Music
Press
SOCRATIC
Spread The Rumors
Drive Thru Records
Mark Hoppus, who is best known for playing bass and sharing vocals in Blink 182 manned the production board for Socratic's sophomore effort "Spread The Rumors" and the great thing about Hoppus is that he didn't try to reinvent Socratic, but rather was a part of this album with them because he loved what they heard on their demos. With that being said, Socratic who gained critical acclaim with 2005's "Lunch For The Sky," has decided to kick things up to the next level with this release. They have always had a pop influence behind them and this album displays that more than any of their previous work. You can't help but sway along with them on tracks like "May I Bum A Smoke," bounce along with the catchy guitar riffs on tracks like "This Opinion Of Mine," and you will quickly be singing along with the wonderfully crafted lyrics and smoothly delivered vocals on songs like "Constant Apology." If you are a part of the crowd that likes bands like Jimmy Eat World, Plain White T's, Weezer, etc… then you are going to absolutely love Socratic. With the goal in place of making an album where every song could be a single, it is safe to say Socratic achieved that goal and then some. - Guestlist Magazine
May 4th 2008 by Jonathan London
In 2005, Socratic's album Lunch for the Skyprovided listeners with enough colorful, smile enducing piano driven rock songs to fuel the rest of summer's memories as they faded in the rearview mirror. Now, with their new album Spread the Rumors, the band is back for another crack at becoming your soundtrack for the three hottest months. Produced by Mark Hoppus (front man for Blink 182 and +44), Spread the Rumors is a more diversified and fleshed out album than the band's previous effort. Catchy songs like Boy in a Magazineand Contant Apology will have you singing along with them long after the CD has stopped spinning.Long Distance Calls does a respectful job of channelling Paul Simon (without the annoying Chevy Chase bits) while bringing its own Socratic spin. Trust me. Once the steel drum kicks in, you'll be sold on this band. Maybe the meanest trick of the entire affair is the song May I Bum a Smoke, a love letter to toking-induced, carefree daydreams. I'm as straight laced straight edge as a guy can get and I still catch myself singing this incredibly fun song out loud constantly.
The second half of the album mellows out a bit (Spread the Rumors and The Diamond in a World of Coal) and makes for perfect nighttime driving music after the fun of a summer's day has been had. The latter song (possibly my favorite of the bunch) will have you built up and elated during its final chorus in a way that only a really great rock ballads can. All in all, if what you're looking for is a rock album that is at times poppy toe tapping melodies and other parts reflexive lyrical and instrumental arrangements, I don't think you can be dissapointed with Spread the Rumors. - Jonathan London
Discography
Lunch For The Sky (2005) LP
- Scanned 15,000 units domestically, with distribution in Japan, Australia, England, and online outlets.
- Several tracks featured on MTV’s lineup including “The Real World”, “Pimp My Ride”, “MADE”, “The Hills”.
- Song “Too Late Too Soon” featured in an episode of A&E’s “Dog The Bounty Hunter.”
- Song “U and Left Turns” featured in the major motion picture “Kids in America.”
Just Turn (2006) EP
- Self-produced and offered free online for download, with unique downloads near 50,000 to date.
Spread The Rumors (2008) LP
- Produced by Mark Hoppus (Blink-182, +44) in Hollywood, CA
- Absolute Punk, May 2008 “one of the most enjoyable pop-rock albums released in 2008.”
- Music video for “Boy in a Magazine” featured on MusicChoice OnDemand as well as rotation on the “Alternative Rock” channel
- Has acquired over 200,000+ plays on youtube and mtv.com
- “Constant Apology” featured as opening song for the season finale on “The Real World: Hollywood.”
- Alternative Press, June 2008: “For those eyeing a pop-rock getaway that’s a bit more daring and exotic, Socratic just may be the golden ticket.”
- All records available on “Touch Tunes” in bars and restaurants across the country.
- On rotation nationwide in Hollister Stores.
"If you buy this record and don't end up liking every single second of musical genius contained on it with every single fiber of your very being, i personally guarantee you that you have no taste in music."
- Mark Hoppus (Blink182)
"With the goal in place of making an album where every song could be a single, it is safe to say Socratic achieved that goal and then some."
- Guestlist Magazine
Photos
Bio
In 2004 Socratic signed to Drive-Thru Records, who released their first full-length, Lunch for the Sky (2005) described as "Jimmy Eat World overdosed on Meatloaf." The album was produced by John Goodmanson (Owl City) at Longview Farms Studio in rural Western Massachusetts. On December 5th, 2006, a free 5-track EP entitled Just Turn was made available for download from the band’s Myspace and PureVolume profiles. Their next full length album entitled Spread The Rumors (produced by Mark Hoppus of Blink182) hit the shelves on May 6, 2008, featuring the song “Boy In A Magazine,” their first single. Socratic has gained over 1 million myspace plays since.
Socratic made a video for “May I Bum and Smoke” and “Boy In A Magazine” in 2008 totaling over 200,000 plays.
Socratic has been fortunate enough to travel to Japan and Australia as well as all across the U.S. and has shared the stage with acts ranging from All-American Rejects, Incubus, Brand New, Boys Like Girls, Say Anything (Myspace Tour 2008), The Offspring, Pete Yorn, and even the Teletubbies (Yes, the Teletubbies).
Socratic is no longer affiliated with Drive Thru Records and have since funded their own self-titled album out now and available on iTunes and Bandcamp. A vinyl release date is set for August.
"We've been in this band since we were 15. My biggest musical influences are these guys. We love to make music, and we're not concerned about trying to fit in. We never fit in anyway."
- Singer/Songwriter Duane Okun
Links
