Spent

“Some badass mutha…!” These poetic words quoted from Ruel Davis, the mastermind behind Lexington’s Rockzone at Varsity Blue, are perhaps the most accurate description given to describe one of the Midwest’s most enigmatic and energetic presences…SPENT. Hailing from various parts of the United States, Chad Wilfong (drums – St. Louis), Mike Phelps (bass – Louisville), Ken Mars (guitar and backing vocals – Chicago) and Mike Gonzalez (lead vocals – New York) were brought together for one purpose, to create a show and sound that is currently blowing away standards and expectations everywhere they are seen or heard. Fan and critic comparison have likened their explosive stage performances and genre-crippling music mostly to bands such as Dry Kill Logic, Nonpoint, Godsmack, System of a Down and Sevendust. Many of the 11 tracks on their debut release, entitled American Pastime, reflect traits of these and other influences while harnessing a style that is undoubtedly their own. The promotional single, Savior, and the album’s opening track, Confronting Innocence, best reflect their masterful blend of captivating melodic riffs with powerful “balls-to-the-wall” aggression, while passionate tracks such as the album’s emotion-provoking finale, Orphan, and the woeful anthem, Fear, are shining examples of the band’s potential a as rock-radio success. Though currently rooted strategically in the heart of the Midwest (Lexington, KY), SPENT continues to expand their presence by taking on parts of New England, including Boston (by means of promotion at the 2002 OzzFest stop in Massachusetts) and New York (at the Green Party Benefit at the Luxx in Brooklyn*), as well as blowing away industry insiders, fellow bands and devote fans, at the 2001, 2002 and 2003 annual Midwest Music Conference. To date they have held their own with such national and international artists such as Disarray (Eclipse Records), Kryoburn (f.k.a. N-Cyde managed by Pissing Razors manager Rachel Martinez) and Near Life Experience (featuring former members of 80’s rockers Lillian Axe) and have been on the bill with rising stars Brand New Sin, Nonpoint, Skindred, Dry Kill Logic, Future Leaders of the World and Flaw. With focused determination and unrelenting will, SPENT is poised to stake their claim with their soon to be release second full-length album and a hefty tour schedule. All of this should work together to ensure front man Mike Gonzalez’s hopes that, “everyone will walk away a fan.” Be watchful and be weary because soon you too may be caught up in the mayhem and find yourself feeling completely SPENT