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Spooonful Featured Artist
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Why you should check them out:
It’s not often that a band can create a full, arena sized three ac...Why you should check them out:
It’s not often that a band can create a full, arena sized three act play out of a song. The fact that Heroes and Villains can do it with seeming ease on every track of their latest EP and accomplish these atmospheric heights with a relatively intimate crew says all the more for the trio.
Background Check:
If you’ve never heard of Heroes and Villains, there’s a good reason. Up until recently, the Kansas City, MI group was known as Walter Alias. After amassing a gorgeously epic Brit pop sound in the heartland of America, Walter Alias thought it necessary to change their alias and go as the more appropriately weighty Heroes and Villains. Despite the apparent contrast in their moniker this trio is taking a very one sided approach to rock music, the bigger, the better.
Armed with vocalist/guitarist Ryan Wallace, keyboardist Cody Stockton, and drummer Jason Smith, the band make the most of their roster, layering and building each song like a cinematic opera. From the simple but driving melodies to Wallace’s soaring vocals, the group often sound large enough to fill a concert hall and more, gaining momentum and crescendoing brilliantly again and again.
Their debut EP, Plans In Motion, shows off the band’s Britpop take on arena sized rock, dealt with good deal of intimate and heartfelt lyrics, expressively complimenting the emotional swells of the music. Heroes and Villains can also explode with a musical bombast packed with passionate, melodic fervor. It’s an experience not soon forgotten.
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Sonicbids Spotlight: Heroes and Villains
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Story by: Dan Jackson
Kansas City-based trio Heroes And Villains lives up to its name's epic refere...Story by: Dan Jackson
Kansas City-based trio Heroes And Villains lives up to its name's epic references. There's a reason the band isn't called Regular Dudes And Alright Schmoes. With reach-for-the-back-row melodies, soaring pop-punk vocals and orchestra-on-a-space-station arrangements, the group brings to mind acts like Muse, the Killers and the grand-daddy of epic rock, Queen. Members Ryan Wallace, Jason W. Smith and Cody Stockton make music that makes you want to throw on a cape and take to the streets for some angsty vigilante justice... or at least dust off your Spiderman DVDs.
The band originally went by the name Walter Alias when it first formed in 2006, but it changed to its current moniker in 2008. On the trio's new EP, Plans In Motion, it crafts a series of ever-shifting, multi-part songs without ever hitting the five-minute mark. That ability to have a sense of grandeur along with a sense of brevity separates the group from some of its more proggy brethren. These intricately designed interstellar pop tunes emerge from a painstaking songwriting process. "When we have decided on a complete idea, then the fun starts," the band tells CMJ in an e-mail. "All the instrumentation and blirps and bloops get thrown in the mix."
With all those bloops and big hooks, Heroes And Villains' music demands a lightshow. Though the band doesn't currently have one, it is working on getting one. "We have the lights," writes the band. "They are sitting around our house. The most expensive paper weights apparently come from China."
http://heroesandvillains.mu
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Heroes and Villains make it on Fuse TV
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Possibly because they think it will help them score a spot on a TV or movie soundtrack, local trio H...Possibly because they think it will help them score a spot on a TV or movie soundtrack, local trio Heroes and Villains frequently refer to themselves as "cinematic." It's a reasonably apt description -- most of the time they sound like Ben Gibbard fronting Snow Patrol -- and it looks as though they're starting to make a dent: their video for "Plans in Motion," directed by local production outfit Gnarly Enterprises, just won Fuse TV's "Unsigned On Demand" contest. For the entire month of June, the video is available for on-demand viewing on Fuse. You can also check it out on their website. The video features a hot girl wearing big glasses while doing the laundry, working out on a treadmill, and eating leftover Chinese food. At one point she bends over to get something out of the refrigerator and you get an upskirt shot. Then at the end she turns into another girl or something? I don't think I really understood the video. But I am genuinely happy for Heroes and Villains, and Gnarly. Nice work, guys.
You can catch the band live at Czar Bar on June 17 with French Horn Rebellion.
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Heroes and Villains
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By Elke Mermis
Cinematic is a word that often emerges in conjunction with Heroes and Villains' me...By Elke Mermis
Cinematic is a word that often emerges in conjunction with Heroes and Villains' melodramatic brand of indie. For the group's latest EP, Plans in Motion, the description isn't unfounded. The local band (formerly known as Walter Alias) creates symphonic tracks culled from Muse's bombast and Queen's operatic verve. (The orchestral backdrop of "Ones We Dare Not Speak Of" has glimmers of John Williams' Harry Potter score.) Frontman Ryan Wallace's powerful warble recalls that of Keane singer Tom Chaplin as it soars over slick songwriting that ranges in mood from flirty charm to thudding intensity. But, at times, instead of plumbing the sonic depths of Heroes and Villains' epic vision, Plans in Motion settles for breadth. "You Are Not Alone" is coated in a lush sparkling gloss but doesn't channel the emotional fervor of the EP's stronger tracks. Plans in Motion's title track forgoes theatrics in favor of a snarky melody, thrumming guitar and hand claps that steer the band in the direction of the Killers' punchy brightness rather than Coldplay's tired Britpop. The edge serves Heroes and Villains well; if fame is a ticking time bomb, Plans in Motion should help Heroes and Villains explode.
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Hereos and Villains Is Our Sonicbids Emerging Artist of The Week
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Heroes and Villains are a three-piece outfit whose engulfing Indie-Pop sound has been compared to th...Heroes and Villains are a three-piece outfit whose engulfing Indie-Pop sound has been compared to the likes of The Killers, Keane, and Snow Patrol. The Kansas City band formed as Walter Alias in 2006 and released their LP, Examples of the Cataclysmic, with co-producer Larry Gann (Elton John, Lit, Goo Goo Dolls). The trio includes Ryan Wallace on vocals and guitars, Jason W. Smith on percussion and Cody Stockton on keyboards.
The band's second ever live performance generated enough attention to be reviewed favorably by Kansas City’s most popular weekly magazine, The Pitch. Since, the band has toured extensively, performed for a second time at Red Gorilla during SXSW, and shared the stage with bands such as Vedera and the Republic Tigers.
Heroes and Villains new EP, Plans in Motion (2010), is a much anticipated follow up to fan and critic favorite LP Examples of the Cataclysmic (2007).
With a new video airing on FuseTV, the band has created buzz, igniting excellent reviews, constant radio airplay, and eager fans which have all brought this group to the forefront of the music scene.
http://heroesandvillains.mu/
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Under the Radar: Heroes and Villains
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Under The Radar: Heroes and Villains
The electronic rock genre can be a mixed bag. On the one end o...Under The Radar: Heroes and Villains
The electronic rock genre can be a mixed bag. On the one end of the spectrum, you've got bands like Muse and MuteMath that I'd characterize as being somewhat progressive. On the other end, you've got bands like Sleeperstar, which I like to categorize as dream rock, guitar oriented but heavy on the keyboards.
Somewhere in between, there is a more pop oriented interpretation, with bands like Carpark North ... and that's where you'll find Heroes and Villains. Their "Plans In Motion" EP is a great mellow electronic rock album. In particular, the title track is a standout, I love the blending of the acoustic guitar with this style of music.
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Heroes and Villains - Plans in motion EP
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Par did a review of this marvelous EP at melodic.net and he gave it 4 out of 5, I agree 100%.
What ...Par did a review of this marvelous EP at melodic.net and he gave it 4 out of 5, I agree 100%.
What a wonderful piece of work this is, Heroes and Villains - Plans in motion is a must if you´re a sucker for orchestral and progressive pop.
Think Muse meeting The Killers!
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EP Review
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Heroes And Villains released an album under the name Walter Alias back in 2007, and now they're back...Heroes And Villains released an album under the name Walter Alias back in 2007, and now they're back under another name - Heroes And Villains. And what we got here is an EP that is a real appetizer for what is to come... this is a really good EP in huge boombastic modern rock pop-costume with a lot of progressive traces. If you like bands like Mute Math, Carpark North and Mew you will have another favorite band with Heroes and Villains. I really look forward to a full length album, cause if they keep the same standard all through a whole album as they've done on this EP, we can look forward to a fantastic album.
Until then - buy yourself a copy of this EP.
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Review - Plans In Mootion
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Heroes And Villains – Plans In Motion (Independent)
Heroes And Villains are either named after the ...Heroes And Villains – Plans In Motion (Independent)
Heroes And Villains are either named after the classic Beach Boys song, or just assorted goodies and baddies. After a couple of spins of their four track EP I’m still not certain. They’ve definitely got the tunes, though their approach is thoroughly contemporary, with plentiful nods to modern arena fillers like The Killers. Keyboards and guitars lay down the core sound, with Ryan Wallace’s vocals providing counter melodies and plenty of hooks. All four tracks are individually first rate (there shouldn’t ever be any filler on an EP), and apart from it all being over far too quickly it’s difficult to find fault.
www.myspace.com/heroesandvillains
Simon M.
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Kansas City Rock Band Heroes and Villains
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IAE: Where are you from and who are some of your biggest musical influences?
HEROE...IAE: Where are you from and who are some of your biggest musical influences?
HEROES: We hail from Kansas City, MO…NO, it's a small city but we have grown to love it :) We love
listening to the broad spectrum but our music mainly reflects British influences. Keane, Coldplay, Elbow, The
Frames, Secret Machines, The Editors, and Muse. That small list is just a scratch on the surface. One of our
running jokes is that we will one day write a dance pop record and a country record. Never be shocked if you
were to walk into our house one day and find us pounding out a few bluegrass tunes or reworking one of our
songs to a dance beat. It's embarrassing, I know, but we love it. Did I mention The Beatles? We love classical
music, Steve Miller Band, and the list goes on. We also are influenced greatly by scene and setting. It doesn't
necessarily have to be music.
IAE: Take us through your creative process when producing a new song?
HEROES: Imagine sitting on a deserted island…all you have is a small piece of wood, a knife, and an
orange. This is how we feel when we start a new idea…the impossible is presented to us…so we eat the
orange to feed the onset of hunger that was hidden in our desperation to find a way off the island (the waves
can be very intoxicating). Since there are three of us, one orange will do us no good for survival. Plots and
schemes to steal the orange are conjured and come to the conclusion there is no hope. We begin to fiddle
with the local vegetation. Using the knife to whittle, we build traps and snares that ultimately end up getting in
our way and causing more problems than they’re worth. We finally realize we are on an island connected to a
bigger island that is only a ten minute walk to a grocery store and dive bar. So we shop, go belly up, discuss,
and start the process all again from an enlightened angle. Nature is brutal.
IAE: What is your most recent album release and what has been the most difficult part
about promoting the album from a D.I.Y. perspective?
HEROES: Our recent album release is "Plans In Motion." We focused on writing solid songs. We didn't
want to compromise our own integrity but still write something that everyone could enjoy. It’s a slippery beam
to balance. The album title speaks for itself. Each song, we feel, is different in its own way. Each song is
searching for its own place to settle on the record. Each song is a transition to the next, but is an intricate
piece to the greater whole.
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Music Review: Heroes + Villains - Plans in Motion
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Many things come to my mind when I listen to the March 2010 release Plans in Motion, the debut EP fr...Many things come to my mind when I listen to the March 2010 release Plans in Motion, the debut EP from Kansas City band Heroes + Villains. Most prominent in my head space is the fact that, over four songs, this band shows a depth and appreciation for many of the post-punk giants that came before them. Yes, there are moments when the guys veer a little too close to The Killers, but even then they come across like what The Killers could be with a better singer and a more sincere lyricist minus the Bruce Springsteen fixation, of course.
“Second Thoughts” has all the bells, whistles, tweaks, blips, and emotion-bred sentiment that will please all the indie scene and emo kids and fuel many late night conversations, comparisons to our lives, and bonding over a drink or two. There are moments when the band, mainly Ryan Wallace, stumble. Most notably and glaringly on the song “You Are Not Alone.” This song may come from a very pure and heartfelt place, but I hear a slightly preachy, “ah shucks” PSA after school special life lesson that runs out of gas along the way. That said, the quality of musicianship behind the words and the other three tracks on the EP almost cancel out “Alone.”
It is on the title track that Heroes + Villains really show us who they are. The song opens with hand claps, flashy acoustic guitars, and Wallace opening his mouth and telling us who exactly his true inspiration and musical savior is. Yes, Stephen Morrissey, the Pope of Mope himself is apparently Wallace’s personal totem and flash point.
Though I am not a fan of The Smiths or Morrissey’s solo work (I know, blasphemy), I do see how their catalogs drove Heroes on this track. It builds and builds to a crescendo that puts it on high with the pomp and grandeur of bands like Muse, feeding off glam and post-punk like it was a golden cow with overflowing udders.
Plans in Motion is a great starting point for Heroes + Villains. Through four songs, the EP shows nearly everything the band is about and gives a glimmer of what they may be capable of in the future. The band has what it takes make quite a splash among alternative fans: quality musicians (Jason W. Smith- drums, Cody Stockton- keyboards, and Wallace-guitars), wonderful flowing arrangements, and powerful emotion. If they can keep the momentum and potential of this EP going across a full length record, then there’s no telling how big this band could be.
I’m curious to see how big an IF that turns out to be.
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Interview: Heroes and Villains
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Interview By: Bekka Collins for The Sound Alarm
The Sound Alarm: Could you introduce yourself and...Interview By: Bekka Collins for The Sound Alarm
The Sound Alarm: Could you introduce yourself and your roles in the band?
Ryan Wallace: vocalist, guitarist, mysteriest.
Cody Stockton: keyboardist, techist, comediest.
Jason W. Smith: drummist, beard cultivatist.
TSA: How did you all get started in music?
H+V: We decided to embellish the answer to this particular question for excitement’s sake.
When Jason was born, there was a drumstick lodged in his mother’s womb, which he used to play jazz standards. He received his first (toy) drum set as a young child, and he has never stopped playing since.
Cody was born with extra (invisible) digits, enabling him to play works by Franz Liszt with one hand and push elevator buttons inconspicuously. He was captivated by the piano in the house from the time he could crawl, and has mused over keys ever since then.
Ryan was conceived with a turkey baster, and to express his residual angst regarding the ordeal, turned to mandolins, then guitars, and eventually to full-out singing his woes to audiences.
TSA: Seeing as you have undergone a name change from Walter Alias to Heroes and Villains, is there any meaning behind the name Heroes and Villains?
H+V: Heroes and Villains is a name that is epic and big, and implies action, and those are ideas we wanted to conjure in people’s minds when they heard our name.
Walter Alias was originally supposed to be our “alter alias” under which we could produce ridiculous music spanning several genres of cheese. But back then, we found ourselves using that name for our main project at that time. But recently, we have occasionally played cover gigs on the side, just for fun and for a few dollars more, where we did songs from Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga, Journey, etc. and we used Walter Alias when people asked the name when we went by, so as to further differentiate the cover gigs from Heroes and Villains.
TSA: What can we expect from a Heroes and Villains live show?
H+V: Thrills, excitement, an outstanding display of musicianship, and good form. We will soon have a light show as well! We can make quite a lot of sound for any ensemble, especially considering that we are only a trio.
TSA: How was the writing and recording process of your latest release Plans In Motion?
H+V: We completely changed the way we were writing. Before, with Walter Alias, it was more or less a series of orderly jam sessions based on an idea one of us had, that was then hewn into a song as a full group. But when we became Heroes and Villains and a trio, we took a much more refined and “studio” approach to writing. We set up our own Pro Tools studio, and started recording everything ourselves.
So now, a song from conception to finish goes like this: We’ll start with an idea that one of us has and immediately record it in Pro Tools, just vocals and guitar or piano. Then we really listen to it intently, cutting and splicing, thinking far ahead about the song’s structure, theme, vibe, and production ideas. Then we’ll add some of those thoughts to the recording, as well as more rhythm and lead tracks, and start cutting and rearranging again. And eventually we’ll get the song just the way we want it, and start polishing it with production stuff, percussion, vocal harmony, etc.
Changing our writing style like this has, in our opinion, really improved the quality of our songs. It allows us to always listen objectively to what we’re working on, and serves as a sort of “audit” that keeps every little part furthering the main point of the song as a whole.
TSA: How do you think Plans In Motion differs from your previous release?
H+V: There are so many ways. We were a quartet, and now we’re a trio. Also our writing methods changed drastically. At the same time, we changed our band image. Before, our image was a dark, epic cataclysm, and now our image is lighter, much more colorful, and not as stiff, which is reflected in the music (although the last track on Plans In Motion is reminiscent of our previous release). We also used our mad engineering skillz (sic) to record everything ourselves, which was a lot easier than being in someone else’s studio constantly knowing it costs lots of money, which isn’t the best creative environment. There are just orders of magnitudes of differences between then and now.
TSA: If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be?
H+V: Bob Ross. We would work so well him. He likes happy little trees; so do we. He knows clouds are very very free; we know this too. He wishes everyone Happy Painting; and that’s fantastic.
TSA: What is your dream tour line-up?
H+V: That all depends on the genre!
JAZZ: Johnny Hartman, Herbie Hancock (circa ‘74), then Miles Davis (circa ‘70) with Jimi Hendrix on guitar.
COUNTRY: Glenn Campbell, Brad Paisley, then Willie Nelson with Asleep At The Wheel.
RAP: Dr. Dre (circa ‘92), Busta Rhymes, then Snoop Dogg with The Roots.
R&B: D’Angelo, early Aretha Franklin, then Marvin Gaye.
METAL: Slayer, Gwar, then Cannibal Corpse with Jim Carrey dancing.
ROCK: U2, Elvis, then The Beatles
But if we were playing in the line-up: Mew, Heroes and Villains, then Queen (so we could watch Queen after we play )
TSA: Personally, what do you think the best and worst things are about touring?
H+V: Best: traveling, meeting new people, bringing our music to the good people of foreign and not so foreign lands, good regional food, the feeling of freedom, spreading the seed, you can drink at all hours of the day, and lots of newness.
Worst: wallet depletion, lack of personal space (especially when trapped in a van for hours after a meal featuring beans and onions), it can be tiring, and again, it can become really tempting to drink at all hours of the day, leading to more exhaustion.
TSA: I’ve heard people call you Kansas City’s best kept secret, how do you feel about that?
H+V: It has taken a bit of time for some parts of the Kansas City scene to respond to our music. Before we released Plans In Motion, a lot of people knew who we were and loved our music, but we didn’t really begin to “surface” in the scene until just recently.
TSA: Is there anything else you would like to add?
H+V: We like to host soirées at our house, which has been dubbed “Heroes and Villains’ Epic Party Castle” by reputable sources. And also, pterodactyls are no joke. They’re very real.
You can check out Heroes + Villains on Myspace, Twitter, and on their Official Website.
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Album Review: Heroes + Villains - Plans In Motion
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By: Bekka Collins
As we already know (from our “Profiled Artist” page here) Heroes and Villains are...By: Bekka Collins
As we already know (from our “Profiled Artist” page here) Heroes and Villains are a three-piece from Kansas City, Missouri. With their genre of music switching between indie, pop and rock, their latest four-track release Plans In Motion was definitely interesting to review!
The EP begins with “Second Thoughts” which immediately releases a strong electronic keyboard introduction that I happen to really like, even though it could almost be mistaken for one of those catchy upbeat jingles on the radio – but hey, I never said it was a bad thing! The drums then take over alongside some solid guitar riffs providing a really steady base allowing the track to unfold. We are soon introduced to a powerful delivery of pitch perfect vocals making an excellent pop track that will be appreciated by most music lovers. Personally, I enjoy the tempo changes that are present in this track as the different dynamics definitely works well in their favor.
We then move on to “You Are Not Alone” which also follows a similar pattern of a keyboard introduction, however it slowly moves into more compelling piano beats accompanied by some striking guitar riffs. The vocals are presented clearly and accurately while the drums are a key aspect of showing how energetic parts of this track can be. This song incorporates sounds similar to what I have heard from both Coldplay and Shiny Toy Guns and I feel that it is a well mastered track.
My favorite of the four tracks, “Plans in Motion,” follows. When I first heard it, I felt there was a strong influence from Spanish/Latin type beats due to the predictable but loveable handclaps and quickness of the guitar strums. For those two reasons alone, I love it, but it doesn’t stop there. The amount of energy present in this track is unbelievable and the control shown through the vocals and backing vocals really helps round off a perfect track. It is one of those songs with so many great qualities and aspects that the listener does not know what to analyze first. Once the listener takes it all in, there will be a smile on their face before they know it.
Closing the EP is “Ones We Dare Not Speak Of” which begins with a very dark piano melody leading into quiet vocals similar to those we hear from Muse’s Matt Bellamy. As the song continues, the strings and drum beats build up an intense captivating melody of their own just before leading into the most powerful vocals we have heard on the EP so far. It is a great closing track due to the numerous dramatic elements it portrays throughout and it almost undoubtedly will leave the listener wanting more.
Rating: 8/10
Release Date: March 30, 2010
Record Label: Unsigned
For Fans Of: The Killers, Shiny Toy Guns, Snow Patrol
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/heroesandvillains
Twitter: @HeroesVillains
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Profiled Artist: Heroes and Villains
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By: Bekka Collins
Heroes and Villains are a three-piece from Kansas City, Missouri. They are able t...By: Bekka Collins
Heroes and Villains are a three-piece from Kansas City, Missouri. They are able to mix around with their sound allowing them to create indie, pop and even rock vibes throughout their tracks. The boys, Jason W. Smith (drums), Cody Stockton (keyboards) and Ryan Wallace (vocals & guitars) officially formed in 2006 as Walter Alias, but since 2008 have undergone a name change to mark the new and improved Heroes and Villains.
Under the name Walter Alias, in 2007 they released their debut LP “Examples of the Cataclysmic” with co-producer Larry Gann (Elton John, Goo Goo Dolls). Although not realizing this at the time, producing their debut LP was the first stepping stone for a much bigger and brighter future. After their second live show, the boys generated a tremendous amount of attention causing Kansas City’s most popular magazine, The Pitch to take interest as well as being able to share the stage with Life in Jersey, Vedera and Jimmy Kimmel Live contest winner Radiant.
After this immediate success and recognition, the band continued to take opportunities in their stride as well as finding a way to somehow re-invent themselves, starting with a name change to Heroes and Villains. After this was finalized they focused only on their music in order to produce an extremely anticipated new release. In 2010 fans got their wish as Heroes and Villains released their second EP, Plans in Motion. Ever since this release the boys have been receiving constant radio airplay creating a huge buzz in Kansas City, bringing them to the forefront of the music scene. Word has it that Heroes and Villains are Kansas City’s best kept secret – but for how long?
To learn more about Heroes and Villains please visit :
http://heroesandvillains.mu/
http://www.myspace.com/heroesandvillains
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Examples of the Cataclysmic CD Review (March 27, 2007)
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"Where Are You Going?" by Walter Alias fromExamples of the Cataclysmic (self-released):
A band th..."Where Are You Going?" by Walter Alias fromExamples of the Cataclysmic (self-released):
A band that calls its album Examples of the Cataclysmic obviously is thinking big. Walter Alias, a KC transplant from Branson, Missouri, describes its sweeping sound as "cinematic," and it's not hard to imagine the quartet's swelling choruses set against some critical moment in a movie about the apocalypse, or at least an episode of Jericho. This is serious pop-rock, meant to be heard by the masses. Yet, at a time when the masses favor bloated production (thanks, My Chemical Romance and the Killers), Walter Alias chooses ambience over gimmick, which means weaker songs such as "Goodmorning" merely drag rather than succumb to pomp. Lofty song titles such as "Speechless With Continuum" suggest that singer Ryan Wallace is exploring deep themes. Whether the lyrics are personal or political is hard to say, but, more important, Wallace sounds good singing them, especially when he evokes Jeff Buckley on closing track "Where Are You Going?"
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Top Shows: Heroes and Villains (March 26, 2010)
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Top shows: Heroes and Villains
Also, The Black Eyed Peas and Electric Six
HEROES AND VILLAINS
9...Top shows: Heroes and Villains
Also, The Black Eyed Peas and Electric Six
HEROES AND VILLAINS
9.P.M. SATURDAY. THE RIOT ROOM.
Fresh from a stint at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, one local act not to miss is Heroes and Villains, which celebrate the release of their debut EP, Plans in Motion, on Saturday at The Riot Room.
The band has spurred buzz for its sweeping indie-rock sound and the new music video for the EP’s title track, shot by local company Gnarly Enterprises.
Cover includes a copy of the CD. Local bands Thee Water MoccaSins and The Model Congress open the show.
Check out the video for "Plans in Motion."
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HEROES AND VILLAINS release NEW EP (March 26, 2010)
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Missouri natives, Heroes+Villains, emerge as a refreshing and welcomed buoy of sweeping, polished, s...Missouri natives, Heroes+Villains, emerge as a refreshing and welcomed buoy of sweeping, polished, sound in the sea of lo-fi, garage rock groups that seem to be flooding the waters of the indie-scene as of late.
Heroes+Villains’ new EP, Plans in Motion, is about fifteen minutes and four songs worth of larger than life, engulfing sound. Frontman, Ryan Wallace, delivers vocals that are full and absolutely earnest while perfectly complimenting Cody Stockton’s standout keys and enhancing the masterful and tight percussion of Jason Smith. While the sound is dreamy, the guys aren’t afraid of guitar riffs and some raucous percussion. Oh and in case you were wondering, the EP boasts actual string parts--cellos, violins, the whole bit-- which only serve to bolster the overall ethereal sound. Think: The Killers, sans eyeliner, meets Travis, but with a bit more edge, and pretend these guys hail from The UK.
While musical tides ebb and flow, it seems as if Heroes+Villans have planted an impressive anchor. They’re on the horizon line, and they’re making waves….beautiful, cascading, electronic-indie-pop waves.
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Local EP Review: Heroes and Villains (April 15, 2010)
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The first EP from Kansas City trio Heroes and Villains is four tracks of super-slickly produced pop/...The first EP from Kansas City trio Heroes and Villains is four tracks of super-slickly produced pop/rock that looks fondly across the pond to the Britpop superstars who never fully caught on in the U.S.
The first track, “Second Thoughts,” opens with a bubbly bells melody that could have been ripped out of one of those annoying iPhone commercials. Urgent drums pile on top of guitar strums, while vocoder vocals back up singer/guitarist Ryan Wallace’s unforced, sunny delivery. Wallace is often a dead ringer for Keane’s Tom Chaplin, with hummingbird vibrato and clean, clear tone.
“You Are Not Alone” starts with lofty keyboard shimmers, soon joined by imposing piano thumps that melt into another happily uplifting melody. Next, “Plans in Motion” introduces Spanish-inflected handclaps and speedy acoustic guitars, soon joined by a chorus of multitracked backing vocals that occasionally flirt with the Queen formula of purposeful overstatement.
“Ones We Dare Not Speak Of” starts out with faux-orchestral swoops, leading into a hushed vocal surrounded by muted arpeggios. Strings build and swell alongside crashing drums, venturing into Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die” territory of bombast under a melody that’s sweet at heart. The song’s end comes a bit abruptly for all that buildup, but it’s still an ambitious coda to a strong debut.
http://www.inkkc.com/blogs/local-ep-review-heroes-and-villains/apr/4/10
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It's the end of the world as they see it (May 17, 2007)
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A band that calls its album Examples of the Cataclysmic is obviously thinking big. Walter Alias, a K...A band that calls its album Examples of the Cataclysmic is obviously thinking big. Walter Alias, a Kansas City transplant from Branson, Missouri, describes its sweeping sound as "cinematic," and it's not hard to imagine the quartet's swelling choruses set against some critical moment in a movie about the apocalypse, or at least an episode of Jericho. This is serious pop-rock, meant to be heard by the masses. Yet, at a time when the masses favor bloated production (thanks, My Chemical Romance and the Killers), Walter Alias chooses ambiance over gimmick, which means weaker songs such as "Goodmorning" merely drag rather than succumb to pomp. Lofty song titles such as "Speechless With Continuum" suggest that singer Ryan Wallace is exploring deep themes. Whether the lyrics are personal or political is hard to say, but, more important, Wallace sounds good singing them, especially when he evokes Jeff Buckley on closing track "Where Are You Going?"
supersonic
Second Thoughts - Plans In Motion
