Blind Shame

http://www.cm-life.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/11/03/418871f88e695?in_archive=1


All N Compass’ mix of alternative rock/pop
By Kiley Kievit
Central Michigan Life


November 18, 2004

Fans of the alt/rock and pop variety are going to find themselves in a heaven they haven’t felt since that “In the Middle” song with the release of Blind Shame’s debut CD, “All N Compass.”

Known to frequent the air airwaves on Mount Pleasant’s 91.5 FM, and an occasional show at Rubbles Bar, the Detroit-based band debuted Oct. 22 with a CD release party at Rubbles.

“We’re starting to get a growing fan base,” said guitarist Jay Arnold. “We’re getting successful in the Tri-City area — we’re not just singing to the bartenders anymore.”

Listen to a little of “All N Compass” and it’s easy to jump on board that fan base.

Joining Arnold is guitarist Chad Goklani and bassist Joe Skowronek strumming along to drummer Barbie Teeter and the throaty vocals of front man Shane Douglas in a resulting sound of punk meets pop.

With sounds reminiscent of Jimmy Eat World, it’s surprising that Blind Shame has only spent a few years together before launching into their success.

Meeting up after high school — after years in different bands — Blind Shame formed for their “first real band with success.”

“This is something we’ve all always wanted,” Arnold said. “We grew up with little guitars and beating on pots and pans. I was the kid that was 9 years old and jumping off my bed like I was Jon Bon Jovi. It’s our life-long dream, even if it only lasts a few years.”

Gaining identity beyond the bedroom, Blind Shame began to gain notoriety in its home of Detroit, appearing on FOX News in Detroit, and setting up shows at various colleges.

Lamenting on life and past relationships through an electric/acoustic mix, Blind Shame evokes little pity and more relation, with wise, witty lyrics even the most cynical can enjoy.

“We’re definitely radio friendly,” Arnold said.

The tracks of “Get It” and “Ride” provide bounce-worthy beats — yet the group proves themselves through the more painful softer side with songs like “If She Asks Me.”

Douglas’s lyrics are solid and give him depth beyond his years, as he is the youngest of the group. Being able to switch from throat and deep music to breathlessly honest, every syllable seems to drip with emotion.

Paired with Teeter’s energetic rhythms from the back proving that girls can rock out with the best of them, a whole new appreciation for women in bands is made.

Skowronek, Goklani and Arnold keep Blind Shame’s upbeat tempo in check with tracks like “Stood Up,” which could make even the most unwilling nod their head to the catchy beat.

A safe bet all around, “All N Compass” is what debut CDs are meant to be, with barely an unlikable track to its name.
- CM-Life

Melodic, driving, as well as poignant modern rock, here is an outfit that knows how to craft, above anything else, a song that will grab the listener. Whether they're delivering the message via plenty ofnoise or turning the volume down to let the acoustic guitars settle in, these guys ensure that the hooks and energy are never lacking. Equal parts post-punk vigor and pop delight, here is a band that cantake a song nearly anywhere, from soft to loud, and in doing sodeliver a song that can be crushing and make you want to sing along. Ah, the power of rock that knows the value of a good pop hook.


- CDBaby.com

Detroit’s Blind Shame share the same kind of rustic grittiness that’s traditionally associated with the car manufacturing metropolis.

Having all the ingredients needed to cook that great rock-pop stew that labels yearn for, Blind Shame can even pen great lyrics to complement their steady percussion and superb lead guitarwork. Now unless you’re the next coming of Les Claypool bass players rarely get mentioned despite their requisite low-end being an integral part of any good rock group. Well the bass playing here is above and beyond the fold and extends itself by propelling the low-end to the forefront of attention at times. Regardless bassist Joe Skowronek doesn’t just do his job he redefines the job description. Looks like Michigan might have more bragging rights.

- J-Sin - smother.net

"This CD is simply awesome!!! Each track has its own unique sound and the whole CD is packed full of energy and mood. I strongly recommend that you buy this CD now!" - C Yau Wales, U.K. - - C Yau Wales, U.K.

ROYAL OAK -- Although they haven’t been able to quit their day jobs yet, the members of Blind Shame are putting all their efforts into taking their band all the way to the top.

The five-piece, Royal Oak-based band formed in 1999, and has been “doing things correctly” for the past two years. This means Blind Shame has been working hard at getting shows at Metro Detroit’s popular venues and promoting their dates well.

For their debut CD release party last June, the band booked themselves at one of Oakland County’s top live music venues, the Magic Bag. The band bought air time on Comcast’s local access channel and ran a self-produced TV commercial on MTV and VH1 to promote their show. The tactic worked, and Blind Shame played to a capacity crowd at the Magic Bag.

With that boost of self-confidence, the band is ready with a plan for the future.
“Our biggest goal is to promote this album as solid as we can for the next year as we’re trying to shop it to labels,” says guitarist Jay Arnold. He says he’d like to get the band signed to a major label or a well-connected independent.
“We’re also trying to get our music in film and television ... we figure it could jump-start something.”
Name: Blind Shame

Lineup: Shane Douglas, vocals; Jay Arnold, guitar; Chad Goklani, guitar; Joe Skowronek, bass; Barb Teeter, drums.

Sound: Blind Shame gears its solid, modern-rock sound toward a college-aged audience, but the band has fans of all ages. Radio-friendly hooks and a passionate vibe make the band listenable for almost any pop-rock fan.

Discography: “All -- Compass,” CD (2004, independent release).

Next: Blind Shame will perform tonight at the New Dodge Lounge, 8850 Jos. Campau in Hamtramck. Opening band Go to Zero starts around 10:30. Cover charge is $5. Call (313) 874-5963.

See Blind Shame perform an acoustic set between 9 and 10 a.m. Aug. 21 on “Fox 2 News Morning” (Fox, Channel 2).

For more information, show dates, or MP3s, visit www.blindshame.com.
Melody Baetens can be reached at (313) 222-2402 or mbaetens@detnews.com. - Melody Baetens / The Detroit News

"Your song "Perfect" is very radio friendly, and would mix well with today's music scene on most radio stations that play mainstream sounds." - DJ TAO WJSZ - Z92.5 - DJ TAO WJSZ - Z92.5

I happened upon Blind Shame at one of their shows and was impressed in April 2004. Checking thier website I purchased the CD as soon as it was available. It is rock, sometimes reminicent of the Gin Blossoms or the Smithereens. My wife calls it pop music, which doesn't seem quite right, but she's entitled to her opinion. It's been in my car CD player for a month. Give it a try - great first effort.

Hank
- Hank Hubbard-Detroit