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There was a time when the goal of just about every rock band was to get a song on the radio. But somewhere along the way, some bands began finding it almost shameful to list that as their top priority. Not The Crying Spell. Hailing from Seattle, this newly formed group is bursting at the seams with songs that automatically stick in your brain and won't let go—in other words, songs that would sound absolutely perfect pumping out of your radio. This is evident throughout their upcoming debut, “Through Hell to Heaven.”

The Crying Spell includes lead guitarist Eric Snyder (The Second Coming), vocalist Len Hotrum and drummer Chase Culp of (Point One, Adrenalin Records). According to Culp, the group's formation was almost accidental” "The Crying Spell came together two years ago during a break in Point One's touring schedule, when Len and Eric composed the band's first song ‘Tattoo'd Girl.' Shortly after demoing 15 songs, they called upon the assistance of Chase to start recording the album.” As the band developed their live show, Dane Brooks from the Seattle-based rock outfit Peepshow was asked to handle additional guitar duties and Jason Phraner was brought in to round out the group on bass. The unit was complete.

Straight away the group experienced a songwriting frenzy, which led them to a producer who is no stranger to rock fans worldwide—Kelly Gray—who has worked with Candlebox, Brother Cane, Three Doors Down, and Queensryche, among others. Kelly thrust the band in to the historic Avast Studios in Seattle, WA.

The end result is a thirteen-song album that draws upon an interesting mix of influences, according to Culp. "I feel that our band fits well with artists such as the Killers, the Bravery, Muse, and bands of the early 80s, such as the Cure, Depeche Mode, and Joy Division, but with more of a rock flare." The first song the group ever penned—the Velvet Revolver meets Cheap Trick–esque standout, "Tattoo’d Girl"—serves as the perfect intro to the band (with an absolutely infectious chorus). The Smiths’ “How Soon Is Now?” has been energized into a modern rock anthem and is a favorite among fans at the band's dynamic and dramatic live shows. And another level of truth and depth in the release comes through in the lyrics penned by Hotrum. "The song 'Perfect' is one of my favorites because of the philosophy behind the message - everything is perfect, no matter how seemingly bad things seem to be. Events in our life are for our benefit, all events. This is a positive message that can be lost and forgotten,” points out lead vocalist Len Hotrum.

While the group's knack for tuneful rock is on display throughout “Through Hell to Heaven,” it's on the concert stage where The Crying Spell truly shine. "Fans can expect to see a wide range of songs," says Snyder. "We have slow vibe songs, rockin' tunes, and a wide range of instrumentations - from Greek bouzouki, to cello, to atmospheric guitars." Few bands seem to connect with the audience with the grace, style, truth, sincerity and musicianship of The Crying Spell. Because of that connection between the artist and fan, the band has been sharing the stage with the likes of national acts VAST, Thriving Ivory, Modwheelmood, The Classic Crime, and Filter.

With plans to tour in support of “Through Hell to Heaven,” Hotrum says he and his bandmates have adopted an “enjoy it as it comes” attitude to rock stardom. "As for future plans, I don't want to give away too much too soon. Let's just see where life takes us."