meniskus

Colorado-based band, Meniskus delivers a unique sound that closes the gap between acoustic jam and alternative rock. The result is a refreshing culmination of varying genres. It’s clear that while echoing certain influences, most impressive is this trios pristine mesh of classical training, brought to the forefront by an obvious attention to technique.

Meniskus epitomizes the payoff of taking musical risks with their latest endeavor, new album, “Foreign Beyond.” It reigns as a showcase of their keen ability to play up the contrast between meditative vocals and a full-on jam. Lead singer Eric Ostberg’s unwavering voice is reminiscent of the likes of Jeff Buckley and Chris Cornell, singing above the music dynamically, while melodically conforming to the harmony and beat of the instrumentals, which are consistently earthy, playing on bluegrass vibes, comparable to Dave Matthews Band jam sessions

Tracks to check out:

“Trial” is certainly a testament to British-style vocals that pull against a more upbeat rhythmic undertone. The percussion-led intro combines with a subtle, Latin guitar throughout the verse, as the vocal tone and rhythmic pattern follow that of the instrumentals. The ultimate high of this song is a sick chorus, aesthetically pleasing and vast in its delivery. “Trial” holds back a little bit compared to some of the other Meniskus tunes that are more evolved, yet sultry bridge lyrics, “I want to tango tonight,” heighten the experience, leading to an overall satisfying listen.

“Letters,” is beyond beautiful in all of its’ splendor, especially if you harbor an affinity for the violin. While the notes and bowing are not intricate, it’s the simplistic precision of the vibrato that makes the tone of the violin stand out. The lyrics in both the verse and chorus are perfectly complimented by this strong vibrato that sort of commiserates with the overall message of the song. Noteworthy, is the flamenco-style guitar riff in the beginning of the song that acts as the foundation for a mysterious vibe. Not to mention a sick instrumental, heady jam which allows the violin to take on characteristics of a fiddle, proving again that Meniskus has a stronghold over the notion of versatility and ingenuity in song-writing. “Letters” is enigmatic!

From start to finish, “Occurred To” gives off a soft, intimate vibe that’s pensive and close to the heart. This song speaks directly to the listener through a coffeehouse type of warmth and honesty. The vocals flow in perfect harmony with the instrumentals of drummer, Chris Wright and guitarist, Bryan Bardusco, allowing lead singer, Eric Ostberg’s vocal range to shine through. There is a modesty surrounding “Occurred To” that shows a certain vulnerability, which is perfectly delightful and remains an indicator of this band’s cohesiveness and intrigue.

Reviewed By: Taylor DiVico
- Starving Artist

I will be shocked if these guys don't make it big in the next year. Radio-friendly pop with unique instrumentation and killer vocals! And we knew them when...
- Westword

EXCERPT

A record crowd of an estimated 9,700 attended a rally today at The University of Colorado's Ferrand Field to hear Michelle Obama tell students that both presidential campaigns have pegged Colorado as a battleground state, and Colorado's youth could tip...
Local band-made-good Meniskus returned to Boulder to warm up the enthusiastic crowd for Obama. - The Denver Post

Ich habe Meniskus in den USA live gesehen und war total begeistert. Jeder fing an zu tanzen oder zumindest mitzuwippen. Die Musik, die sie machen, nennen sie Rock Nouveau bzw. Fusion Rock, einige sagen dazu auch Trance Rock oder Acoustic Electronica. Der geniale Sound wird von einer Geige und einer mit Nylon bespannten Gitarre erzeugt, unterstützt von einem Trommelfeuerwerk und Effekten. Die Bandmitglieder Eric Ostberg (Geige, Vocals) und Chris Wright (Schlagzeug, Keyboard, Vocals) sind klassisch ausgebildet, Bryan Bardusco (Gitarre, Schlagzeug) ist in Venezuela aufgewachsen und wurde dort maßgeblich geprägt.

Meniskus hat fast 50 Songs aufgenommen, 12 der besten Songs sind auf dem zweiten Album "Foreign Beyond". Die Veröffentlichung des Albums wurde durch das Video zum Song "Letters" und durch Touren in den USA unterstützt. Sowohl "Foreign Beyond" als auch das erste Album "The Wall of Sound" wurden von John McVay und den Coupe Studios produziert.

Die Band plant, im Frühjahr nach Europa zu kommen. Deshalb wäre es klasse, wenn die Band im Radio vorgestellt werden würde. Vielleicht gibt es sogar eine Möglichkeit, für den Hessischen Rundfunk live aufzutreten. In den USA hat die Bands bereits zahlreiche Fans und ich denke, in Deutschland wäre es nicht anders. - Deutsche Musik Welle

Now based in Denver, Meniskus formed three years ago at the Pearl Street Pub in Boulder, when guitarist Bryan Bardusco and drummer and keyboard player Chris Wright, who had been jamming at the bar, called on violinist Eric Ostberg to join them. Ostberg moved from New York to Boulder to join the band, whose unique, acoustic-based sound has won it a legion of fans. Meniskus will release its second album, Foreign Beyond, on May 17, between tours in Europe and the northeast United States.

Members
Bryan Bardusco, 30, guitar and percussion; Eric Ostberg, 24, violin and lead vocals; Chris Wright, 31, drums, keyboard and vocals

How would you describe your sound?

"I call it Rock Nouveau," Wright says. "Then if people ask what that is, I usually say 'fusion rock.' We've also been described as trance rock, acoustic electronica and euro-rock.

Who are your musical influences?

The Police, U2, Dave Matthews, anything from the '80s, and European house and techno. - Boulder Daily Camera

Review of March 3 concert in Denver, CO. - CO Music Buzz Magazine

Meniskus was featured on the front page of the Colorado Daily. Contact manager Eric Singer for hard copy or scanned clippings. eric@meniskusband.com - Colorado Daily

By Jenny Shank, 9-15-06

Meniskus is a Denver-based trio featuring a violinist, a guitarist, and a percussionist who describe what they do as "Latin-Trance-Rock." Whatever you call it, Meniskus' music is melodic and surprising, with Eric Ostberg's Layne Stanley-esque vocals complementing the haunting strains of his violin playing, the driving rhythms of Chris Wright's drumming, and Bryan Bardusco's understated guitar compositions.

Meniskus has offered New West readers a track from its 2005 debut CD, Wall of Sound. Click here to listen to "Trial."

The band will headline the Catacombs in Boulder on Friday and Saturday, September 15 and 16. Then they will head into the studio to begin recording their second album. - New West Magazine