Knee Deep

The latest modern rock band to emerge from the Acadiana club circuit strikes a hefty blow with its debut, "Emerse," which proves this band's talent runs much more than Knee Deep.

"Emerse" is a promising eight-track release loaded with introspective, intricate and intimate songs sure to garner fans from "citizens" of Planet Radio 96.5 FM and other modern rock radio stations. But, much like band idols Nickelback and 3 Doors Down, Knee Deep's signature sound has a softer side behind the muscle sure to win over Top 40 format fans.

Judge for yourself Friday at Nite Town, 524 Jefferson St., when the band hosts a release party for its debut. Tickets are $5. Doors open at 9 p.m. The show starts at 10 p.m. "Emerse" will be available at the show for $10.

Knee Deep is Mitch Wagner of Lafayette on guitar, Coby Hebert of Abbeville on vocals, Tyler Faulk of Abbeville on guitar, Mitch Moreau of Abbeville on drums and Brandon Bourque of New Iberia on bass.

Typical Knee Deep haunts on the Acadiana music circuit include Daiquiris Supreme, New Orleans Original Daiquiris, The Keg on the Strip, Stan's and Click's Billiards in Baton Rouge. The quintet usually plays without an opening act. Sets last three to four hours, during which set lists intermingle original material with local cover-circuit faves.

The members of Knee Deep describe the band as modern rock with an overall appeal. Lyrics are derived from family, friends and personal experiences. Wagner and Hebert are the chief lyricists.

"October Rain," the first song completed on the eight song debut, is available for download at www.kneedeepmusic.com. The song describes emotions experienced after a loss.

"It's not about anybody specific," said Wagner, who admits he and Hebert like to keep lyrics ambiguous so songs have a more universal appeal.

"We never get too concrete," Hebert said. "We say enough to get the point across without giving anything too specific away."

The CD's title, "Emerse," started as a mistake. Wagner and Hebert were chatting online one day. One of the two misspelled "immerse." Both liked the way it looked, so they brought it to the band for the final decision.

"Honestly, there's really nothing else behind the title," Wagner admitted. "It's a happy accident."

A Knee Deep performance feeds off of the energy the band puts into the music, into the crowd. And, the response is contagious.

"We try to recreate the large-scale rock shows as much as possible for the environment we're playing," Wagner said. "Sound quality is always No. 1." - The Daily Advertiser

The crowd at Nitetown on Friday, Aug. 5, was packed for a headliner that plays like it’s on the cusp of a breakthrough with audiences and the music business. Knee Deep has been playing venues across Acadiana and Baton Rouge for a short while, but has already cultivated a good fanbase with its radio-friendly modern rock anthems. The Nitetown gig was a CD-release party for its first studio album, Emerse. The songs speak to younger fans, with lyrics encapsulating a combination of fun, love and loss. On stage, the guys exude such an excitement that it’s infectious — the crowd was right there with them. Knee Deep features Brandon Bourque on bass, Tyler Faulk and Mitch Wagner on guitars, Mitch Moreau on drums and Coby Hebert singing lead vocals. With their debut album and CD-release party under their belt, these gentlemen are poised for wider recognition around town. www.kneedeepmusic.com; Nitetown: 524 Jefferson St., 593-8551

- The Independant Weekly