Static of the Gods

Artist Information

Biography

Static of the Gods combines post-rock, shoegaze, and dream pop influences to create an expansive, melodic and atmospheric sound. The trio blends layers of reverb-drenched guitar and synth to create an intense wall of music, which one reviewer likened to “…what Interpol would sound like if it listened to The Cure and Velocity Girl instead of Joy Division (and had a femme fatale at the mic)…”

The band’s new EP, The Midnight Fires, distills the band’s infectious trademark intensity in a collection of songs about fleeting moments and experiences. The Boston Phoenix says “STATIC OF THE GODS have built a reputation on electronic guitar pop that bakes warmly in a haze of shoegaze and post-rock. If their sound were a color, it’d be a bright-but-dense green — a vivid dream-pop forest of tall, lush melodies and weightless sonic oxygen. The first 100 or so seconds of “Hauntings,” off the upcoming The Midnight Fires EP, sways through those trees with an early-’90s Seattle breeze before heartbreak gives way to a gentle avalanche of ache and subtle power pop. The track climaxes in a Pixies-ian flutter over Jen Johnson’s reverb-glow guitar work before retracing its early-’90s roots.” Starting May 24, the EP will be available for free download at staticofthegods.bandcamp.com while the band works on a follow up full-length album to be released in Fall 2011.

Their 2010 release, Knowledge Machine, introduced Static of the Gods as “an artistic band that has a lot of prowess, a lot of hunger…melancholy harmonies, it is music that ventures into the unknown.” SF Station’s Jeff Kingsbury named it one of the five best albums of the year, alongside records by The Black Keys and Girl Talk. Static of the Gods has also earned a reputation for a powerful and magnetic live show during several U.S. tours and recent performances at SXSW, NXNE, and the KahBANG! music festival. “The entire set was ambient, beautiful and tightly played and I was simply beyond impressed,” wrote PopWreckoning. Ryan’s Smashing Life says “…if this band’s stage prowess and live sound are any indication, this new Static of the Gods album will be a must-have. THIS is a great band.”

Static of the Gods is Jen Johnson (vocals, guitar, keys), Ben Voskeritchian (bass, guitar, keys, vocals), and Mike Latulippe (drums, programming).


The Midnight Fires – Track Listing
1. Lake Effect
2. Collectors
3. Hauntings
4. Beat Beat Beat


CONTACTS:
**********************
press and booking:
ben@owlandagency.com
804.683.5819

Instrumentation

Jen Johnson: vocals, guitar & keyboards. Mike Latulippe: drums. Ben Voskeritchian: bass, baritone guitar, guitar & vocals.

Discography

"The Midnight Fires" May 24.2011
"Knowledge Machine" March 2010
"Peluche" EP, February 2008

Official Website

http://www.staticofthegods.com

Links

• Static of the Gods
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Last.fm

Audio

• Lake Effect
  Listen   Download
• Collectors
  Listen   Download
• Hauntings
  Listen   Download
• Beat Beat Beat
  Listen   Download
• Rest Your Head, advanced track from Knowledge Machine, to be released March 23, 2010
  Listen   Download
• Meteor Flights, advanced track from Knowledge Machine, to be released March 23, 2010
  Listen   Download
• White Flag, advanced track from Knowledge Machine, to be released March 23, 2010
  Listen   Download

Lyrics

• Rest Your Head
• Peluche
• White Flag

Video

'Peluche' Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• An expansive and melodic sound only further justifies the brilliant songwriting. [+ Show ]
  

  A computer might be able to bring up facts, bits of knowledge as fast as a human, but will it ever b...A computer might be able to bring up facts, bits of knowledge as fast as a human, but will it ever be able to experience the range of feelings like love, forgiveness, longing and hope? In today’s technological world where the blending of humans and machines are becoming more prevalent, Static of the Gods release their second album, Knowledge Machine, hoping to portray the human experience in 11 tracks that your computer will never understand.
  
  The Boston-based group comprised of Jen Johnson, Mike Latulippe, and Ben Voskeritchian ventured up to Vermont to record this vibrant album at Hounds’ Hollow. With most of the writing completed while touring along this vast countryside playing shows, the farmhouse studio recreated those feelings present while encountering dramatic landscapes and spaces.
  
  At the onset, “Rest Your Head” describes the long journey the group has come from, and where they’ve been both musically and personally. The maturity of the lyrics display that while looking outside themselves they found themselves. An expansive and melodic sound only further justifies the brilliant songwriting.
  
  One of my favorite pieces of Knowledge Machine is “Fire-Eater”. Musically and lyrically, it is a stunning representation of the beauties, difficulties ,and wonders of love. Johnson, Voskeritchian, and Latulippe do a masterful job of portraying a universal feeling through the majesty of sound.
  
  The vocals and guitar on “True North” is just one of several transformative pieces that render this musical journey extraordinary. It’s an impressive last song that musically builds to an aurally golden crescendo. It feels like the first step after all you lived through has shaped your being, and everything out there is possible and you are ready to go get it. Static of the Gods heads in a magnetic and genuine direction, “where the sun shines all the time.”

• one of those albums that pulls you into its own world, surrounding the listener with layers of guitar and synth, ebbing and flowing like a sonic tide that carries you from song to song [+ Show ]
  

  Taking its name from the literal translation of the Finnish word for computer, Knowledge Machine fin...Taking its name from the literal translation of the Finnish word for computer, Knowledge Machine finds Static Of The Gods delivering another dose of post-rock influenced indie rock. With a sound that’s atmospheric and dark, the band has found a nice niche for themselves in the pop landscape.
  
  Combining highly polished pop vocals with a spacious backing track, Knowledge Machine is one of those albums that pulls you into its own world, surrounding the listener with layers of guitar and synth, ebbing and flowing like a sonic tide that carries you from song to song. Added to the whole package is a layer of reverb, giving the whole thing a distant, haunting quality that helps the immersion even further.
  
  On “Meteor Flights,” there’s a definite Explosions In The Sky spaciousness at work, with gentle layers of guitar and big drums patiently building the song up, working the track into a spacey crescendo. “True North” has a similar feeling, with a simple marching beat and guitar help to create a distant loneliness that gives way to a more uplifting feeling. The song adds layers of synths, ending the album on a high note.
  
  Where the album falls a little flat is on some of its more straight-ahead numbers. Tracks like “Hollowheart” and “Church Bells,” while good on their own, don’t have the same intricate feeling that the rest of the album possesses. On an otherwise consistent album, these tracks stand out not because they’re bad, but because they don’t really gel with the album, making you step back and notice the music rather than enjoying the atmosphere.
  
  At the end of the day, Knowledge Machine is a fine piece of headphones music that does a great job of transporting the listener to the space in which Static Of The Gods wants them to be. With a consistent musical vision at work and a spacious, almost nocturnal feeling, this album has a lot of potential to be a nice cross-over for people who might find the endless noodling of post-rock a bit tiring, but want pop music with more ambience than sunshine. – GREGORY HEANEY
  

• ...A ton of raw feeling. This is what makes this record so marvelous and stand-alone [+ Show ]
  

  The newest release by Static of the Gods, known as "Knowledge Machine," evokes deep emotional longin...The newest release by Static of the Gods, known as "Knowledge Machine," evokes deep emotional longing and a bit of sadness. But this album also has some of the best straightforward lyrics, simply putting to music what many people have felt in relationships. This is the true allure of "Knowledge Machine."
  
  Just to get it out of the way, the only real drawback about "Knowledge Machine" is the somewhat similarity of every song to the next, perhaps exacerbated by singer Jen Johnson’s monotone singing style. But don’t let this turn off anyone from listening to this album because there is quite a bit more to it than the surface.
  
  Recorded in a paradox of a country setting with modern technology and wrought from their emotional turmoil, which is very evident on this record, the Boston-based three piece fills all eleven tracks on "Knowledge Machine" with a ton of raw feeling. This is what makes this record so marvelous and stand-alone.
  
  Having worked with famed Radiohead producer Matthew Ellard, Static of the Gods have obviously taken something from that experience, and while female-fronted the band speak to fans of the more electronic-infused indie-emo genre of music, bringing to mind everything from Portishead to Postal Service. Yet they have their own sound very unique to them.
  
  The album begins with the overwhelming soft electro sound of “Rest Your Head.” This song opens a floodgate of sweet pop sounds mixed with the enticing voice of Jen Johnson. She really belts it out, leaving her voice to linger with the fan long after the song has delved into an instrumental solo. “Talk You Down” continues in this same vein but with an exquisite, memorable chorus. Very haunting and delicious. Other tracks like “Hollowheart” are more reminiscent of an early-'90s indie rock sound or perhaps some of the more mood-driven grunge of a few years later. In sharp contrast, “Church Bells” is ultra-catchy and closer to a New Wave sound. And still other tracks like “Fire-Eater” and “Between the Reasons” take on new challenges of sound and composition.
  
  With a combination of haunting vocals, personal yet relevant lyrics, and a moody indie-electronic sound, Static of the Gods create a vision of the soul with "Knowledge Machine" that anyone can relate to and feel touch their lives. And while a ‘knowledge machine’ is actually a computer, it is also very much the human mind that composed these powerful songs.

• a single wall of sound, one that slams with infectious intensity [+ Show ]
  

  There's something about the name Static of the Gods that doesn't seem right. If Zeus can wield light...There's something about the name Static of the Gods that doesn't seem right. If Zeus can wield lightning bolts with his bare hands, does anyone really think he gets shocked when flicking a light switch or walking around with Hera's nylon pantyhose clinging to the back of his freshly laundered shirt? But cling close to T.T. the Bear's Place (10 Brookline Street, Cambridge, 617.492.0082) tonight at 10 p.m., when the electrifying band takes to the stage with songs from their latest album, Knowledge Machine. Static of the Gods combine keyboard and guitar work into a single wall of sound, one that slams with infectious intensity (while connoting a hint of melancholic mournfulness) like solid indie rock should. They're joined by Film School, The Depreciation Guild, and Night Fruit, so it's nice to see there's room for several rock gods in the local pantheon. Doors are at 8:30 p.m., and tickets are $10 in advance at ticketweb.com and $12 on the day of the show.

• The entire set was ambient, beautiful and tightly played and I was simply beyond impressed. [+ Show ]
  

  Boston-based indie rock trio Static of the Gods have put together the beautiful Peluche EP, three rh...Boston-based indie rock trio Static of the Gods have put together the beautiful Peluche EP, three rhythm-heavy songs rich in melody, sweet vocals provided by front woman Jen Johnson and ambient, reverb drenched guitar riffs. California native Johnson was pursuing a degree in classical voice in Boston when she met drummer Mike Latulippe. They later happened upon baritone guitar player and bassist Ben Voskeritchian and Static of the Gods was formed.
  
  Peluche is a follow-up to 2007's full-length Cycles Follow Signs. The EP showcases the growth of Static of the Gods that comes with the experience of extensive touring and continuous writing. The EP, whose artwork was created by Latulippe, highlights a rich and ambient sound with big drums, progressive rock riffs, and unique and beautiful vocals. Peluche is hugely melodic, beautifully smooth and absolutely impressive. Watch the title track’s video created by The Curiosity Group:
  
  
  The band’s paramount sound on the record is only championed by their live show. Last night I had the pleasure of seeing the trio play at Philadelphia’s The Fire. The show was running about an hour late, but every note that flowed forth from the stage proved that it was worth the wait. What the audience assumed was just going to be a quick sound check turned into a bass drum heavy first song featuring Johnson’s beautiful vocals, similar to those of Nicole Barille of mr. Gnome.
  
  The audience immediately ended their conversations and listened in awe to Static of the Gods before snapping out of a trance and moving to the front of the stage. Gorgeously distorted guitar chords echoed from the stage as Johnson sang and Latulippe pounded away on the drum kit driving each song. The intimacy of the Fire is what makes it great, but Static of the Gods’ dynamic sound belongs in a larger venue like Johnny Brenda’s or even the Trocadero.
  
  Johnson told the crowd that they’d been writing new songs while on a national tour in April and were playing them for the first time in front of the Philadelphia audience last night. “You really are the very first people to hear this song,” she said of “Meteor Flights,” a low and ambient shoegaze tune. The next song, “Ghosts,” was also new and saw Latulippe going crazy on the drums while Voskeritchian remained professionally as he skillfully played the baritone guitar. For the band’s last set, he picked up the bass guitar creating a heavy bass line while Johnson utilitzed the keyboard to her left. The entire set was ambient, beautiful and tightly played and I was simply beyond impressed.
  
  As Static of the Gods wrapped up the set, unfortunately shortened due to time constraints, a man in the crowd headed towards the band’s merch table and I heard him say, “I think I wanna go buy 10 CDs.” If that doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what does.
  
  Definitely check out Static of the Gods and make sure to see them live the next time they’re playing near you — you won’t be sorry.

• One-hell of an album from the "next big thing" that female-fronted has to offer the world of rock. [+ Show ]
  

  Since the emphatic recent successes of The Gossip, a lot of bands, believe it or not, have decided t...Since the emphatic recent successes of The Gossip, a lot of bands, believe it or not, have decided that being female-fronted is the way forward, and have made alterations in the hope that they'll hit the big-time (by alterations, I don't mean getting out the blonde wigs, borrowing a bra from their mum, filling it with some socks, cutting their bits off, singing falsetto or anything like that). Many of their sudden transformations thankfully have been to no avail, as the original female fronted bands, the ones with the real quality, have prevailed. Static Of The Gods are a solid example of that.
  
  This band have an illusory image, and in 'Cycles' they sort of pull back everything, taking off the disguises leaving us with nothing more than their bear, raw talent...and so very much of it they have. This is an ecstatic, expressive and passionate album abundant in innovation and spirit.
  
  "2.33" is the opening track. A flirtatious pass at Avril Lavigne but firmly grasped to their own pioneering sound, Static Of The Gods, construct a bold and magical start to this, their best collection of songs. Title-tune, "Cycles Follow Signs", is a gripping, refined piece of rock. "City Is Closed" toggles some great instrumentation poised against an amazing bunch of lyrics. "User" proves to be a magical song and "Swing and Sway" touches on the sound of No Doubt particularly vocal-wise; sky-scraping vocals and a funky brand of instrumentals.
  
  "Pushback" is an example of the perfect rock song, just ample amounts of magnificence, not over-done. "Natural Law" is a down-tempo, mysterious rock track, tossed into the mix to provide colour and contrast. "Between Us" is a spirited rock track, with a magnificent guitar exhibition.
  
  One-hell of an album from the "next big thing" that female-fronted has to offer the world of rock. A static, captivating and entirely thrilling album. A penetrative sound, an incredible balance between instruments and voice and a sense of something new, awe-inspiring and exciting. Prepare to be electrified by this band and their brand of ecstatic, pulsating rock music.

• That's a whole lot of beautiful rock 'n' roll to come out of just three people! [+ Show ]
  

  When Static of the Gods takes the stage in Portland, Oregon tomorrow night - they bring a little Bos...When Static of the Gods takes the stage in Portland, Oregon tomorrow night - they bring a little Boston with them. This most-promising band have a special something - a talent level, their tight play, an enigmatic charm - that lends me to believe they will be the next Boston band to make a mark on the national level. When I recently saw Static of the Gods in Cambridge, I was very impressed by how effectively singer Jen Johnson (voice, guitar, & keyboard) worked the crowd. All-the-while, she never missed a beat with the band (Mike Latulippe on drums and Ben Voskeritchian on bass & guitar). That, of course, raises my next point... That's a whole lot of beautiful rock 'n' roll to come out of just three people!
  
  Static of the Gods just finished recording a new 2008 album. ("Peluche" - the first single EP has been released in anticipation...) It was just last year that Static released the thoroughly impressive LP, Cycles Follow Signs, which peaked at #103 on the CMJ charts. Expect even bigger things from the band this year.
  
  This band has a bright future! You can find out for yourself on tour - and if you're reading this in Boston that will be on March 21st for a show at Bill's Bar. A hand numbered limited edition litho exclusive to that particular show will be given with every pre-sale ticket purchase.

• "at once fresh-sounding and evocative of the classic Boston pop tradition" [+ Show ]
  

  "...Johnson still employs her crystalline soprano (and her expressive guitar playing) to excellent e..."...Johnson still employs her crystalline soprano (and her expressive guitar playing) to excellent effect. Buzzing by at barely 38 minutes, "Cycles" is a brisk, deceptively exuberant album...The album is at once fresh-sounding and evocative of the classic Boston pop tradition of artists such as Juliana Hatfield, Belly, Fuzzy, and Star Ghost Dog ..."

• juxtaposes the bombast and grandeur of post-rock with the wistful singing of Jen Johnson [+ Show ]
  

  Knowledge Machine is the second full-length from Static of the Gods, a band that juxtaposes the bomb...Knowledge Machine is the second full-length from Static of the Gods, a band that juxtaposes the bombast and grandeur of post-rock with the wistful singing of Jen Johnson. The combination fearlessly works. In "White Flag" Johnson glides through registers, delivering a powerful chorus as a mix of driving bass and distorted guitars burn underneath.
  
  Although the band skillfully melds these aesthetics, they also know when to relegate the spotlight to one or the other. The rhythm section doesn't quite ramp up the intensity until the second half of the album, but by the time you've reached the end, all three parts max out with "True North," a triumphant song with a trill that swirls around Johnson's voice. It's a satisfying end to an album that soars.

• A damn fine slice of warm and inspired fuzz pop [+ Show ]
  

  Though they tread the thin line between radio-ready fodder and under-the-radar obscurity, Static of ...Though they tread the thin line between radio-ready fodder and under-the-radar obscurity, Static of the Gods' "Peluche" is a damn fine slice of warm and inspired fuzz pop, the type of attention grabbing single that can only lead to bigger things. Singer Jen Johnson has this familair, welcoming voice; more in line with the Cardigans Nina Persson than a more showy frontwoman like Shirley Manson. The Boston outfit sounds like a slightly more revved-up Velocity Girl -never a bad thing.
  MICHAEL MANNHEIMER,WILLAMETTE WEEK, Portland, OR

• Glorious, unabashed power pop [+ Show ]
  

  A band called Static of the Gods may sound straight out of This Is Spinal Tap, but don't be deceived...A band called Static of the Gods may sound straight out of This Is Spinal Tap, but don't be deceived: The Boston-based trio dishes out glorious, unabashed power pop with aftertastes of Juliana Hatfield and that dog.
  
  Jen Johnson's clear vocals are front and center on 'Cycles Follow Signs', the band's exuberant, fun, yet substantial new album.
  
  - Aaron Jentzen

• Airtight atmospheric rock gems [+ Show ]
  

  “...airtight atmospheric rock gems with sweet pop undertones - radio-ready in a very intelligent fas...“...airtight atmospheric rock gems with sweet pop undertones - radio-ready in a very intelligent fashion.”

• greatly emotional vibe [+ Show ]
  

  The sound of SOTG combines the clean, powerful, high-pitched vocals of Jen Johnson, (who also plays ...The sound of SOTG combines the clean, powerful, high-pitched vocals of Jen Johnson, (who also plays the guitar and the keyboards), with the violent style of drummer Mike Latulippe and the more shoegazey manners of bassist/guitarist Ben Voskeritchian. The music created by the trio has a greatly emotional vibe, which is, in part, why they have earned comparisons with acts such as Rainer Maria, Silversun Pickups and Rilo Kiley, just to name a few.

Setlist

hollowheart
lake effect
collectors
hauntings
beat beat beat
rest your head
talk you down
white flag
fire-eater
between the reasons
mean streak
meteor flights
true north

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