Seldom
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Seldom

Houston, Texas, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2013 | SELF

Houston, Texas, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2013
Band Alternative Rock

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"Seldom returns with Black Mirror - EP"

I think it’s safe to say that hard rock isn’t something that I’m known for championing. It’s not that I’m not a fan, it’s more that there’s so little of it that’s done correctly. Usually when I hear something from that genre, it feels fraudulent and weak. However, when it comes to the music of Houston’s Seldom, I’ve always found it to be better than the bulk of the genre. Last year they gave us a full length, they’ve been selling out shows all over the place, and it seems like as a band; they’re doing everything right. So when Mitch told me at FPSF this year that they were finishing up an EP to release this year, I wasn’t surprised. That EP, titled “Black Mirror” keeps in line with the previous work from the five piece, while adding more to the mix.



Things kick off with the riff heavy and chunky sounding title track, “Black Mirror.” Though the track begins slowly in the vein of early Metallica, they quickly bring in those chunk heavy riffs while keeping the melody going. When the vocals kick in, the band is on the quieter side of things, and the structure of the song works like it should. The chorus comes in like a hammer to the face where every amp has the gain cranked up. Heading into the second verse, it’s obvious that these guys are more diverse than the bulk of what you’re used to in their music category. They string the song along with more diversity than the bulk of their peers, including pre-recorded backing vocal tracks and a blistering solo that cuts like a knife through soft flesh. They follow this with one of the two standouts on the release, “The Grudge.” They squealing lead guitar that enters from the beginning will continuously find its way in and out of the track, while the vocals set the song’s pace. The drums hit harder than you’re used to while the basslines are intertwined to keep things in order within all of the thick riffs that flow throughout the song. There’s a breakdown on the song towards the end that adds to the depth of the track.



The third song, “Digital Echoes” shows off a side to the band that they seem to really shine on, by going slower. Though I wasn’t a big fan of where the vocals are in the mix, the craft in the guitar work alone is insane. When the chorus drops, the band keeps things on the slower side while still playing at full force. Overall, the move to drop a slower song on the EP was a good one, that pays off throughout the track. They follow this up with the other stand out, “Masquerade,” where the progressive guitar work that zigzags all over the song is intense and masterful. Stepping things up a notch, Seldom adds multiple rhythms and chord progressions that make the song sometimes feel like a train that’s about to come off the rails. The way in which the drums keep the song on track with guitars feeling like they’re coming from all directions, and the addition of screamo vocals in the background behind the regular vocals is something on a whole new level that these guys pull off without a hitch. They close out the EP with a more moderate stride, with the song, “Marionette.” Though the progressive riffs and complicated drum work is on this track as well, the song doesn’t have the chaos of the previous one. The band does well by keeping things hard and direct, which is their strong suit, and what sets them apart from the general weaknesses of the genre.


When it’s all done, the EP commands another listen, as it holds the hard rock world up to higher standards. The heavy riffs, the complex drums, the masterful guitar and bass work, and the strong vocals showcase how strong this band is. You can get your own copy of “Black Mirror” when Seldom performs their EP release party at Warehouse Live on Saturday, August 28th. The all ages show in the studio has doors at 6:00, and tickets between $5.00 and $25.00, the latter being a VIP option that includes a shirt and a signed copy of the EP. - Free Press Houston


"Seldom: “Black Mirror” is sonically adventurous, yet it’s comfortable and executed with precision"

After performing with internationally acclaimed acts likes Buckcherry, Flyleaf, Puddle Of Mudd, Lacuna Coil, POD, Drowning Pool or Saving Abel, as well as successfully funding the production of a debut studio release via Kickstarter, Seldom released “Damaged”, their first full-length album, in 2014 and performed extensively on a regional basis in support of the release. Mitch Atkinson – vocals, Matt Hernandez – guitar, Sergio Martinez – guitar, Carlos Hidalgo – bass and Bryan Murillo – drums, are already back with a brand new EP, “Black Mirror”; focused on the increasingly symbiotic relationship between society and technology.

This Ep is phenomenal. I don’t know why I was surprised, Seldom has never disappointed. Once again, their sound is calculated with meticulous attention to detail, chord progressions, lyrical content, and a passionate singing style, and heavy overall. While being much more radio friendly they still maintain a truth and vitality that is lacking in much of today’s rock music. With 5 songs that blow you away whenever you hear them, this album breaks through new boundaries.

“Black Mirror” is easily my favorite of the Seldom releases so far. I really liked “Damaged”, but this is what I hoped for from Seldom, though I didn’t expect it so quickly. The musicianship, the lyrics, the passion with which the songs are sung….it’s all here. And, the more I listen to it, the more I like it. While using a familiar song structure ensures Seldom’s accessibility, the true strength lies in vocalist Mitch Atkinson. A powerful vocalist and relatable lyrics are sure ways to win over an audience, but only up to a point.

From the title track and opener “Black Mirror” the sound is as subtle as a slap and then a fist to the face. The production is crystal clear, the levels perfectly mixed (that means an extremely audible bass), the guitars are an even balance of melodic and heavy, and the vocals emotional and strong. And the purity of the sound carries through the entire Ep. Balancing rockers with a ballad (well sort of), the Ep is sure to appeal to just about any modern rock fan. It’s sonically adventurous, yet it’s comfortable and executed with precision.

The vocal and instrumental range is absolutely stunning on “The Grudge”. Lyrically not over complicated, but immensely immersive, this track shifts Seldom from great to awesome! The tight guitar lines, awesome melodic metal riffs, and interesting musical arrangements of this song all add up to one brilliant package in my view. Just when you think these guys are an all-out aggressive band, along comes the brilliant piece of art called “Digital Echoes”. It starts out with very soothing guitar played over an even paced drum beat. Then it picks up with some great guitars, while still maintaining that emotional atmosphere. The choruses change the whole mood before all hell breaks loose.

On “Masquerade” and “Marionette”, Seldom combine elements in rock and metal music to create an assault of razor sharp riffs within a massive wall of sound. The guitarists, bass and drums are the main players on these tracks. They demonstrate their skills to perfection. What the members of Seldom have crafted here is an incredibly melodic, powerful and technically impressive album; one that just fills you with energy.

In Seldom, we finally have a young band with an absolutely insane amount of talent that still can appeal to the masses. There are heavier bands. There are softer bands. It doesn’t matter who they sound like or which subgenre they belong in. Just listen to the album. It’s damn good! - Jamsphere


"REVIEW: Seldom's "Damaged""

Houston rockers Seldom came together in 2012, and the foursome have since become a regular on the Houston rock and metal scene. The group plans to play even more shows across Texas later this year and hold an official CD release party in September for their full-length release “Damaged,” which is set to release on Sept. 16, 2014.

The band’s Facebook page describes Seldom’s sound as progressive/alternative rock, with influences ranging from Chevelle to Deftones and Tool.

I heard possibly a bit less of Tool and quite a bit more of the influences of Chevelle, Deftones and Breaking Benjamin on “Damaged,” which demonstrates not only vocalist Mitch Atkinson’s range but guitarist Matt Hernandez’s meaty chops. Drummer Bryan Murillo and bassist Carlos Hidalgo work together to lock down a rhythm section that does far more than just keep time… the pair literally drives several of the songs forward, and the stop-breaks that Seldom pulls off so well live are even somehow even more impressive on the studio recording.

For a new album from a relatively new and still mostly local Houston band, the production values on “Damaged” are stellar. Recorded at Houston’s Psychonaut Studios from April through June, Seldom picked up some stellar talent for production including Houston’s own Brad Lambert (vocalist for Hindsight and guitar legend Rusty Cooley’s Day of Reckoning), who mixed the album. After recording and mixing, Atkinson says the group shipped “Damaged” off to the capable hands of UE Nastasi (Anthrax, Lamb of God, Biohazard) at New York’s highly respected Sterling Sound.

The opening track, “Legacy,” introduces choppy rhythm guitars alternating between light melodies and heavy riffs. Atkinson’s vocals are clean, precise and the harmonies are tight. Guest vocals from Awaken the Siren’s Roxanne Rodriguez provides an additional layer of sound that help make this one of my favorite tracks on the CD.

The second track, “Awake to Darkness,” is punchy and demonstrates yet another level of vocal range as the bridge and chorus soar and carry the tune into each break. “Cancer” continues with a similar sonic theme, where “Plastic Idols” progresses into something a bit edgier and quite a bit more emotional.

“Over and Over” is a ballad featuring Clara Treadway on violin, and provides a nice mid-point to break the progressively more raw rock tunes on the album.

“Watch Me Fall” is perhaps the catchiest of all nine tracks, while “Ozymandias” and “Wasting Away” are where any Tool fans will find something to grab onto.

The title track, placed last on the CD, features my favorite guitar hook and a ballad-like feel dropping into a straight-up driving rock tune.

With a release like “Damaged” under their belt, this Houston foursome has a product that should draw attention and continue increasing their fanbase. This is a group just waiting for the right set of ears to find their CD. - Hill Country News


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

Photos

Bio

From the band’s beginning in mid-2013, Seldom was inspired to write
songs that were engaging and were different from one another to not only
reflect each band member's individual styles and inspirations, but also
to make sure that each song could stand on its own and tell its own
unique story. The songs that came from those writing sessions vary In
musical, lyrical, and emotional layers. From a crowd energizing
punk-inspired song (“Plastic Idols”), to an ethereal ballad that
crescendos into an emotional explosion (“Over and Over”), then a
bass-driven monster (“Awoke to Darkness”), and a hard hitting rock
anthem (“Cancer”). Each song flows seamlessly from one to the other.

In that short amount of time, Seldom has built up a legion of fans,
which has allowed them to share the stage with many great bands. Seldom
has opened up for Lacuna Coil, Drowning Pool, Flyleaf, Eyes Set To Kill,
Powerman 5000, Nothing More, Straight Line Stitch, Parabelle, Era 9,
Emperors and Elephants, Day of Reckoning, and have appeared at SXSW.
Seldom released their first album, "Damaged", in 2014 and received
several positive reviews. They are already at work on a follow up EP,
and will continue touring in 2015 in support of "Damaged" and the
upcoming EP. Seldom has turned its sights towards conquering the rest of
the state and the nation…are you ready?


Seldom is: Mitch Atkinson - Vocals, Matt Hernandez - Guitar, Sergio Gonzalez - Guitar, Carlos Hidalgo - Bass, Bryan Murillo - Drums


Band Members