Seneca
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Seneca

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Music

The best kept secret in music

Press


"Existe Review"

"The debut EP from the band Seneca, Existe, appears out of nowhere. While it retains somewhat of the ‘prog formula’, it also goes somewhat beyond, proving that progressive rock is neither dead nor stuck in the past. The standout track on this album is “The Flood”, which stands among the best singular tracks I’ve heard all year. A driving, almost trance-like drumbeat carries the intro, as vocals, guitar, and throbbing bass lines enter the fray. This is a track with that rare emotive quality that grabs you from the very first listen; pulling you in whether you want to be or not. The sound quality is beyond what you would expect for a debut EP, with a full, balanced soundstage throughout. Overall, I would heartily recommend this album to any progressive rock fan, and it could possibly find an audience with those who lean towards psychedelic/space rock as well. This is almost too prog to be prog, which is a very welcomed quality."
-Andy Shal - DigitalMetal.com


"Live Review: 8-6-04"

"Seneca play in a darkened room, with just a few blue lights onstage. They're like a different band since the last time I saw them: stronger, more confident, weirder, and more dynamic. And they weren't bad before! But tonight's set is captivating, with lovely, spacey vocals and guitars and all kinds of junior-Frippy arpeggios over a rhythm section that manages to be simultaneously subtle and bombastic: my favorite combination. It's also more math-y than it was before, and I just love those unusual, challenging rhythms. The drummer gives me the impression that he's playing right at the very edge of his abilities, but what abilities!"
-Steve Gisselbrecht - The Noise


"Existe Review"

"What Seneca has been able to accomplish with their debut EP, Existe, is quite exquisite. To the untrained ear it might just sound like your average progressive rock, but once all biases are eliminated, what emerges is a blend of sincere prog-rock, psychedelic effects, and melodic vocals that all intertwine with one another. Seneca has been compared with bands off of the Constellation Records label, such as Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Do Make Say Think. However, these are just references for making people understand what type of music they're getting into, for Seneca is most definitely an innovator, not a follower. Their talent is portrayed exceptionally on Existe's second track, "Engines Descend", in which guitar melody, powerful drums, and harmonious vocals come together to create continuous yet energetic wax-and-wane cycles. The song that follows, "The Flood", is a showcase of exceptional and forceful drumming that might even make you want to dance, something not usually associated with prog-rock. What deserves most mention, however, is how well the entire album seamlessly and beautifully blends its six tracks together, almost creating a rock-overture. Seneca's sound is one that should appeal to a wide audience because of its ability to mix harsh and dominating crescendos, with sweet and spacey troughs. These up-and-down cycles create a sound pattern that is pleasantly hypnotizing, completely pulling the listener into the music while stylistically bringing the album together. Existe is nothing short of a superbly inventive and artistic accomplishment from a band that is determined to deliver."

--Afsheen Leonardo Amiri - Northeast Performer Magazine


"Existe Review"

Wouldn't it be cool if the Mars Volta and Godspeed You! Black Emperor joined force to create a supergroup? Well, in a way, Seneca seemingly makes just that happen. Fusing prog rock with electronica and even a little disco for good measure, Seneca's "Existe" is a real pleasure for anyone looking for something a bit different than what is currently flooding today's music scene.

"Existe" opens with a spacey electronic intro, "Prologue: First Splendor Pales", which after running its course, kicks the album into gear, and right into the second track, "Engines Descend". The opening vocals on this track are so reminiscant of that of the Mars Volta it's scary. Though the vocals do share a likeness with the Mars Volta's Cedric, Seneca takes their sound in a different direction, practically creating a genre of their own. The track runs to nearly eight minutes of spacey, slow yet interesting prog rock with electronica fused in, and though occasionally repetitive, none the less pleasing. "The Flood" is a song that even though on the surface appears to be a spacey prog rock song, the disco vibes in the track play a big part in its diversity from the rest of the album. The track runs just over eleven minutes, but has bursts of electronic rock spread through out its entirety that really help keep interest, and contrast. "...if time could come at all.", the albums fourth track, slows things down with an accoustic guitar set to electronica, and serves the album as an interlude. "A Lament" sees the return of vocals and energy to the album, and picks things up where "The Flood" slowly left off. The track is merely instrumental, aside from harmonies that are sung through out the track. The album closes with "Epilogue: The Last Dusk", an almost ambient electronica track, set to the aforementioned harmonies, and the voice of a child speaking a foreign language. The way the band close out "Existe" really sets this album apart from that of their peers. Though the album only has six tracks, it clocks in at just over thirty minutes, proving that this album has both quanity and quality.

"Existe" is an album that, while it shares its similarities with other band's of the genre, really stands out and proves itself to be a unique piece of work. Whether you're a fan of alot bands geared more toward a spacey prog rock sound, or you just can't wait for the new Mars Volta, I highly recomend you pick us this impressive album.

3.5/5

RIYL:

the Mars Volta
Sigur Ros
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Codeseven
Coheed and Cambria

--Josh Tabbia - DecoyMusic.com


"The Noise"

"It's all very atmospheric to start, but then the drums kick in at brutal speed. The rhythms sound elaborate and wild. They unveil a female singer who uncorks these glorious, soaring arias that just make the song." - The Noise Magazine


"The Underground Scene"

"A very energetic set. Their drummer/keyboardist was quite the talented one as well, showcasing his ability to play both instruments with precision, sometimes playing them together. The drive and passion was definitely evident in the melodic and textured guitar work. Also of note was the guest vocal track by an unnamed female singer, whose vocals were absolutely astonishing." - TheUndergroundScene.net


"Earlash"

"Neo-prog rock ... with [an] ethereal quality." - Earlash.com


"Seneca -"

"Seneca's debut CD, Existe, blends the relentless attack of the Mars Volta with the driving prog sound Sunny Day Real Estate grasped at on 'The Rising Tide.' Jon Hassell's voice even sounds like Jeremy Enigk at times, or, reaching back to the '70s, Peter Gabriel. Brad Caetano's drum kit could file a domestic abuse complaint. Guitars noodle throughout the entire album, going big when they have to, and electronic washes of sound cover everything. Seneca crafts the kind of build-and-crash song structures popularized by God Speed You Black Emperor! ... this is a notable debut from a local band that kills live -- and a fair prognostication of things to come."
-Scott Sand - The Weekly Dig


Discography

EP - "Existe" - Featuring "The Flood"
miniEP - "Observations"
Coming Fall 2005: Full length, currently Untitled

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

"We are not here...
This is not happening..."

At times both fragile and heart pounding, Seneca's unique, ambitious brand of indie post-prog has earned them glowing reviews among today's independent critics and left a lasting impression on many a discerning listener . A leading Boston Buzz band, Seneca's New England performances have been selling out in support of their debut EP, "Existe." Conceptually exploratory, they employ an aggressive and complex rhythm section, juxtaposed with ethereal, atmospheric guitars, melodic vocals, and intricate thematic progressions.

Like Led Zeppelin or The Police 35 years ago, Seneca proposes a new sound that challenges an ailing music industry and an eager audience, akin to such current visionaries as The Mars Volta, Sigur-Ros, and Godspeed you! Black Emperor. What has been hailed by critics as a “Must-See Live Act,” Seneca are fresh off a 6 week National Tour, and are booking an even more extensive outing, following the release of their full length album, for the fall of 2005.

“Everywhere you turn your attention in this band, there is something amazing going on.”
-Steve Gisselbrecht, The Noise – 11.12.04