Guiltmaker

True to the evening's uber-artistic vibe, the fashion show was set to live music performed by the sensational local rock band Guiltmaker. - Vertical Tampa Bay magazine

Guiltmaker band vocals, shared by Dan Radde and Shaun Drees, are oftentimes combined to sound something like Jane's Addiction's Perry Farrell and his unusual front man urgency. Driven By Arms is a short 'n sour EP from this Tampa, FL rock group. Its members have hardcore roots, although this effort finds it moving in a more post-punk direction, with Jawbox and Quicksand counted as influences.

EPs are to be measured by a popular potato chip slogan: they ought to dare you to eat just one. If they pass, you'll want a whole bag. However, if they fail, you'll walk away having barely disturbed the surface of the dip dish. Guiltmaker, unfortunately, fails at this simple EP quiz. Granted, its music is not as embarrassing as George Costanza double-dipping his chip at a funeral in that notable Seinfeld episode. But it won't turn you into a hopeless snacking fiend, either. Four samples are quite enough, thank you.

The biggest problem with Driven By Arms is that these songs urgently reach out for the listener, yet fail to grab and hold them tight. They're missing that GI Joe kung fu grip or something. There are plenty of emotive guitar parts, sitting side-saddle with equally expressive vocals, and while each element is talking a lot, so to speak, they're not really saying too much. Guiltmaker isn't making anybody sorry for their sins. Heck, it isn't even a guilty pleasure. Instead, it is like a potato chip that is easily avoidable. Such party pooper carbohydrates nearly force you to nibble on green vegetables, instead.

-Dan MacIntosh - http://www.hybridmagazine.com

Kicking off the night is Tampa’s indie rock quartet, Guiltmaker. With an EP and LP under their belts, and a newly, self-released digital EP – the boys of Guiltmaker are no strangers to working hard for their craft. Every member plays off each other beautifully, all while finding a way to showcase their talents individually. From the vocalist Shaun Drees’ (who also plays guitar) pure and powerful voice, heavy and haunting guitar and bass riffs courtesy of Dave Teten, Dan Radde, and the having it all tied together by their drummer, Daniel Williams – Guiltmaker has pretty much perfected what so many other indie-infused, post-punk bands can’t even touch…a harmonious unity. - Dive In Tampa Bay

Guiltmaker plays Crowbar for the Sleepy Vikings release party for their record debut, They Will Find You Here, on New Granada, Ybor City, Tampa, FL on April 30, 2011. Anyone who reads my reviews, knows that I have a special place in my heart for Guiltmaker… there’s something about their unique post-hardcore sound that resonates with me. Despite a short set due to Shaun being ill, they still debuted a new song amongst select tunes from their songbook. I can’t wait to hear more of the new material! - www.suburbanapologist.com

It’s hard to get any crowd warmed up when you’re band is opening for an internationally known headliner, but Tampa, Fla.’s own Guiltmaker did just fine when they kicked things off with songs from their 2010 EP The Emerald Coast (which is available for free download here) whilst mixing a new song into the six-song set. It may have been the backline stage setup, but Daniel Williams’ drums were not only front and center visually, but aurally as well. His bandmates can blame whoever mans the board but his parts — much to my delight — were the heartbeat and highlight of Guiltmaker’s set. Check out Kelley’s shots above. To read our review of the headlining set, just click the link below. - www.suburbanapologist.com