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Despite the fact lead singer and band namesake, Ligion, bares a slight resemblance to Adam Levine of Maroon 5, their sound is far from pop rock. With a dedicated following of fans magnetized to the edgy, low-slung guitar sound and soulful deliverance, they have paved their way for a sovereign rise to the top.
As you play through the album, each song has a way of getting in your head and staying there. The title track “On the Way”, leaves a great first impression with straightforward lyrics and an infectious bass line that wraps itself around the melody. The listener is transported to a crowded venue, bursting at the seams with pogo dancing and pulsing lights. I can tell without knowing, these guys would make for a kick-ass live performance.
The sampling on this release is reminiscent of Queensryche’s 1988 rock opera extravaganza, Operation: Mindcrime. Skillfully produced by Grammy-winning producer, Greg Ladanyi, each single digs deeper than the last, all the while maintaining a cohesive and distinct direction. It’s an added bonus that each single was written by front man Lig and guitarist June, and speaks highly of the raw talent they bring to the table. The album bears their signature style throughout; the artful guidance of Ladanyi ties it up in a mind blowing package that all involved can be proud of.
The urgent, slightly longing “Get Over Me” captures the essence of the band's musical inclinations. The heartfelt, almost manic energy magnifies Lig’s powerful vocal range and panache, and leaves me wondering if there are some repressed stalking experiences in their past. They slow it down a bit on “Pins and Needles”, revealing a decidedly softer revelry, infused with tight guitar licks and soothing verse.
This five-piece rock band has permeated Nashville’s country music stronghold and have the potential to turn the current buzz in to a deafening throng of rock and roll followers. Their new CD, External Affairs, will be available March 20, 2007 on Bellum/Maple Jam. - Kathy Scovill, Blogcritics Magazine
Making their debut on Maple Jam Records, Ligion’s External Affairs is a tight, satisfying rock album with some incredible musicianship. A large crop of wannabe rock throwback giants have sprung up of late, but Ligion sounds pleasantly fresh and energetic. They know their skills and they put them to good use on all 11 songs of this record.
The bass-heavy, semi-industrial “On the Way” gets things off to an aggressive start. Ligion establishes their edginess from the get-go, and it follows liberally on tracks such as “Lost My Car,” Come On,” and “The Other Side.” “Pins and Needles” and “Weak (The Internal War)” both have an epic feel, with the latter striking a gorgeous, soaring chorus. “Weak” exploits the band’s full maturity and is the centerpiece of the album.
Ligion’s sound is heavily multi-layered, making repeat listens a must. Those who hear bits and pieces of their songs may write them off as a heavier version of the Killers, but astute listeners will also hear elements of the best of Stone Temple Pilots and even some subtle ‘80s influences. It is Ligion (Lig)’s vocals (yes, the singer is named Ligion) that add such dynamics to every cut. From the soothing tones of “Pins and Needles” to the borderline growling of “Come On,” this dude has some pipes. Notes on the band’s MySpace page make mention of his body contortions and complete envelopment while singing, and this dedication shines through on every track of this release.
The rest of band is undeniably talented, particularly June, who handles lead and rhythm guitar, bass, keyboards, and backup vocals. The guitar work on display is intricate and very catchy, as is evidenced on “Lost My Car.” Solos pop up from time and the harmonizing, sometimes three-part, is a stunning addition.
Ligion is definitely a band to be on the lookout for this spring. They are currently on tour with Saliva and Crossfade, and wouldn’t you know that they have more talent than those two bands combined. With proper word-of-mouth and label marketing, Ligion has the tools in place to really make a splash in the genre. - Bill Clark, Bullseye.com
Discography
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Released March 20, 2007
Maple Jam Records
1. On The Way
2. Lost My Car
3. Get Over Me
4. Reach
5. Pins and Needles
6. Weak (The Internal War)
7. Come On
8. For You
9. The Other Side
10. Hey, Hey (I Don't Care)
11. Carry Me
LOOKING FOR TWO
Released 2004
Self-released
1. Arrows
2. Frontline
3. Swan
4. Reality
5. Undone
6. Get Close
7. Way of Life
8. Full Circle
9. Insomniac's Dream
Singles
Get Over Me (from External Affairs album) - Current single
Reality (from Looking For Two album) - 2004
Photos
Bio
Rarely does a rock band successfully cut through musical genres with such an invigorating, raw power. But Ligion's Maple Jam/Bellum Records debut, External Affairs, does exactly that as it breathes new life into rock & roll and runs the gamut from infectious, rock radio gems to pensive, Zippo lighter-ready epics. Working together with iconic rock producer Greg Ladanyi, this Nashville-based five piece fills a void as it resets expectations of what a modern rock album can be.
"Ligion's External Affairs is a tight, satisfying rock album with some incredible musicianship." - Bill Clark, Bullseye.com
Imagine packing up the few belongings you have, moving to a new city with hardly anything more but your dreams and motivation, and starting from scratch all in the pursuit of rock & roll conquest. That's exactly what the members of Ligion did. Originally from Cleveland, the band relocated to Nashville and was living on the floor of an office above a bar when they got word that their first self-released single, "Reality", was added to the playlist of Nashville rock radio station WBUZ "The Buzz". This was only the second time in the station's long history that an unsigned band had been added to the station's rotation. As the requests for Ligion continued to flood the studio's phonelines, local audiences were raving about the electric, energetic performances the band played at various venues. It wasn't long before the group's popularity landed them on the same stages as Velvet Revolver, Coldplay, Puddle Of Mudd, Story of the Year, Trapt, Three Days Grace, Smile Empty Soul, Mudvayne, Sevendust, Finger Eleven, Revis, Kill Hannah, Seven Mary Three, Collective Soul and many more.
Audiences were dazzled by Ligion’s live gigs, which are full on contagious animation. There is an intensity to Ligion, especially front man (and band's namesake) Ligion himself. Contorting and literally throwing himself into every word to each song as if it’s his last takes its toll. “Most nights we have to rush Ligion off the stage to catch him just before he pukes,” explains guitarist, June. “He just doesn’t have any limits when he is up on stage. We work hard for our money every night,” June chuckles. “People usually have no idea who we are, and the first half of our set we get a mixed reaction. Like, ‘What am I watching?’ By the third song, they’re screaming and yelling and punching their fists in the air. That’s how we measure success.”
The band gives their all to the crowds and by doing so, they have racked up hordes of devoted fans, affectionately known as Ligionaires, throughout the country. Although long drives with five guys and equipment crammed into a van playing one town after the next might sound like a recipe for chaos, the group wouldn't have it any other way.
“It can be a little hairy,” June laughs. “Recently, our van died and we had to cram three of the guys into the back box of a U-Haul truck to travel from Nashville to California. The mischief you can get into after being cooped up like that is no joke. But it was Cali; we made the most of it!” Lig interjects, “The five of us are pretty much best friends, and with everything we do, we just have a good time. We live for playing live. That 60 minutes onstage – that’s always been our thing.”
"This five-piece rock band has permeated Nashville's country music stronghold and have the potential to turn the current buzz in to a deafening throng of rock and roll followers." - Kathy Scovill, Blogcritics Magazine
Not content to be the regular, flavor-of-the-week rock artists, there is an artful poise to Ligion. Counting three part harmonies – a rare commodity in modern music – Ligion’s strength is its collaborative songwriting approach, guttural guitars, a melodic tone, and life inspired lyrics. Now with their national release, Ligion has been touring the country in good company, sharing stages with Saliva, Crossfade, and Soil, seeking to recruit a few good new rock and roll fans.
“We'll pull into a town like San Antonio, where we’ve never played before and wind up getting an encore,” June enthuses. To which Lig counters in full rock mode, “That’s because we have really sweet asses.”
While that final point is subject to debate, few fortunate enough to find their ears around External Affairs will argue with the lure of its musical nectar. With memorable, hard charging, guitar-steeped songs and pulsing, contagious, exhilarating live shows, it is no wonder how Ligion leaves listeners awestruck and screaming for more.
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