playing together since 2000 while Steve Nalbert (guitar) and Eric Lense played together all through their college years up in Oneonta, NY. The two groups joined forces through the power of the interweb to create the Newkirk EP (produced by Ben Rice) which is named after the recording studio in Brooklyn, NY.
The Instant Classic have a solid alternative pop rock sound and their most recent efforts have had sounds similar to those of Kings of Leon and Ryan Adams.
I strongly suggest you give these guys a listen .. there is nothing better than a band making music for the purpose of rocking .. these catchy riffs will keep you listening and enjoying. If you like what you hear, there is more good news! The band is working on new material and plans to record a full length record in October 2009.
CLICK HERE to listen to the “Same Old” .. this is the first track off of their new release.
Also, check out the band’s website for shows and other juicy info.
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1 a.m. @ 1 a.m. it's definitely balanced with The Instant Classic
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The much spoken about live music show on Thursday November 11, 2010, in the acoustic section of the ...The much spoken about live music show on Thursday November 11, 2010, in the acoustic section of the inside, Cafeina Wynwood lounge, will be ending with an eloquently put together –“wow”, with The Instant Classic, pulling the curtain up at 1 a.m. and resting it down at the end.
It won’t be the “same old”, same old, because there will not be not, “not enough” of The Instant Classic when “it all kicks in”. Listen to The Instant Classic's songs just mentioned.
The Instant Classic's Miami Music Festival + Miami Live Music Month schedule 2010 (November):
11/11- 1 am @ Cafeina Wynwood
11/12- 12 am- 1 am @ Jada Coles
11/13- 10 pm- 11 pm @ Transit
11/26- 10:30 pm- 11:30 pm @ Mercury Lounge
The beauty of The Instant Classic band, lies in their far reached spontaneity within song. They well manageably ravel together a grand dexterity of sound in their songs. The Instant Classic voice and sound emulate a sort of mysterious undertake as their music deludes to such unpredictability while maintaining the listener’s heightened focus all the way through until last seconds end. Their songs never get boring, they progressively take on an amorous wave. Almost chameleon like, their music transforms during song. With repeated rhythm and back, a good pictorial would be a caterpillar to butterfly transformation recorded on camera stream, uploaded to a memory drive and given a play back screen. Providing a tasteful mouth watering taste, The Instant Classic's music could translate into the feeling of eating the most mouth watering sushi roll. Rhetoric revive melody. Even more appreciation can be given to this band, as their combination of lyric and music base exerts a poignancy of balance; creating a stronger stream than Santa Claus reindeer.
To those individuals who are awestruck by the electrical guitar, The Instant Classic will surely have you back home with no cravings. Well, until morning, when you’ll probably have to go back to their myspace page to listen to some of The Instant Classic's full length songs.
The Instant Classic offers a versatility that is just right for the ending of Thursday night’s acoustic festives. Check out more on The Instant Classics facebook page and stay tuned to November 12th upcoming music schedules and featured live musical artist write ups.
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‘The Instant Classic’ Plays NYC’s Oldest Rock Club, The Bitter End Continue reading on Examiner.com ‘The Instant Classic’ Plays NYC’s Oldest Rock Club, The Bitter End
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Saturday night I got to see The Instant Classic play a 9 song setlist at The Bitter End. Since it’s...Saturday night I got to see The Instant Classic play a 9 song setlist at The Bitter End. Since it’s opening in 1961, huge names, even music and comedic legends have played there from Woody Allen and Bill Murray to Blues Traveler, Hall & Oates and more recently Lady Gaga under her real name Stefani Germanotta. The Instant Classic is no stranger to this historic venue or the Manhattan music scene.
Their music is a mix of alternative rock with some pop thrown in but they're definitely unique to who they are, which I not only enjoy but appreciate. They've been playing all over NYC for the past two years and even had the opportunity to play in Miami at the Miami Music Festival in November. Some of their larger NYC shows have been at the Highline Ballroom (where they won the B.o.B. Quarterly, which celebrates up-and-coming music), Mercury Lounge, and of course the Bitter End.
They're currently recording a full length album at Pulse Studios in Union Square with producer Chris Davies and hope to release it by this summer. And be sure to check out their next show at the famous Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2, on Thursday, May 26 at 8:00pm!
More About The Instant Classic:
Michael Horn - Guitar/Lead Vocals
JP Fernandez - Bass
Eric Lense - Drums/Vocals
Peter Roessler - Lead Guitars (it was his first show Saturday night with The Instant Classic, great job and welcome aboard!!)
And don't forget to check out The Instant Classic's Website & Facebook Page for more details on their upcoming album and new show dates! Keep rockin'!
