The Walkup

Not to take anything away from The Walkup, but if their next step isn't to buy tickets to England right now, they need to seriously reconsider their career plans.

This isn't meant to take anything away from These Walls Have Ears. It's an excellent EP, and even though the band sounds like the point at which Interpol, Maximo Park and The Killers intersect, they still manage to stake out their own ground on the already crowded Brit-sounding dance-rock field. Songs like "Run and Hide" and "Cut Me Out" are brimming with the nervous energy that typifies the best the genre has to offer, with frontman/lead guitarist Alex Koch providing both perfectly jittery vocals and punchy, angular riffs.

It's just that these bands do so much better on the other side of the Atlantic. Here they'll be lucky to attain a Strokes/Franz-esque level of fame, with decent sales and the misfortune of becoming a byword for "indie music" in the mainstream music world. In England, however...if they can keep up what they're doing on These Walls Have Ears, it'd just take a week or two before they get an NME cover and the "saviours of rock" mantle.
- Iheartmusic.com

After meeting in a Lower East Side NYC bar in 2005, The Walkup have been honing their energetic, punchy live show into a full-length studio album of material called Down on Pacific (June 3, Reynolds Recording Co). Their music is angular and hooky with Brit-pop influences and ace drumbeats, perfect for warmer days and summer nights. The album is produced by Gregory Lattimer (Albert Hammond Jr.) and Caleb Shreve (Ra Ra Riot).


- http://fuelfriends.blogspot.com/2008/04/monday-music-roundup_21.html

March 26, 2007

Aside from being friends of mine, the Walkup have been one one of my favorite local acts for some time now, showing a lot of promise over the past year and a half or so that i have been following them and checking them out live. so imagine my excitement when frontman Alex brandished their long awaited full length album while we were down at SXSW and placed it in my free hand (that one that wasn't holding a glass of spardka most likely).

Their newly updated sound is fresh and full of great hooks and an addictive sort of frantic energy. The two tracks below were the standouts to me, but every time I listen to this album it seems as though I discover something new and wonderful about it that I didn't notice before. And that to me, my friends, is the sign of a great record. Bands from NYC haven't been getting a lot of attention, love or really a whole lot of respect lately, but that is something that needs to change and perhaps that change will come here and now. It's about time!
- www.irockiroll.blogspot.com

You have to plan ahead when you rock with The Walkup. Any lack of preparation could leave you in serious need of a geography lesson because this New York based group does not bring to mind visions of shining skyscrapers. In fact, they don't sound like an East Coast band at all. They instead evoke the scenes of sunny beaches crawling along the Pacific Coast. Their aptly named debut album Down on Pacific features ten tracks with a consistent quality throughout, setting the group up for a bright future.

Down on Pacific is the result of the unified musical influence of each of the band's members. The lead vocals, sung by Alex Koch, remind me of Morrissey if he had a sunnier disposition. I can picture the smirk on Koch's lips as he sings with a moody and pleading tone. Enhanced by a slight echo effect, Koch's vocals create the illusion of a live show rather than a studio recording. His vocals are accompanied by chord progressions that straddle the line between East and West Coast alternative rock, applied by guitarist Sean Finnigan.

Rounding out the group we find Michael Petrucelly and Christopher Ayoub, who supply the Walkup's somewhat repetitive rhythm section. These four have managed to capture a sound that is so popular these days and turn it into something different and original. The album's opening track, "My Youth," does a great job of getting my feet tapping and head bopping. It sets the tone for the rest of the record, which is filled with more up-tempo tunes, keeping the listener's mood upbeat and perky.

The funky bass intro to "The Long Hours" by Ayoub screams for my attention immediately. I find myself singing along with the catchy-as-hell hook in the chorus and banging my head like the "rag doll" they speak of. The band chooses a thematic rhythm which resonates throughout Down on Pacific creating a sound I can only associate with The Walkup, successfully keeping their songs uniform but not identical.

The Walkup's signature sound is fairly heavy with their self-stated influences of other groups bleeding through. "Conversation" made me believe I had accidentally started playing "London Calling" by The Clash. Sounding like The Clash is never a problem, as long as an original sound is maintained. I was pleased to hear that the similarities did not carry throughout the entire tune: the heavy beat that is sustained throughout the verse, consisting of down stroke strumming on one chord develops nicely into a heartsick alternative rock melody throughout the chorus. Along with the surprise appearance of a synthesizer, the song builds up towards its somewhat climactic end.

If they continue to release albums of this caliber, The Walkup will have cemented themselves into the music scene for life. A combination of The Beach Boys' party-time attitude with The Smiths' moody and broody ways is a match made in New York.

Pick up a copy of Down on Pacific out June 3, 2008. - Jenna Avery-Lawyer
- http://popwreck.blogspot.com/2008/05/walkup-down-on-pacific.html

The Walkup is the trio consisting of Alex Koch (guitar, vocals), Michael Petrucelly (drums), Sean Finnigan (guitar), and Christopher Ayoub (bass). The members got together in 2005 in New York City and formed the band, eventually releasing their EP These Walls Have Ears. Rather than jump into things, the band took their time preparing for their debut album...honing their skills and writing material. The result is the first full-length from The Walkup...Down on Pacific. More than any other band, the tunes on this album remind us very much of The Strokes (particularly some of the nifty dual guitar interplay). These guys write simple, catchy pop tunes that are just slightly quirky. Hummable tunes include "My Youth," "Looks Like We Haven't Learned a Thing," "In The Park," and "Logic Goes." Good stuff. - http://www.babysue.com

These New York natives have a confident sound, but they stop short of being cocky or British, even though they have a brit-indie-pop-esque character in most of their work. Maybe living in a musical melting pot gives them the right spices. Whatever the case-it works great. Down On Pacific has some crafty-ass guitar work that blends well with the lo-fi vocals. By diversifying their timing and hooks, they manage to keep the album interesting throughout. This quality, above all else, plays a powerful part in their performance.
- Harder Beat Magazine

"The Walkup are a bunch New York indie rockers who sound as if they could’ve just stepped off the boat from the UK. The four-piece outfit has catchy pop hooks and cutting guitar riffs that demonstrate greater experience than their one year together would suggest. The Walkup has the same nervous energy found in many of their obvious influences–most notably the Libertines and Bloc Party-and its displayed no where better than on their recent EP, “These Walls Have Ears.”
- Zigzaglive.com

Concert Review: Kevin Devine Rocks The Boat
August 14th, 2007
Rocks Off (Half Moon) Boat
Kevin Devine & the Walkup

Spending the night on a packed boat touring New York City by water is normally an awe-inspiring experience of its own. The expansive views of skylines lite bright above steady water should be enough to make a normal Tuesday night abnormal, right? However, this particular Tuesday night wasn't made extraordinary by sliding plywood or pounding water but by Kevin Devine 'rocking' the Half Moon. It became clear by the time he started his set that nobody was standing to take pictures of the Statue of Liberty on this three hour tour.

The Walkup, a New York City uptempo dance band reminiscent of the Arctic Monkeys (but with stronger lyrics) started the show, removing the crowds unsteady feet from the floor. My first time hearing of the band was in relation to this tour however, their more than worth the price of admission. Off of energy alone, the Walkup could have easily headlined the boat. I'm sure that they picked up several new fans too. However, I'd caution that in New York City especially, everyone is always looking for the next rising indie scenester to place their city on the map. Do not confuse: the Walkup will not be your poster child but they may be among your newest obsessions.

The brief pause between the two acts allowed the crowd to become more riled up and purchase even more alcohol. One might wonder how it's possible to remain calm and well-footed while the ground beneath drunken feet is moving all on it's own. However, it's a lot easier than it looks. The more difficult part was attempting to take a photograph of anything but a few scattered lights.

Kevin Devine took the stage but there was no rush trying to clamor the stage. In that sense, the atmosphere of the crowd made the show more enjoyable. The performance itself was superb (as only can be expected) with such crowd favorites as "Cotton Crush" and "Brooklyn Boy" pleasing all. With the support of the Goddamn Band, Devine did indeed rock the boat (the pun cannot and shall not be escaped). The acoustics of the boat stage itself were surprisingly good, considering the many open spaces and plastic coverings on the vessel. The buzz of the guitar filled the hollow spaces but there did seem to be some slight reverb in the speakers towards the start of the set. Atmosphere was truly key with this particular show, as the crowd was the ideal mixture of respect and aplomb (apparently alcohol can make people more human).

Among the songs heard were new tracks from Devine's 2006 album "Put Your Ghost to Rest" such as "Me & My Friends," "Burning City Smoking" (perhaps Devine's most political song yet), and "Trouble." From 2005's stellar "Split the Country, Split the State" (my personal favorite Devine album and among my favorite albums ever released), Devine played "Cotton Crush" (in which the crowd asked the ever persistent question of "Where's Jesse," referring to Jesse Lacey of Brand New fame, who performs background vocals in the recorded version of the track), "No Time Flat," and "Yr. Damned Ol' Dad." Also, from 2003's "Make The Clocks Move," Devine thrilled the crowd by playing "Whistling Dixie" (which was requested several times throughout the show prior to its performance), a surprising Christmas in August experience of "Splitting Up Christmas," and finished out the story with starter track "Ballgame." The crowd was also surprised with the snippet sized "Write Your Story Now" from Devine's debut solo album, "Circle Gets the Square." In addition, Devine played several covers, among them "Play Crack the Sky" (because we were all on a boat) by Brand New, "Misunderstood" (in which Devine proved he doesn't need a microphone, he can be heard just fine without one) by Wilco, and "Harvest Moon" (where there may have been some lyrical difficulties) by Neil Young. The crowd was also vaguely familiar with two new tracks that Devine played on this summers acoustic tour with Jesse Lacey and a string of dates in early June tentatively refered to as "Mr. Murphy" (a song befittingly for a boat, about a sailor and his dog) and "You Won't, You Won't" (which many of us are anxiously waiting for a recorded version of).

Overall, the show was another 'devine' (to quote a friend who finds this world play amusing) experience. America's now gets to be depressed over the next few weeks, as Devine plays dates in London and then Germany (where his fan base is phenomenally large). There was no depression involved in this three-hour boat tour (cue: Gillian Island theme song) except when the boat docked.
- http://trailingmusic.blogspot.com

http://www.spinner.com/2008/06/29/the-walkup-looks-like-we-havent-learned-a-thing-free-mp3-o/ - AOL/Spinner.com

http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/news/article/0,,4684601,00.html

Coming together over drinks at a Lower East Side bar, indie outfit The Walkup quickly found they shared similar tastes in music despite coming of age in different locales. Stumbling across such musical serendipity in a city as diverse as New York isn't something that happens everyday, so the guys took advantage of their good fortune, deciding to come together and form a band. Releasing their first EP, These Walls Have Ears, back in 2005, the band took the next few years playing gigs all across the Big Apple and honing their sound.

Now set to release their debut album, Down On Pacific, the band is poised to attract an even wider audience to their post punk tinged pop stylings. Singer Alex Koch even took the time to dive into our Break It Down feature to give fans everywhere a deeper glimpse into the band's psyche.

What have you been listening to lately?

Yeasayer. Band of Horses. Autolux. The Magnetic Fields. Nada Surf. Portishead.

Where's your favorite place to chill?

My fire escape – actually it's technically not a fire escape since it doesn't have a ladder, making escaping a bit difficult – it's a great place to sit, have a drink and watch all the drunken shenanigans that go on in the lower east side of Manhattan. That or Vegas because I'm a degenerate gambler.

What's the most dramatic thing you ever did to save money as a starving musician?

Got a job - what a letdown.

Tell us one of your favorite song lyrics?

"Larry was the oldest, Joey was next to last. They called Joe "Crazy," the baby they called "Kid Blast." Some say they lived off gambling and runnin' numbers too. It always seemed they got caught between the mob and the men in blue." - Bob Dylan

What is your most cherished musical instrument or accessory?

My Fender Jaguar and my piece o' crap '70s Silvertone, Mosrite knockoff, it's got sliders instead of knobs!

If you could change one thing about the music industry today what would it be?

The fact that music is becoming less and less tangible. I like artwork and the idea of an album as a physical body of work that's both visual and audible - like a record or cd. I love buying new music, going through the packaging/artwork and listening to each song in the order as intended. Don't get me wrong, mp3s and iPods are great, but it's sad that the physical album is rapidly becoming obsolete.

What never goes out of style?

Apparently, sideways haircuts. Well, that’s not entirely true. They seem to fade in and out of fashion at intervals - they move along the ground slowly, like a dense fog. As we step to and fro, our destinations draw us closer. Ya get to the show, and there's all sights, all facets of evil, hip and lame. One thing's always for sure - there's always some jerk with a lop-sided haircut hoggin' up all the girls.

What's the theme song to your life?

"You're the Best" by Joe "Bean" Esposito.

What movies, artists, authors or athletes inspire you the most?

Nabakov. 400 Blows. Charlie Chaplin.

What's your favorite way to stay in shape?

I don't have a car, so I walk everywhere. That's pretty much it.

What non-musician would you most like to meet?

Don King - I have no idea why.

What's your biggest guilty pleasure?

Videogames and reruns of Good Times.

Are you on MySpace?

Of course we're on MySpace. Even Elvis is on MySpace… and he's dead.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
05.14.08 - Artist Direct