La Resistance

Artist Information

Biography

La Resistance will be performing at CMJ 2012 at Bar Matchless in Brooklyn!
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Our new video for "Loathing" was premiered at Baeble Music in September 2012 and charted as high a #2 on their video charts
http://www.baeblemusic.com/music-video/La-Resistance/Loathing.html
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Our video for Shells, directed by Hunter Barrow, was featured as AOL Spinner's Video of the Day in October 2011 and was
was premiered on Magnet Magazine's website in June 2011
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La Resistance is a featured artist in Anthony Bourdain's new show "The Layover" with 10 song placements in the series this past fall.
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After tour dates in the northeast and midwest, we will soon be announcing new dates in the South for late 2012
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La Resistance is the brainchild of Greg Summerlin, who, after releasing several solo albums on Superphonic Records, formed the band with three friends who have played with him over the past few years. These indie-rockers on the rise prove to be turning the heads of music fans across the nation as the band's debut album, "Philosophy,” barely a year old, has already been covered in such major blogs and magazines as AOL Spinner, Magnet, Blurt, My Old Kentucky Blog, Popmatters, Under the Radar, KEXP.org, The Big Takeover, Allgigs (UK) and many others. It also spent weeks in the CMJ charts and achieved #1 status at stations like KONC in Chicago.

La Resistance is the past and the future. The old and the new. The classic and the experimental. Their unique sound and perspective is hard to categorize, but their influences range from New Order, Radiohead, The Cure, and Echo and the Bunnymen, to Interpol and Arcade Fire. Without departing from the timeless foundation of catchy melodies and poetic, poignant lyrics, La Resistance has an eye for the future, pushing the words and music to a place that is altogether inspiring but never ostentatious.

Look for them on tour this fall and winter and at the CMJ Music Festival in NYC in October, and follow them on Facebook or Twitter as new tour dates are added to their calendar. La Resistance is Greg Summerlin on lead vocals and guitar, Randle Scruggs on bass, Mischa Jordy on keys and vocals, and Wil Drake on drums. Greg's previous three albums received much critical approval and had songs that appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including network placements on ABC and NBC.

Team Clermont, one of the leading indie media companies in the US, will be providing providing publicity and marketing for the new record and handling all tour press.

*La Resistance was featured on Magnet Magazine's "MP3 at 3PM" in March*

*"Isolation" was featured in the "Sonicbids Indie Showcase" on 3,244 national flights this past November and December, 2011

Here's a few press quotes for "Philosophy"

"this debut album from his new group actually does hearken back to that late ‘70s/early ‘80s British-influenced post-punk/new wave sound (especially Joy Division, Comsat Angels, The Sound and later Echo & the Bunnymen), with its tension-filled guitars, glacial keyboards, and cinematic scope. Given those influences, it’s hard to believe this terrific album is coming from Deep South, USA."
The Big Takeover

"Is this pure modern pop? Slightly psychedelic dream pop? Or just good ol' hummable pop/rock music that sticks? Actually it's all of the three...and more. Philosophy is full of danceable catchy tracks with impossibly groovy vocal melodies. The more we spin this disc...the classier many of the tunes sound. Top pick."
Babysue.com

"Ending up solidly in the midst of New Order, Buzzcocks and such, these songs are irresistible"
Aiding and Abetting
aidabet.com

"The solid songwriting is still there (with hooks a plenty). Summerlin and his crew give the songs some real bite and hooks you can sink your teeth into"
Blurt

"fielding hook-filled songs with catchy vocals and a strong melodic sense...frontman Greg Summerlin has established his songwriting chops with a series of solo albums, and expanding his sound to include a band has increased the sonic possibilities of his peculiar, pop-shoe-grunge soundscapes"
Popmatters

Instrumentation

Greg Summerlin - Vocals, Guitar
Wil Drake - Drums
Randle Scruggs - Bass
Josh Poore - Vocals, keyboards

Discography

"Philosophy" - February 2011

Official Website

http://www.laresistancemusic.com

Audio

• Shells
  Listen  
• Understanding
  Listen  
• Isolation
  Listen  
• Loathing
  Listen  
• Forsaken
  Listen  

Video

Shells

Photo Gallery

Press

• La Resistance "Shells" -- Video of the Day [+ Show ]
  

  La Resistance, 'Shells' -- Video of the Day Posted on Oct 12th 2011 6:00PM by Ben Jones Artist: ...La Resistance, 'Shells' -- Video of the Day
  Posted on Oct 12th 2011 6:00PM by Ben Jones
  
  Artist: La Resistance
  Video: 'Shells'
  Highlight: "As far as the video goes, Hunter Barrow, the director, came up with this slightly abstract idea," singer Greg Summerlin tells Spinner. "He wanted to give the video kind of an industrial feel along with a performance by the band. The general concept is the glass factory spitting out layers of glass that are all exactly the same, which is a bit of a statement about the music business to a certain degree. The last shot was supposed to be a worker at the factory taking this sheet of glass that has an imprint of the band on it and putting it into a shelf where there are dozens of other sheets of glass that are exactly the same, but the shot didn't work out and we had to cut it. The song itself is more about building 'Shells' around us as we get older to protect ourselves from the pain of life, but as we do so we become less like the person we want to be. The thought behind the song is also a bit abstract."

• MP3 At 3PM: La Resistance [+ Show ]
  

  La Resistance just issued debut solo album Philosophy last month via Superphonic Records and is alre...La Resistance just issued debut solo album Philosophy last month via Superphonic Records and is already gearing up for a companion EP that will feature the Birmingham, Ala., band covering the likes of Echo & The Bunnymen, Gang Of Four, New Order, Joy Division, Psychedelic Furs and the Jesus And Mary Chain. (Looks like our cassette collection circa 1985. Nice.) You can download an mp3 of La Resistance’s cover of the Bunnymen’s “Lips Like Sugar” below, as well as Philosophy tracks “Isolation” and “Understanding.”

• La Resistance "Philosophy" - Top Pick for January 2011 [+ Show ]
  

  La Resistance - Philosophy (CD, Superphonic, Pop/rock) The debut full-length release from Birmingha...La Resistance - Philosophy (CD, Superphonic, Pop/rock)
  The debut full-length release from Birmingham, Alabama's La Resistance. Although this is the first album from this band, leader Greg Summerlin has previously released solo albums (also on the Superphonic label). When Philosophy began, we had the sneaking suspicion La Resistance was going to be a Joy Division copycat band. But while the opening bass line of "Shells" might give that impression...that's where the similarities end. Philosophy is a bright upbeat pop album full of danceable catchy tracks with impossibly groovy vocal melodies. The more we spin this disc...the classier many of the tunes sound. None of that impossibly difficult underground crap here. Summerlin and bandmates Wil Drake, Erin Tumlin, and Jake Blount are excellent musicians...and they deliver these tracks with obvious style and focused devotion. Is this pure modern pop? Slightly psychedelic dream pop? Or just good ol' hummable pop/rock music that sticks? Actually it's all of the three...and more. Killer tracks include "Understanding," "Launch," "Loathing," and "Starchild." Top pick.

• La Resistance/Philosophy (8 out of 10) [+ Show ]
  

  The band dressed in black with dour dispositions and the moody, pop sound hails from.....Birmingh...
  The band dressed in black with dour dispositions and the moody, pop sound hails from.....Birmingham, Alabama?! Upon closer inspection it appears pop guy Greg Summerlin is the brainchild behind this band. Summerlin released a few solid pop records in the past decade then seemingly vanished. Here he reappeared with 3 other folks remade as a gothic pop outfit...and thankfully, though a bit darker, the solid songwriting is still there (with hooks a plenty).
  
  Opener "Shells" begin with a hark of a synthesizer then icy rhythms percolate in, the rhythm becomes more prominent and finally Summerlin's vocals go from meek to confident in a matter of seconds. It's a nice way to open a record while "Understanding" follows a similar path but with a hook that explodes a bit more - and yup, there, is a song called "Isolation" (figured they had to have one in the batch). It lives up to its "I vant to be alone" name. If you're thinking of a Joy Division/New Order influence here you'd be right, but while many of those band's disciples seem to wallow in their own self pity and trench coats, Summerlin and his crew give the songs some real bite and hooks you can sink your teeth into.
  
  Maybe there's more to Birmingham than meets the eye?

• Peice de La Resistance [+ Show ]
  

  (this is an early review of the single "Understanding" It shows as well...or at least it does on ...(this is an early review of the single "Understanding"
  
  It shows as well...or at least it does on the single, "Understanding." Sounding like something out of the hazy days of early 90's British pop, the song is straight out of the baggy / shoegazing pages of NME. Sounding something like the Dylans meets Edipussy, the band mix psychedelics with grooves and achieve pop bliss. If the album is half as good as this single, we're all in for a treat come February when Philosophy is released.
  

• La Resistance "Understanding" [+ Show ]
  

  La Resistance is Greg Summerlin's musical baby. The emerging Birmingham, Alabama threesome will rela...La Resistance is Greg Summerlin's musical baby. The emerging Birmingham, Alabama threesome will relase their debut LP, Philosophy, next Tuesday (February 8) via Superphonic. Check out the album's rock-y preview cut, "Understanding." The "indie gothic pop" band obviously take influence from Gang of Four, Joy Division, and The Jesus and Mary Chain. LR will also be issuing a companion EP that sees them covering the three aforementioned bands, as well as New Order and The Psychedelic Furs.

• La Resistance with "Philosophy" [+ Show ]
  

  La Resistance with "Philosophy" We definitely suggest this new album to our readers/listeners. Trev...La Resistance with "Philosophy"
  We definitely suggest this new album to our readers/listeners. Trevor Stine loves this new album and wants to see it do good on the countdown for the weeks to come. (Trevor Stine): La Resistance hails from Birmingham and has that great chill-pop feel that we all dig here at the station. The album brings in a lot of issues that lead vocalist, Greg Summerlin, was going through with his record label and modern society at the time, so the lyrics really have the potential to resonate with a lot of people.

• La Resistance – Philosophy (Superphonicrecords.net) [+ Show ]
  

  I had just watched the Joy Division biopic “Control”, and with the amazing performance by Sam Riley ...I had just watched the Joy Division biopic “Control”, and with the amazing performance by Sam Riley as Ian Curtis still buzzing in my head, I went back into my front room, put this on the stereo (for the first time, mind) to start my review, and hey presto! A coincidence or what? The first minute of opening track “Shells” is Joy Division in all their glory; well, almost. The song then morphed into a passionate indie-rock song, which did it no harm at all, and actually is the underlying blueprint for much of this album.
  
  “Understanding” is another indie rock bombshell (forgive the pun). And the fact that track three is called “Isolation”, and is obviously inspired by Hooky and Stephen’s rhythms is no minus either, as the music bowls along at a fascinating pace, twisting this (slight) homage into another cavernous indie rock anthem. The next four minutes of “Pain” is at a slower pace, with experimental keyboard activity of a semi-minimalist kind, with a choice vocal / choral mix thrown in, making it a total pleasure and nowhere near as confusing as I’ve made it sound.
  
  La Resistance continues on their quest to twist their own melodies on to rhythms that could well be found on Joy Division and New Order albums. They succeed admirably in this pursuit, giving us the joyous tracks “Forsaken”, “Launch” and “Knowing” to name but three, creating a most singular pleasure for anyone of a Northern post-punk persuasion, so long as you don’t mind the music having a harmonious new twist.
  
  A one-trick pony then? I don’t think so, as the earlier “Pain” proves, and this is augmented by “Infinity”, another slower song, with keyboard and drums dominating. The final wig-out “Starchild” is unlike anything else on the album, but you can still tell that it’s their song, all six and a half minutes.
  
  So, strange coincidence aside, there maybe a lot more to come from La Resistance (who come from Birmingham, Alabama, by the way), so I suggest we all stay tuned in, and ready to turn on.
  www.laresistancemusic.com
  Kev A.

• Recommended albums for February 2011 [+ Show ]
  

  La Resistance La Resistance (Superphonic Records) Greg Summerlin put together a band and decided th...La Resistance La Resistance (Superphonic Records)
  Greg Summerlin put together a band and decided that he ought to go riding with the Factory boys. Ending up solidly in the midst of New Order, Buzzcocks and such, these perky songs are irresistible

• Time to party like it's 1986 [+ Show ]
  

  La Resistance’s synth-heavy guitar pop recalls 1980s bands like The Cure, Tears For Fears and Jesus ...La Resistance’s synth-heavy guitar pop recalls 1980s bands like The Cure, Tears For Fears and Jesus Jones, but the band avoids a nostalgia trip by fielding hook-filled songs with catchy vocals and a strong melodic sense. Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, the band is the very antithesis of “Southern rock”. Frontman Greg Summerlin has established his songwriting chops with a series of solo albums, and expanding his sound to include a band has increased the sonic possibilities of his peculiar, pop-shoe-grunge soundscapes. Killer tune “Understanding” layers scratchy guitar, piles of keyboards and nyah-nyah vocals into an irresistible confection. With song titles like “Isolation”, “Pain” and “Loathing”, the prevailing mood on Philosophy isn’t exactly cheery. However, there’s enough rock ‘n’ roll attitude here to avoid an angst-fest, and some moments are positively chipper.

• New Song: La Resistance : Lips Like Sugar (Echo And The Bunnymen cover) [+ Show ]
  

  La Resistance’s debut album, Philosophy is all of two weeks old, but that hasn’t stopped Greg Summer...La Resistance’s debut album, Philosophy is all of two weeks old, but that hasn’t stopped Greg Summerlin and company from stroming the neighborhood studio to record new music. Not deterred by the fact that Philosophy still has marks from the jockey’s crop, reports are that the Birmingham band is already planning a covers EP for spring. And what better way to hold you over than this faithful take on Echo And The Bunnymen’s signature tune?

• Grooved, Spaced Out Electro-Pop of Post-Punk Proportions: La Resistance’s Philosophy [+ Show ]
  

  La Resistance’s Philosophy opens with a Radio 4-like punkified dance rock on “Shells.” It’s keyboard...La Resistance’s Philosophy opens with a Radio 4-like punkified dance rock on “Shells.” It’s keyboard-laden, dreamy, pop-like, and urgent with just the right amount of drum fills for propulsion. “Understanding” conjures up a laid-back, post-punk of Wire, even as the song swirls about like it’s got Britpop in its claws as they sing about “faith, hope, and love.” “Isolation” hearkens back to the early 90’s electro-dance rock of the Dylans, although with crunchier drums and riffing guitars.
  Interrupting things is the plaintive piano of “Pain” with its choral-like vocals and faux string keys to raise it up as a contemplation of God’s greatness in midst of pain.
  Rising out of a guitar that recalls the Church’s space rock, “Forsaken” builds to punch the air with its drums even as while throwing out its arms like a brighter Muse. After the interlude “Launch,” “Loathing” lands with more electro-pop making you much happier than the title would suggest. Then let the funk, Go! Team-like marching band rhythms sweep you off your feet for “Knowing.”
  Overall, then, Philosophy will provide a groove even as you sense the post-punk spirit jamming out spaced-out electro pop.

• Philosophy - La Resistance [Greg Summerlin] Album Review [+ Show ]
  

  If you are distraught at the thought of New Order never making another record then take heart that A...If you are distraught at the thought of New Order never making another record then take heart that Alabama band La Resistance have grasped the baton of throbbing base lines and clattering drum loops with gusto and have produced an album that could easily be from the Sumner, Hook, Morris stable.
  Opener 'Shells' sets the tone that remains pretty constant throughout the 11 tracks on offer; the exceptions being the delicate 'Pain' which is all swelling vocals and mournful piano, the rather pointless 'Launch' (which is just a recorded countdown to a....rocket launch) and the doom laden 'Infinity' which has the feel of a, you've guessed it, Joy Division piece.
  But this is no tribute band; the tunes are strong, especially 'Understanding', 'Isolation' and the rousing 'Loathing', although the overlong 'Starchild' is a bit of a mess, the production suitably sparse and the vocals are certainly stronger than Bernie's!!
  A probable hit with fans of the Manchester post-punkers, but enough for others to appreciate in its own light.
  Adrian Phillips

Setlist

Typical set if headlining is around 75 minutes consisting of song from Greg's four records.

Songs: shine on where you want, this darkened world, unlucky in love, atmosphere, redemption, the paintaker, your frown's my friend, rolling like a stone, i would fight, voices, my own pen, i won't bow down, light on the hill, inside of me

Basic Requirements

Calendar