Silent Century
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Silent Century

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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"Getting to Know: Silent Century"

Getting to Know: Silent Century

The second annual BMS Battle of the Bands will take place at Olivers Nightclub on Friday, September 18. Each day this week, we let one of the participating bands tell us about themselves. Today, we get to know Silent Century.

Band Name: Silent Century

Members:
Tom Durkin: Guitar (Boston, MA)
Robert Plumb: Vocals, Bass, Keys (Boston, MA)
Aaron Norell: Vocals, Guitar (San Francisco, CA)
Chris Trombley: Guitar (New York, NY)
James Willetts: Drums (Camden, SC)

Releases:
4-song demo available at shows or on request
Full length in the works, release slated for late 2009

Website
www.silentcentury.com


How did you form?

CT: Tom, Aaron and I met up through mutual friends and started writing and playing together as early as 2007. It was folk-rocky on acoustic guitars at that point and we had the itch to plug in. We went through a couple of lineup incarnations that never got off the ground before the five of us got together. I met R Plumb at an engineering clinic at Zippah studios in Brighton, and James & Aaron were friends in San Fran when they both lived there, so it was natural to pull him on board when he moved to Boston last December.

Who are some of your influences?

CT: Some bands we like: The Smiths, Doves, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr, Television, Joy Division, Spaceman 3, Mars, Idaho.

Finish the sentence, someone would like your band if they like...

TD: ...Dali paintings hooked up to car batteries.

What has your most memorable moment as a band been?

CT: Playing to a sold-out Middle East Up for our first show as an opener for a Pinups For Pitbulls benefit. The best first show we could have hoped for, so big thanks to them for having us along.

Walk us through your songwriting process.

CT: Usually, one of us will come to practice with a complete song. Everyone learns it, and then we tear it down and build it back up from scratch. When we're done, we have something different that hopefully hangs on to the original intention, but everyone has put their mark on it.

JW: I like to think that the big puzzle pieces are brought in by one of us, with the whole band moving and shifting them around like tectonic plates on this big globe of sound. Finally someone throws down the giant meteor that singes all of the edges together.

Who is the best musician in your band?

CT: That depends on which set of standards you use. The double-weighted method developed by Schaeffer and Lowry in the 1970s picks Tom, who scores about 5 points higher than the rest of us in both tonal categories. Everybody knows that test has some design flaws though, which is why we also use the Straddle-Mann Musical Aptitude scale, which gives James the edge.

JW: Without Matt, our ratings along the Fletcher-Munson curve would disqualify us from normal, planetary standards.

CT: Aaron can sing the Beatles' Revolver backwards in its entirety with his mouth full of whiskey, which would put him at the top of a lot of peoples' lists.

What is your favorite local venue?

CT: We like the intimacy over at PA's. The Middle East & Great Scott have great rooms with great sound.

What separates you from other local bands?

CT: Only one of us lives in Allston.

What do you have coming up that people should know about?

CT: We're playing next at All Asia in Cambridge on October 2 with our friends My Summer from New York and Mr. Gnome from Cleveland, as well as a few Boston locals. We'll also be at the Trash Bar in Brooklyn the following night, October 3. Both should be great shows. Our full-length is in the works, which we hope to have out before the end of the year.

Convince our readers to catch you set at the Battle and explain why you will win.

CT: We're on last, so you'll pretty much need to if you want to find out who wins.

JW: Just about every show has a different set, so you're always bound to see something new. As far as winning, simply put: We've got the sound, we've got the players, and most importantly, we've got the songs. - Boston Music Spotlight


"Silent Century Opening for the Bang Bang Blue CD Release - Oliver's Nightclub 6/25"

Newcomers on the Boston Scene Silent Century are set to open up Bang Bang Blue’s CD Release/Tour Kickoff party Thursday night at Oliver’s Nightclub (located within the Cask n Flagon across from Fenway Park). These guys only have a few shows under their belt, however one of those shows was playing to a SELLOUT crowd at the Middle East Upstairs! Some bands go for years without being able to sell out the Middle East, and Silent Century’s already done it within their first few months of existence! Come see what all the buzz is about - SC brings a boatload of talent and experience, as well as a vast array of musical influences together to produce a sound unlike any other in Boston. The band features ex-members of thenewstrange, Pony Come Lately, Electric Eyes, Firelilly, and Iris; and this show will kick off a busy summer for them that includes shows all over the Northeast, a full-length record, and more!

The self-described “Britpop-meets-Indie-Art-Rock” quintet is set to take the stage early Thursday night, so make sure to get down there by 8pm so you don’t miss out on their unique and captivating sound. “Think Doves meets Sonic Youth with a dash of Radiohead and The Dismemberment Plan” is how drummer James Willetts explains their sound. Willetts is also currently the drummer for internationally touring post punk band The Lustkillers, and he and singer Aaron Norell have brought their chops over from the San Francisco Bay area to team up with locals Chris Trombley, Matthew Plumb, and Tom Durkin to take this city by storm.
Plumb is fresh off an appearance on Arlington TV’s The Steve Kotsas Show, you can check out his performance here.
Silent Century is currently in the process of recording their debut CD with Jason Dunn of The Luxury on the boards, which they hope to have completed by the end of this summer. These guys are songwriting machines, collaborating on each and every song as an entire band rather than as individual writers to assure the most rounded-out results. As Willetts puts it: “at the rate we are writing new songs, I feel confident that we’ll have plenty of material - perhaps twice as many songs as we need - to select the best pieces that work together to form a complete whole and accurate representation, because let’s face it: You only get one first record.” For now, they have an excellent EP available for sale at their merch booth - which were absolutely flying off the table at the Middle East show! Come down to Olivers to catch one of the best up-and-comers on the Boston Scene, but remember to get there early - I know I’ll be there nice and early, I don’t want to miss this set!

As previously mentioned, this show is also the CD Release and Tour Kickoff party for local rockers Bang Bang Blue - you know CD Release parties are always a good time, all the more reason to come check out this show, which also features The New Underground and Eolune on the lineup!

Presented by Team Shred - Playground Boston


"2 animal benefit shows in Central Square tonight"

It will be raining cats and dogs in Cambridge’s Central Square tonight - and music fans have their pick of the litter.

By coincidence, two unrelated animal benefit shows being held next door to each other will be rocking out and raising money for
four-legged friends. Pinups for Pitbulls is looking to bolster its pet cause at the Middle East, while Twisted Rico Management’s
Kitty Angels benefit at the adjacent T.T. The Bear’s Place on Brookline Street wants to scratch up funds for felines.

“It’s an animal corner,” said Pinups for Pitbulls’ show organizer Miss Brindle. “The fact that (Central Square) is consumed by animal welfare is all good. If you’re a cat person, go there. If you’re a dog person, go here.”

Pinups for Pitbulls is a nationwide network of pitbull lovers that puts out a calendar of pretty gals and cute pups to raise money for pitbull rescue and breed awareness. The organization’s shows across the country have raised more than $20,000 and saved the lives of 150 dogs, according to Brindle. Tonight’s
lineup offers a three-pronged serving of local indie rock with Midatlantic, Silent Century and St. Helena.

“The bands match up very well, and all are involved with animal rights and activism,” said Brindle, a model who is this year’s Miss June in the Pinup calendar.

The benefit for Kitty Angels, a Tyngsboro-based no-kill cat shelter that helped place more than 600 cats into homes last year, is a more ambitious affair. It features 14 bands and performers doing 20-minute sets. Among those scheduled to play are the Russians, The Sharp Lads, Rick Barton, Jason Dunn of the Luxury, the New Alibis and others.

Both shows start at 8 and the admission for each is $10.

“Anyone who respects, admires and enjoys a little (cat) should come to our show,” said T.T.’s general manager Kevin Patey.
Organizers of the benefits won’t be fighting like, well, cats and dogs. But they’re not quite ready to cuddle up to each other.

“If it were a dog benefit, we’d try to join forces,” Brindle said of the competing event, “but since it’s for cats we figured we’d do our own thing.”

Link to the story:

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1174941 - The Boston Herald


"BMS reveals 2009 Battle of the Bands Finalists"

BMS reveals 2009 Battle of the Bands Finalists

In Like Lions, Polyethylene, Shadwell, Silent Century, and Taste to compete at Olivers Nightclub on September 18

Boston Music Spotlight (BMS) is pleased to announce the finalists for our second annual Battle of the Bands, which will take place on Friday, September 18 at Olivers Nightclub at the Cask 'n Flagon. After seven days of voting, BMS readers have voted the following five bands into the finals: In Like Lions, Polyethylene, Shadwell, Silent Century, and Taste.

The five finalists will perform before a panel of judges at the September 18 event. Judges, who will be announced in the next few weeks, will be judging bands in the following categories: Musicianship, Vocals, Song Writing, Timing of Set, and Stage Presence. Points are awarded on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the highest. A bonus category will allow judges to give 1-3 points extra to each band for crowd reaction. In the event of a tie, the bands will perform one cover song for the judges.

"We're absolutely thrilled to have five great bands picked by our readers to compete in our second annual Battle of the Bands," said Rory Flynn, President and Editor-in-Chief of Boston Music Spotlight. "Last year's battle was a very close and competitive event with great music. I know with this year's line-up, we're bound for another memorable night!"."

Beyond the glory of victory, the 2009 BMS Battle of the Bands winner will recieve over $5,000 in prizes, including services from:

Powderfinger Promotions will provide a national radio promotion package worth $1,400 to the Battle winner. The company will promote the winner's newest album via one-on-one contacts and weekly group emails to radio stations across the country for six weeks.

JamSpot will provide $1,000 worth of studio time, good for use towards recording, mixing, rehearsal time, and other services. Jamspot is a professionally designed digital rehearsal studio that has two convenient locations in Somerville and Wakefield, Massachusetts.

CDWorks has agreed to provide 250 CDs with a slim jewel case and a two-page insert. CDWorks is a leading provider of CD and DVD production services and has offices in Boston and Atlanta.

Arguedas Photography will provide a professional press and live photo shoot for the winning band. Arguedas Photography specializes in wedding, portrait and music photography in a documentary style. Johnny Arguedas produces storytelling images that are modern and natural, images that are fresh, vibrant and stand the test of time.

Revolve, Inc. will provide legal services for the winner of the Battle of the Bands. The band start-up package will be customized for the winning band after an in-depth conversation of their needs. Services may include the following: entity formation and consultation, a band agreement, a professional services audit to determine what further steps should be taken to ensure legal and business security for the band, and/or other equitable legal work.

Big Noise will provide a personal consultation with all five finalists at the BMS Battle of the Bands. Each band's consultation will include a review of their career path, demo/cd releases, official website, photo portfolio, image, and more.

For more information on each of the five finalists for the 2009 BMS Battle of the Bands, please visit their MySpace pages:

In Like Lions: myspace.com/inlikelions
Polyethylene: myspace.com/polyethyleneband
Shadwell: myspace.com/shadwellmusic
Silent Century: myspace.com/silentcentury
Taste: myspace.com/tasteislife

Tickets for 2009 Boston Music Spotlight Battle of the Bands are now on sale for only $10 through participating bands and online through TicketLeap. - Boston Music Spotlight


"Check Out the Pinups For Pitbulls Benefit @ The Middle East, 5/27 Featuring Silent Century, St. Helena and Midatlantic"

Come for the free beer, stay for a worthy cause

This Wednesday night at the Middle East Upstairs the lovely Miss Brindle will be hosting a benefit party for Pinups For Pitbulls. When I first heard about this event I thought to myself ‘gee, I like me some pinups, and I do like pitbulls, but what could the two possibly have to do with each other?’ Upon further investigation I learned that PFPB is an animal rescue project founded in 2006 that puts out an annual calendar featuring models posing with pitbulls, in order to raise money for their cause.


The organization

“works to educate the public about the history and temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier and Mixed Bully Breeds, to raise awareness about Breed Specific Legislation and breed-specific abuse, and to raise funds for bully-breed-friendly rescues and dogs in need.

"[Their] goal is to reestablish the defamed reputation of the Pit Bull as America’s premier companion animal, war hero, and therapy dog.”

No arguments there!

Wednesday’s show sounds like one of the cooler events happening this month. Three bands - Silent Century, St. Helena and Midatlantic - will be getting their rock on while Miss Brindle meets and greets, and autographs PFPB calendars featuring all the alluring canine-loving pinups. DJ Bradley Jay will also be spinning at 8pm, and grinding out tunes in between the bands’ sets.

So you’re probably thinking to yourself, ‘ok so far we’ve got gorgeous scantily-clad cover girl goddesses rescuing badass dogs… awesome live music… which all sounds good, but what I could really use on a Wednesday night is some free beer. Well Pinups For Pitbulls and Narragansett say CHECK!

Show up between 8:30 and 10:30 and get free Narragansett just for bringing your beautiful self.

There will also be a a sweet raffle that includes a chance to win a free tattoo worth $150, and many more prizes.

Here is a track titled “Currents” by Silent Century, who will be taking the stage at 9pm sharp:

Link to the story:

http://playgroundboston.com/2009/05/26/pinups-for-pitbulls-fundraiser-featuring-silent-century-st-helena-and-midatlantic-tonight-the-middle-east/#more-826 - Playground Boston


"PGB Track of the Week #15: Silent Century - Teeth (Live & Unreleased!)"

PGB Track of the Week #15: Silent Century – Teeth (Live & Unreleased!)
by Bryan on Sep.08, 2009, under Audio, Media, News, Track of the Week
Silent Century
“Teeth”
Live at PA’s Lounge, Somerville – 7/9/09
© 2009 Self-Released

URL BELOW:

http://playgroundboston.com/2009/09/08/pgb-track-of-the-week-15-silent-century-teeth-live-unreleased/ - Playground Boston


"12's Tip"

THU 7/9

12’s TIP:

P.A.’S LOUNGE
Silent Century, Close Friends - DJ Adam 12 on WBCN 104.1 Boston


"PGB Pick: Sera Del Fuego, Silent Century, Logan 5 and the Runners and It’s From the Sky, Tonight! 8/13 @ Great Scott"

Does “Thirsty Thursday” still exist even after you’ve been out of college for years? Is it sad to still refer to that magical day of the week as such? Well thirsty or otherwise, it’s almost the weekend and I plan on hitting the town (”the town” being dirty Allston) and getting all rock and roll. Tonight at Great Scott, local rockers Sera Del Fuego will be playing their “farewell to Boston” show, because in a few weeks they will be headed to the Darkside (i.e. moving to Brooklyn). Ah I kid, I kid, I do love the BK, I just hope they don’t start dressing like assholes.

Aside from being nice dudes, the trio that is Sera Del Fuego play a unique and jarring blend of reflective rock that is worthy of attention. Though its hard to quantify their sound, they like it that way, as they proclaim on their website- “Genres are for Suckers, Scenes are for Fuckers, Sera del Fuego is for LOVERS.” I say take a listen to their myspace and hear for yourself.

Joining these merchants of haunting rock anthems is Silent Century, who also, well, put out a haunting rock sound of their own. Featuring chilled out spacey riffs, uptempo drum beats, and arresting vocal lines, drummer James Willetts described SC to us as “Doves meets Sonic Youth with a dash of Radiohead and The Dismemberment Plan.” (click here for more info on the band)
Shoegaze trio It’s From the Sky and electro glam popsters Logan 5 and the Runners will also be featured on stage! The action starts at 9, get there early!

Sera Del Fuego
Silent Century
It’s From the Sky
Logan 5 and the Runners

n - Playground Boston


"PGB Pick: Sera Del Fuego, Silent Century, Logan 5 and the Runners and It’s From the Sky, Tonight! 8/13 @ Great Scott"

Does “Thirsty Thursday” still exist even after you’ve been out of college for years? Is it sad to still refer to that magical day of the week as such? Well thirsty or otherwise, it’s almost the weekend and I plan on hitting the town (”the town” being dirty Allston) and getting all rock and roll. Tonight at Great Scott, local rockers Sera Del Fuego will be playing their “farewell to Boston” show, because in a few weeks they will be headed to the Darkside (i.e. moving to Brooklyn). Ah I kid, I kid, I do love the BK, I just hope they don’t start dressing like assholes.

Aside from being nice dudes, the trio that is Sera Del Fuego play a unique and jarring blend of reflective rock that is worthy of attention. Though its hard to quantify their sound, they like it that way, as they proclaim on their website- “Genres are for Suckers, Scenes are for Fuckers, Sera del Fuego is for LOVERS.” I say take a listen to their myspace and hear for yourself.

Joining these merchants of haunting rock anthems is Silent Century, who also, well, put out a haunting rock sound of their own. Featuring chilled out spacey riffs, uptempo drum beats, and arresting vocal lines, drummer James Willetts described SC to us as “Doves meets Sonic Youth with a dash of Radiohead and The Dismemberment Plan.” (click here for more info on the band)
Shoegaze trio It’s From the Sky and electro glam popsters Logan 5 and the Runners will also be featured on stage! The action starts at 9, get there early!

Sera Del Fuego
Silent Century
It’s From the Sky
Logan 5 and the Runners

n - Playground Boston


Discography

Their debut album, Aloha, was recorded and self-released in the spring of 2012. Throughout the album, energetic guitar provides the backdrop for memorable hooks amidst a wash of feedback and driving rhythm. Creative drumming, arresting vocal delivery, and angular guitars merge to create infectious guitar rock.

Photos

Bio

Formed in December 2008, Silent Century is five Boston-based musician/songwriters: Aaron Norell (Iris, Firelily), James Willetts (thenewstrange,The LustKillers), Matt Plumb, Tom Durkin, and Chris Trombley.

After landing a debut gig opening to a sold-out room at The Middle East, Silent Century has toured around New England, supporting and advancing local acts across the northeast. The band is currently in the studio and plans to release a full-length in early 2012.

Press links can be found on the band's myspace and facebook pages.

Videos can be found at:

http://www.youtube.com/user/silentcenturyband