Scrap Iron
Denver, Colorado, United States
Music
Press
An article by Brian Campbell @ www.denverathome.com under ...Denver Music Scene
"Scrap Iron: Class Rock with a Modern Twist" Denver’s Scrap Iron is not a new band by any means. I suppose you could think of them as something of a ‘super group,’ since they are comprised of four talented musicians who have been around the block once or twice in their musical careers. Scrap Iron is comprised of bassist Ken Wright, who has been playing for over 20 years, drummer Randall Kemp, who has been jamming for more than 25 years, guitarist Todd Cohara, who has been in the scene for the past 20 years and Scott Stevenson, who has been playing professionally for over 25 years. We can sit here and discuss their prior accomplishments or we can talk about their current music. It is pretty safe to say that these guys have the experience to play music well, but when it comes down to it, do they? Well, they only have a four song demo released currently, but they are working on their debut demo album as we speak, and it should be released sometime this year. Their demo CD is good, and I’ll tell you why. This is one of the few bands I have heard where you can clearly hear every instrument. You can hear the guitars, the drums and the bass, yes even the bass, as well as the vocals. City Sin is a nice track that showcases, right away, what these four guys can do together. The bass is flowing; the guitars are riff-centric, but not too riffy, while the drums bring everything together. While "City Sin" could be classified as a Grateful Dead-esque classic rock track, "Drivin’" is more of a laid back jazzy tune. But, that vibe doesn’t last long as the next track, "Not the Time", gets Scrap Iron right back into what I think they do the best, and that is play enjoyable, groovy classic rock with a modern twist. What Have We Become is their best song, and my favorite, because this track adds that modern twist I just mentioned. This song is balladier, with introspective lyrics and personal guitars. This is the kind of song you would find as the closer to any modern rock record. I had to listen to "What Have We Become" a few times just to get my fill of it. I would love to see this band write more music like this track. Scrap Iron is the type of band that works well in any environment and they can play with a lot of different other bands. It should not be hard for these guys to get a following due to their wide range of musical abilities. You’ll become a fan too."
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Scrap Iron – “Oxidation:” From the opening moments of “Oxidation’s” first track ‘Fight the Good Fight,’ it is apparent that this record is going to be an honest and pure journey, one that weaves its way through topics like war and the economy. Scrap Iron is not going to lie to you. Listen, they aren’t going to sugarcoat the seemingly obvious pitfalls of country’s inner workings, rather they are going to expose them through the use of pen and paper and better yet, through “Oxidation.” This record is an effort in minimalism – efficient music stripped to its core, showcasing what the combination of only guitar, bass and drums can do, and in this bands case, they can produce quality Midwestern indie. Throughout “Oxidation,” there is a steady pulse and constant harmony, with no underlying motives. The hooks soar, thanks mostly to clean guitars and vocals, and there’s a good chance you’ll be singing songs like ‘Not the Time’ and ‘Get Your Nickels Worth’ sooner than later. “Oxidation” is an endearing outing for the Denver based band, and the fact that it isn’t afraid to lay all its cards on the table face up should grab your attention, and hold onto it for some time. (www.scrapironmusic.com)
Grade: A
Go Download: ‘Silent War’
- Brian Campbell-www.denverathome.com
Discography
"Oxidation" - Released December 2008
Scrap Iron has several streaming tracks that can be listened to at "www.scrapironmusic.com" or "www.myspace.com/scrapsofiron"
Photos
Bio
Scrap Iron was formed in August of 2006. Scott Stevenson, formerly with Silver Jeff, Ken Wright formerly with Sol Mission, was introduced during a jam session by long time friend.
After several sessions later, Scott, Ken and his brother Steve began to conceptualize the beginnings of an all original music group. After writing, “Not the Time,” “City Sin,” “What Have We Become” and several other songs, the group brought in guitarist Todd Cohara and entered the studio to record. Shortly after recording a demo CD, Steve moved on to pursue his love of heavy metal music.The group was left without a drummer.
They held several auditions and out of several talented drummers; Randall Kemp, who had performed regularly in the Chicago area, was a cut above the others and a perfect fit for the position. With all the members in place, Scrap Iron was officially on the books and available for public and private performances. Nearing the completion of the recording in early 2008, Todd Cohara left the band, leaving SI without a second guitarist. Auditions were held once again, and within a months time, Todd was replaced by the talented Alex Grove. Alex was a perfect fit with his guitar style and vocal abilities. Scrap Iron then returned to the studio to finish the album.
Collectively, SI has a century of experience and education in the music business. They are influenced by numerous artists such as Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, 3 Doors Down, Larry Carlton, and Brad Paisley. SI is inspired by genres including; Classic Rock, Modern Rock, Alternative, Jazz and modern Country.
The band's writing style includes many of these influences and has grown into a unique sound that is exclusive to the group. Writer, Brian Campbell from website denverathome.com describes SI’s music as “Class Rock with a Modern Twist... [style] works well in any environment… .” Retired record producer and recording engineer Geoffrey Workman concurs that Scrap Iron is “a talented bunch of guys.”
In March 2007, the group created Scrap Iron Productions and contracted with Spiked Audio to continue to record. They recorded tracks for “Don’t Listen to the Voices” and “Silent War” under the direction of Michael Morrissey. When the results were complete the group approached Michael and asked if he would be interested in co-producing a full album: “Oxidation” which is projected for release in 2008. Without hesitation, Michael accepted and work began on the next 10 songs.
Recently Scrap Iron's music was chosen to provide backgound music for "The One Point Five Busy American Workout" DVD and website, www.theonepointfive.com.
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