Finespun
New York City, New York, United States
Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Diary of a Rock Goddess: Uncovering the Hay Stack
A Review by Aly Walansky
06/22/2004
Every once in a while, a band that is totally different than my stream of consciousness will make its way onto my radar. Finespun is one of these bands.
Finespun's Digging Yourself Deeper , released in April 2004, is a hard-hitting modern rock band reminiscent of STP's glory days, with sweeping epic qualities similar to some of Fuel's efforts. I want to use the phrase alternative rock here, but I can't bring myself to. The meaning of that phrase has become so watered down, it would mean nothing to anyone. A lot of the appeal of a band is their ability to switch hats successfully, and this band does it with flourish. Lead vocalist Oren Barak sounds as comfortable singing gentle-rock ballads like “Mid Air” as thunderous heavily guitar-driven tracks such as “Staring Down a Gun”. The lyrics are smart, often sarcastic, and overall fun even when dealing with stereotypical angst issues. Aside from the musical quality, this CD has some of the coolest enhanced graphic effects I've seen on an indie CD in a long time. Absolutely pop it into your computer and see what it can do. Their website is pretty cool too, check it out at www.finespunmusic.com.
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(original article available click here ) - A Review by Aly Walansky in Culturedose
Finespun self titled Independent This full-length CD is a strong initial outing by a band with a sounds for the 00's. Finespun would sound right at home at the a station like WLIR, and is right in keeping with the sound that Harlan Friedman is putting forward on his Tri-State Sounds show on that station. The sound is a mix of unusual elements - at times, the bass and guitar lines sound almost hard core, but the vocals and the songwriting are more from the genre of alternative rock. The single from this CD should definitely be the first song, "Sorry". It's a medium-speed rock anthem, with the aforementioned heavy guitar lines and a strong alternative vocal by lead singer Oren Barak. Another strong song is the slow rocker "Far Away". This is another song that would fit neatly into WLIR's format. It should also be mentioned that this CD has one of the best graphic designs I've seen on a local CD. The artwork speaks of science fiction and epic fantasy, much in the way that the covers for the old Yes LPs used to. You can find out more about this band at their web site, www.finespunmusic.com. Rich Hughes - Aural Fix Magazine - Rich Hughes
This New York based quartet are serious musicians who write poignant poetic melodies and use thunderous beats and smoldering rock guitars to create powerful music that is almost hard-core but better described as alternative. Their influences range from jazz, to soul, to classic rock including Hendrix and John Bonham. These genres are a melting pot for the modern edgy sound that this band spins. This ten-track CD is a lively collection of well-produced well-arranged songs. 'Tuesday' opens with haunting guitars, dark ominous vocals and moves into a quicker paced bridge supported by powerful percussion. The story progress into a slower and than rapid vibe complete with a fast furious guitar solo and solid bass lines. 'Water Stains' has lyrics that are possibly full of double entendre. This beat laden track includes thunderous drumming, angry guitars and a primal beat. The multi layers of instrumentation and energized vocals make for a great alternative rock anthem. - Kweevak.com
...It stands to reason since musicians are modern poets and good poets are prophets of our society, they are the empaths of our thoughts and actions...the lyrics are strong, backed by deft guitar work and solid percussion ...Actually the whole CD is written in multiple analogy. It all comes together and I wonder why I haven't heard of these guys before. - Latest Review From LEGENDS MAGAZINE
Finespun - S/T (Independent)
Finespun are yet another entry into the world of rock 'n' roll. Their own mix of indie rock and alternative puts them somewhere near the territory of superstardom of acts like Pearl Jam and Creed. That means they're good and radio ready, obviously, and I can see this spinning well on both college and normal ol' rock radio, given the chance. 'Sorry' and 'Giving Up the Ghost' are my faves, 'Sorry' is my radio pick.
***1/2 - PerrsyGrl
* The self-titled debut from the New York based band Finespun been well received by the staff at buzzemporium.com. This CD has been receiving steady play both in our office and in my car. From the opening chords of "Sorry" to the last track "Subscribe" Finespun gives us a CD oozing with talent and catchy hooks that make this release so much fun. All 10 tracks are well written and produced - although some songs are with tongue firmly planted in cheek. These guys know how to have a good time and it shows in their music. Front man Oren Barak is backed by 3 talented musicians - their musicianship shines through in the mid-song jam on "Giving Up The Ghost". Listen to "Giving Up The Ghost" in Real Audio on the buzz Listen! page here: http://www.buzzemporium.com/buzz_Listen!.htm . Stop by their web site and buy a copy of their latest release - you too will have a hard time pulling it out of your CD player: http://www.finespunmusic.com. - Buzz Emporium
Discography
Finespun-Finespun 2001
Finespun-Digging Yourself Deeper 2004
http://www.finespunmusic.com/HTML/Music.htm
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
The influence of music is something that should never be underestimated. This is something that Finespun takes to heart every time they pick up their instruments. This New York based quartet is comprised of members Oren Barak (vocals, guitars), Shawn Johnston (guitars), Phil Pesiri (bass), and Ed Grazi (drums) and is without a doubt a band to watch for.
Not yet aware of each other, the members of Finespun grew up with a great number of the same influences ranging from jazz to soul, to radio ready rock. Both Oren and Shawn are huge Jimi Hendrix fans, while Phil and Ed both spent time listening to the likes of John Bonham and Jaco Pastorius. It is this melting pot that gives Finespun its unique sound and listenability in todays music scene.
After recording their first CD (Finespun, self-titled 2001), Finespun went to work booking gigs and making friends and fans all over the country and abroad. Theyve appeared at clubs in the northeast such as Arlene's Grocery, The Elbow Room, The Lion's Den and Acme as well as landing themselves the opening spot for Gilby Clarke (formerly of Guns 'N Roses), The London Quireboys, Hookah Brown (Black Crowes) and Kings X. While on tour around the country they have played such clubs as The Vibe (Austin, TX), Cutters (Killeen, TX), The Rock & Roll Café (Oklahoma City, OK), and Shirley Street Station (Nashville, TN). In addition to these venues, they have received invitations and played at both SXSW and 2NMC. As a result of this exposure and their continued popularity, they have been chosen as one of the top 50 bands in the country by Coca-Colas New Music Awards (2002).
Finespuns long-term goal is to gain more fans and further extend the reach of their music. With tracks like "Staring Down A Gun", the rocker off their upcoming release, Mid Air, a ballad that speaks from the heart, and "Sorry", a sarcastically written poke at relationships, this should not be a problem. They also maintain their own website, www.finespunmusic.com, where you are always able to find new audio and video fresh from the studio. Finespun is a band that should be recognized as a band for the people with an ultimate goal of touching you with their music. This is a goal they feel will be accomplished.
At this time, Finespun is currently gigging around the east coast in support of their second CD,
"Digging Yourself Deeper".
Links
