The Anix
Pasadena, California, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
"Demolition City," is an addictive record uniting next-gen new wavers and emo devotees. The effervescent keys of "This Game" lightly bubble and fizz before tipping their hat to "People Are People"-era Depeche Mode, then culminate in an after-midnight zenith at the chorus. The Anix's advantage of 20 years hindsight and improved technology also protect it from the clunky synth productions that now heavily date the trio's heroes. Don't be surprised if you hear this band played alongside 30 Seconds to Mars on late-night top 40." -Billboard Magazine, May 2008 - Billboard Magazine
"The Anix sound like the Ministry that made With Sympathy - and that's not the dis that some fans of Uncle Al & Co. may assume. Yes, the songs are more synth-pop then industrial, with Brandon Smith's tuneful vocals mixed loud and clean over the electronic roar and guitar crunch. But unlike Ministry on their first album, these guys put some real bite into the music here, particularly on "Bullets Without a Gun" and "The Ghost of Me and You" - enough bite, in fact, to annex any fan of Shiny Toy Guns as their own." -Revolver Magazine, July 2008 - Revolver Magazine
"Another solid cut is "Half the World Away," as Smith's vocals during the verse recall the hushed whisperings of Jared Leto (30 Seconds to Mars). Also following that band's formula, the chorus explodes into an emotionally-strung howler that jumps out at you due to the sheer contrast between brooding, quiet verses and a wailing guitar-heavy chorus." -Absolute Punk, July 2008 - Absolute Punk
Discography
Demolition City - 2008
Play, Dance, Repeat - 2005
An Illusion of Time - 2004
Photos
Bio
The Anix is a hybrid. Drawing inflences from Depeche Mode, Muse, The Police, The Cure, AFI, and 30 Seconds to Mars, the band mingles elements of electronica, new wave, alternative rock and a touch of the 80's to blur the edges of musical boundaries as we know them. They released their latest, Demolition City, on June 17, 2008, boasting songs like "Bullets Without a Gun," a hard-hitting, bass-infused track about the familiar issues of relationships, and "Half the World Away," a manifestation of the album title based in a city where people often so easily stray from their dreams to a much darker path. In an era where the rock genre has become tired and generic, The Anix is a welcome blast of adrenaline, both gritty and ethereal, modern and reminiscent, disturbed and serene.
Having been recording his own music since the age of 12, it was important for singer Brandon Smith to find a record label and producer that were supportive of what he was trying to accomplish when making this record. "We are really proud of the end result. Demolition City balances the rock choruses with simple electronic verses in a way that most people who aren't even into electronic music will find intriguing."
Wielding a passion for grind house flicks, Tim Burton, A Clockwork Orange, and 80's culture, The Anix consists of Brandon Smith (vocals/ guitar), brother Logan Smith (drums) and Greg Nabours (synthesizer). They have been collaborating on their sinister inclinations and eclectic talents since the birth of the band in 2004.
"It's been a great experience having my brother Logan on drums," says Brandon Smith. "He has been helping with our beats since he was very young, long before he actually joined the band. His influences are more along the lines of "Anberlin" and "Taking Back Sunday", so it adds a sense of recklessness and mayhem to our electronic side. Greg is one of the most phenomenal keyboardists anyone will ever see, and it has been very inspiring performing with such true talent. He has a very strong classical background, and composes scores for plays and writes music for TV shows. He brought a new dimension to our sound with influences from the world's most astonishing and legendary composers and made it work within our music."
The band has carved a niche for themselves across the country with a solid fanbase extending from the northeast to southwest, delivering fervent live performances and selling over 4500 CDs independently with 2004's An Illusion of Time and 2005's Play, Dance, Repeat. In the second half of 2008 The Anix has performed in over 25 states and traveled over 20,000 miles on two national tours. They have been brought on as the opening act for Apoptygma Berzerk for their entire month-long tour in Germany in February 2009. Demolition City will put The Anix on a much larger map as they bulldoze all of the stereotypes. Destined to be heard, this is only the beginning.
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