Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
"Group Sounds display a knack for hook-filled, dancey tunes that are 80's inspired but not as predictable as much of what the band's peers are burping out these days."
- Time Out NY
New York City locals Group Sounds took the stage with every intention
of rocking the NY Bowery crowd and getting their feet to move. It's always
incredibly refreshing to see a group who so clearly love what they're doing and genuinely want to share their music with others. Their presence maintained an innocence absent of all egoist hipster bullshit. They were just a group of real dudes who loved to rock and the enthusiasm was contagious. The band's sound is
marked by an interesting combination of dancey Hot Hot Heat synth, original
rock & roll riffs and old school punk "Rock N Roll High School" inspired
vocal harmonies. Various songs contained elements that reminded me of the Exploding Hearts or an amazing Blood Brothers chorus from Burn Piano Island, Burn. As they played through their set of infectiously upbeat rock songs, even, "Things Fall Apart" could inspire nothing but happiness. It was the catchy Ramones-like choruses that really struck me as their greatest asset. I had yet to see any current synth rock band infuse their songs with classic punk elements, but it only
makes sense.
- The Tripwire
Group Sounds are new to the NYC rock scene, but the band's two singers are no strangers to the music biz,
as both of them were previously members of the highly sought-after rock act The Izzys. Following a UK tour, a Peel Session and numerous write ups in NME, The Izzys
received various major label offers but instead Jesse Korwin and Jared Gutstadt decided to split and start fresh with Group Sounds. The band has spent time in the studio with producer Roger Greenwalt (No Doubt, Ben Kweller and Conor Oberst) and have become a go-to band for club bookers in NYC looking for a great opening band with a big draw
for national touring acts. The A&R guys are starting to come around and
introduce themselves, so we'd advise you to keep an ear to the ground for
Group Sounds. You?ll be hearing a lot more from them soon enough.
- Cornerstone Compilation
Discography
Group Sounds EP - 2005
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
In the fall of 2004 Group Sounds hooked up to
blaze new musical trails across New York City and
beyond. Taking cues from some of their influences,
namely The Kinks, The Clash, Devo, and others, the
boys combine fuzzed up guitars, vocal harmonies, bass,
drums and keys to create a danceable version of the
punk rock of yesteryear. The boys honed their skills in
various old tenements on the lower east side of NYC.
Experimenting with drum stomps, melodic bass lines,
punchy guitar work, and synth sounds led them to an
awe inspiring set that is as infectious as it is interesting
to the ear. Group Sounds is always ready to tear up the
stage, causing heads to bounce, hips to shake, and hearts to break. This summer they will achieve a sonic blitz, as they will appear onThe Cornerstone Compilation, be closing out the Luna Lounge, and will be opening for Hot Hot Heat, The Kills and Louis at New York City's Bowery Ballroom.
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