Broken Sons
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 2006 | SELF
Music
Press
October 3, 2008
The second band to hit the bill at Johnny B’s in Whitby was Broken Sons. Whitby. Sometimes I think it’s crazy enough that there are Toronto bands willing to travel that far, because, quite honestly, it doesn’t seem the fans want to follow. But maybe this was due to the set up of the room.
See, this particular night was deemed an all-ages night. So the all-ages area was the first 15 feet in front of the stage, with the roped off 19+ section to be behind it. The theory being that anyone who is 19+ can enter the all-ages area (close to the stage) but the underage can’t go further away from the stage.
The problem with this setup was likely the fact that everyone who showed up was of-age, and the visual barrier kept the entire all-ages area void of people. And I’d probably feel quite dejected playing to what would have felt like an empty room. Anyways, even barring the empty-room feel due to a very empty all-ages area seeing as how everyone in the building couldn’t put down their drinks to join me, I had a great time with unobstructed access to every available visual point of the stage!
As for the music, Broken Sons are very into what they do. And it shows, every member of the band had a good balance of showmanship, as well as “being into the music” that was nice to see. I’m sure as the lead singer of Broken Sons, Jay was the biggest “show-off” of the band, but it makes sense. No one wants a show-boating drummer when everyone else is all mellow.
The music was just really good. It’s hard to describe other than being an overall great alternative rock band. From what I can tell, unless you’re really good, you won’t even get to keep a band together when you’re from Toronto. Then again, there’s just a lot of talent out there that needs to be discovered. Broken Sons falls into the “needs to be discovered” category I’m sure. I’m not sure what else to write. I liked their fast-paced songs, their slow-ish songs, the in-between songs.
Broken Sons are a great band. There’s nothing left to really say! Oh, except that Wednesday October 22nd they’re having a CD release party at Tattoo Rock Parlour! It’s an awesome venue so definitely check them out - Big Rock Finish
Discography
Broken Sons - self titled EP - (2008)
Broken Sons - It's Not My Fault EP - (2013).
Photos
Bio
The success of a rock band depends largely on the chemistry of its songwriters. Broken Sons is no exception. When front man Jay Manara and bassist Devon Gergovich met in 2006, it was over a shared passion for crafting music. Out of this evolved the strong, cohesive partnership that serves as the foundation of the band we know today.
Broken Sons draws on many influences, but its sound is refreshingly original. Manara and Gergovich have successfully honed a unique style that is equal parts 90s grunge and 80s anthem rock laced with rich harmonies and hooks.
The band effectively translated this sound to the stage with a solid live act that combines first-rate musicianship with infectious energy. Extensive touring refined and perfected their performance while earning them a loyal fan base and a slew of admirers.
Yet, despite all this, Manara and Gergovich felt the overall sound they were looking for was eluding them. Following the release of their self-titled EP in 2008, Broken Sons wanted to add a new dimension to their music, a new articulation. They needed someone who could aid in its growth and evolution. Writing began skewing toward a harder brand of rock, fused with a wider variety of influences and pop-sensibility, and the band needed the right producer to realize this.
Three-time Grammy Award-winning producer/mixer David Bottrill, whose credits include Tool, MUSE, Silverchair, Smashing Pumpkins, Staind and Peter Gabriel, was given the bands original demos and recognized tremendous potential upon hearing them. Believing he had something worthwhile to contribute, Bottrill agreed to work with the band. Soon after, Manara, Gergovich, guitarist Greg Keyes and drummer Jason Pierce joined Bottrill and co-producer/engineer Kevin Dietz at Metalworks Studios to begin work on a five-track EP.
The result represents a new direction for Broken Sons. The musical style that was born out of a mutual aptitude for crafting music has been let loose with an unbridled sonic energy and launched to stratospheric heights. The vocals are stronger, melodies and choruses are richer and more textured; and the overall sound is beautifully refined.
Broken Sons is excited to share its finished product with audiences everywhere, both as a polished studio release and live on stage. 2013 promises to be a busy year for the four-piece rock band from Toronto. Therell be a lot of blood and sweat, but a fresh sound, shared love of music and unstoppable drive will no doubt be enough to see them through with success.
Band Members
Links
