DROP

If DROP were any heavier they'd risk sinking into the abyss.. not that thats a bad thing. Fact is, these Chicago-based rockers often come across as a bastardized blend of Black Sabbath and Godsmack, with wall-shaking guitar passages battling with soul-scorching vocals for musical prominence. In addition to "raw" under produced nature of "Suckerpunch" (the bands first national release) adds to the metalic fury which propels these proceedings along ata plodding, intimidating pace. - Hit Parader

Dark Star Records Release Date: 5/4/04
Sucker punches are for sneaky punks who would only fight you when they have twenty friends there to back 'em up. Real tough guys will square up one on one and Chicago's Drop do exactly that by getting in your face and popping you in the eye with a stiff jab ala Ali. Their twin guitar attack creates crunchy riffs in the vein of Godsmack bringing power to solid tracks like Walk Away, Somebody, Fall, Spore and my favorite of the record Superdead which has a riff that would make Tony Iommi a little jealous. While Suckerpunch is their third record overall, it's the first to be available nationwide which means Drop have turned pro. After you've digested my lame boxing metaphors, go check out Suckerpunch from the new heavyweight contenders- Drop.
www.drop-music.com - East Coast Romper Magazine

By Elisabeth Mistretta Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted 5/8/2004
After three albums, five years together and scores of shows, the members of the suburban band Drop may be on the brink of making it big.

At 7 p.m. today Tower Records in Bloomingdale will host a release party for the rock group's third CD "Suckerpunch." This is their first album to be distributed nationally. In June, Drop will shoot a video for their song "Superdead." And after that, they'll be on their way to performance dates around the country.

Their big year started in January, when Itasca-based Dark Star Records approached Drop members Jamie Little of Wheaton, Patrick Davey of Hoffman Estates, Russ Stevens of Des Plaines, Jimmy Haboush of Algonquin and Andy Smith of Bartlett.

Other labels had already offered to sign Drop, but Dark Star President Jeffrey Swanson said his company won the band over with a fair financial deal.

"I had known them on the local scene for a number of years and had seen them play at a lot of different clubs," Swanson said.

But it was when Drop lost their original vocalist and recruited Stevens as their new singer that Swanson vowed Dark Star had to have them.

"When I checked out the new CD, I was just blown away by it," said Swanson. "I really liked the new singer, and I wanted to work with them right away."

With a hard rock sound that guitarist Davey compares to bands like Godsmack or Alice in Chains, the group has landed gigs at Chicago's House of Blues and The Double Door, opening for the likes of Anthrax and Iron Maiden. They also have traveled around the country with the Vans Warped Tour.

With these prominent venues under their belt, the group still faces a major obstacle: Chicago area fans.

"Trying to develop a following is very difficult," Swanson said. "What the local clubs all want is cover bands and tribute bands.

"It's not like in New York, where there's a certain sense of excitement about seeing a band who is going to be the next big thing. You can make it in Chicago; it's just going to be a bit harder."

Swanson points to groups like the Smashing Pumpkins and Disturbed as examples of local bands that did well.

After almost five years of performances, Davey says Drop's name is finally getting some recognition.

"It pays off" Davey said. "After a show, we come to the same place a few months later, and the crowd gets a little bigger."

Plus, the new exposure that comes with national album distribution will help. Davey said Tower Records will have "Suckerpunch" in the store's listening stations, so curious music-lovers can preview the CD.

And with hopes that sales work in their favor, the members plan to release a DVD this fall and continue performing.

"This is the highest level of steam we've ever had," Davey said. "Every year things have gotten bigger: our tours and fan base. With this album going national, this is a huge, huge deal for us."
- Daily Herald

BY LILLI KUZMA

CONTRIBUTOR
Drop is a heavy metal band with a steel resolve to succeed in the music business. Comprised of area guys, Drop has gone from local favorite to regional star in just five years, playing venues like Tweeter Center and House of Blues, and events like Lollapalooza and the Warped Tour. The band is now touring the country and garnering an ever-growing fan base.

With the release of its third CD, "Suckerpunch" (Direct Impact), the band is excited about its first nationally-distributed recording, available now at stores like Tower Records and Borders, as well as most area music stores. It should also become available soon through Amazon.com.

Drop has become a serious business, with a cadre of music professionals working behind the scenes: producers, distributors, booking agencies and publicists.

"This CD shows what the band really has to offer," said rhythm guitarist Pat Davey, 31, of Hoffman Estates. Davey noted that the band's prior two recordings were more "'90's-influenced grunge with just one vocalist. 'Suckerpunch' is more melodic, with harmony and backing vocals," he said.

Lead vocalist Russ Stevens initiated the idea of other band members singing, by "letting the mikes fly free, and then figuring out who else wanted to sing," he said. The band's lyricist, Stevens joined Drop a year-and-a-half ago.

"I had known the guys in the band for years," Stevens recalled. "We had done shows together. When the original singer left and they called me, I was very interested. I had decided: 'I'm either going into a band that's signed or is on the verge of making it,'" he said.

Stevens is quite happy with the band's progress, going so far as to say that he has already achieved what he wanted in music.

"I always wanted to be in a band that was a regional success. We've already done that. I'm making money enough to support my family. I'm really happy with where I'm at."

Stevens, 33, lives in Des Plaines with his wife, Gina, and their two children, noting that they stay home while he is on the road.

"I've become a master juggler," he said.

The ability to add vocals with Drop has been appreciated by lead guitarist Jimmy Haboush of Algonquin.

"I started out as a drummer at age 5, picked up guitar over the years, and made the switch to guitar at age 17. I wanted to ham it up and be out front. So singing, too, is great," he said, praising Stevens for being so creative and open-minded on sharing vocal presentation.

Haboush is 37 and has been playing in bands his whole life, making it as a musician is steady goal he has hung on to over the years. A primary songwriter for Drop, Haboush typically composes new material on his acoustic guitar, then brings it to the band. Stevens writes music, too, and does all the lyrics for the band. Davey contributes songs as well.

"The three of us are the main songwriting force," said Davey, "but the whole band gives input on their parts."

Drummer Jamie Little, 31, of Wheaton and bassist Andy Smith, 30, from Bartlett round out the group, serving as the foundation for Drop's self-described "wall of guitar-driven hard rock," which is the mainstay of this heavy metal band.

"Our influences include Mettalica, Motley Crue, Black Sabbath, Alice in Chains and Godsmack," said Davey. "We have a wider audience base with our sound than the new metal bands because we appeal to young and old. We can now play an 'all ages' concert."

"I listened to everything growing up," said Haboush, "Elton John, Heart, Kiss, even Sade. I love '70s rock and I still listen to it. But heavy metal is what I always liked the most".

"Suckerpunch" offers up a heavy metal buffet of well-produced tracks, with precision timing, interesting riffs -- also known as "ear candy" -- dynamic, rage-infused vocals and, of course, noise, noise, noise.

One track from the CD stands out as noticeably different. "Toward the Sun" begins with a thin guitar sound and softer vocals. Written by Haboush and Stevens, it is about the passing of Haboush's mother.

"She always supported my music," said Haboush. "She even played piano with me at home and we would sing. She let me be who I wanted to be."

So how tough are these guys anyway? The Drop press photo depicts five men with bad-boy posturing, scowling faces and be-chained necklines.

"We're pretty bad guys all around, but we're good guys, too," quipped Stevens.

Drop's Web site -- www.drop-music.com -- details the band's schedule and tours.
- Pioneer Press