TANGENTS

Nowadays, thanks to the technology and internet facilities, people can connect and share ideas, chat, watch videos, but also create good music. This is the case of this two-people project called Tangents which was created thanks to the concerns of Derek Kerswill and Dave Witham, a couple of talented guys whose first baby saw the light this year (2010) and was officially released a few days ago (October 26th).

The album entitled “One Little Light year” features twelve compositions, ranging from three to four minutes average, which complete a 43-minute record.
It kicks off with “Arrow in the Heart” which in my opinion is one of their best tracks, a strong opener that also shows Tangents style and a progressive-alternative tendency. The vocals in moments remind me a little bit of some early Radiohead tunes, and the music sounds catchy but interesting without a doubt.

“Homecoming (Victory Song)” is a mellower track that in the first minutes has a tranquil sound, however there is a part at half the song where the guitars sound heavier and the atmosphere becomes tense; but well, the mellow and soft sound returns later and finishes like a lullaby.
With “Fall Asleep Again” I have a problem, I don’t really like the rhythm and the repetitive sound, however, what I like is that while the seconds pass there are new elements sounding which help creating new and different nuances. This is in the other hand, one of my least favorites here.

“Static” has again that smooth and mellow sound, the vocals again remind me to some Radiohead moments (this is the last time I mention it) but the music is quite interesting. The synth effects are wonderful because they create exquisite atmospheres that can be perceived better if you have good headphones. Another thing I liked here, was the nice and effective use of acoustic guitar.

“(Missing) One Little Light Year” almost reaches the five minutes, this is actually the longest composition on this album. The sound of the guitars is more aggressive than the previous tracks and the rhythm of the song may be quite addictive. The vocals are pretty good in my opinion, and one thing I had not mention but have to, is that the drums sound always clean. After the second minute, there is a change where the vocals sound louder but the music poppier and catchier, which does not really help, it is repeated a minute later after another minor change. Nice track.

“The Pieces Fall” might work as a single of this album, I can see it sounding in the radio as a popular hit, so as you can imagine the sound is pretty catchy, ready for anyone’s ears especially for the followers of alternative rock music. Now, with “Nothing Left Undone” I feel pleased, because there are moments where I truly enjoy what I am listening to: nice atmospheres, good vocals and a correct use of electric guitar as background; the last minute is more emotional.

“When Will it End” is another track I don’t truly enjoy. Since the first seconds where the electric guitar appears and the structure is being built, I don’t feel attracted, actually I feel tired because I think is more of the same, I mean in moments the sound becomes redundant and boring. The second part of the song becomes a bit better, but this is a completely forgettable track to me.

“Hyde” returns again to that soft and mellow sound, there is a nice piano over there working together with nice acoustic guitars and vocals. The song eventually progresses and thanks to the vocals, creates an emotional sound. If you want to listen something like Radiohead meets The Cooper Temple Clause, you can try this.

The shortest composition is the 28-second track entitled “What the Scanners See”, which is just like the introduction to “Blind Spots”. And this starts with electric guitars and vocals, then drums and bass appear and start creating an interesting, though catchy again structure. Later it becomes stronger, the power the introduce helps the song being more enjoyable.
The album finishes with “Watch You Go”, a shorter composition that is just like a goodbye. A peaceful track with a slow sound that can relax the listener.

This is a nice debut album that proves once more that distance does not matter, as long as the will exist. Regarding the band’s style, I would not call them a progressive rock band properly, though they do have some tendencies, I would label them with a different adjective, but well, labels are not really important.

Tracklist:
1. Arrow in the Heart
2. Homecoming (Victory Song)
3. Fall Asleep Again
4. Static
5. (Missing) One Little Light Year
6. The Pieces Fall
7. Nothing Left Undone
8. When Will It End?
9. Hyde
10. What the Scanners See
11. Blind Spots
12. Watch You Go

Line up:
Dave Witham / vocals, guitars
Derek Kerswill / drums - Prog Sphere

Watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTZru2G4Xw - www.thepitmusic.com

It's difficult to evaluate the alternative rock of the '90s, 2000s, and early 2010s without using the word "introspective" at some point because introspection has been a big part of so much post-'80s alternative rock. From shoegazers to post-grunge bands to singer/songwriters, introspection has been inescapable in a post-Kurt Cobain rock world. Tangents' One Little Light Year operates on the Brit-pop side of alternative pop/rock, and there is no shortage of introspection on this 2010 release. Combine all that introspection with a melancholy outlook, and you have a CD that will never be mistaken for party music. Tangents are an American band, although they have a very British sound along the lines of Radiohead, Ocean Colour Scene, and Coldplay; plus, there are elements of Pink Floyd in their prog-tinged Brit-pop. Now, here's where things get really surprising: Tangents includes drummer Derek Kerswill of Unearth fame (the other half of the duo is singer Dave Witham, who plays guitar, bass, and keyboards). For the uninitiated, Unearth are a metalcore band from Boston; their forte is a vicious, clobbering, brutally dense blend of metal and hardcore, and Unearth aren't exactly known for being compared to Radiohead, Coldplay, or Ocean Colour Scene. Tangents, on the other hand, most definitely do have a Brit-pop orientation -- and One Little Light Year doesn't sound anything at all like Unearth. Kerswill's work with Unearth doesn't carry over a bit to "Nothing Left Undone," "Static," or any of the other songs on One Little Light Year. This album, which isn't even screamo, is most definitely a stylistic departure for Kerswill -- a huge one -- and it's a worthwhile stylistic departure because the material, although not mind-blowing, is generally decent. It should be interesting to keep an eye on Tangents and see what develops. - Allmusic.com

Hello to all the readers of Modern Drummer! This is Derek Kerswill. I currently play drums full-time in the bands Unearth and Tangents, and also do a lot of independent studio work.

My love for drums started the very first time I saw Animal on The Muppet Show. I kid you not—I have always given him full credit for being my earliest influence. Throw in the fact that my dad listened to a ton of Led Zeppelin, and there it is: a kid destined to play drums.

I’m completely self-taught. The first year I had a drumset, my parents couldn’t afford cymbals, so I played a whole year on just shells. The following year I got a paper route and started buying gear little by little.

In junior high I got my first gig in the band’s jazz ensemble. I couldn’t read charts, but my memory for music is ridiculous, so the instructor had enough faith in me to give me recorded versions of songs to learn by memory, and that started some of the most monumental and formative years of my drumming life. I would like to add that although I have many inspirations in terms of drummers and musicians, the single greatest inspiration of my career to date was my jazz band instructor, Mr. Alex Dymek, of Memorial Middle School in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. I was a closed-minded twelve-year-old who only wanted to play Led Zeppelin songs, and he challenged me and opened my eyes to many different approaches to the kit and really stressed the importance of groove, feel, and timing.

I played in an incredible number of local bands in the New England area before landing my first real gig with a band called Long Distance Runner, which featured producer Matt Squire and former Overcast guitarist Pete Cortese. From playing in that band, I met one of my great friends, Brian Fair, singer of Shadows Fall, and in 2001 they asked me to join the band. I played with them for the majority of 2001, doing a stint in Japan (during which we played the last Pantera show ever at Yokohama Arena’s Beastfeast metal festival) and a host of U.S. dates, also writing and doing pre-production for a good portion of The Art Of Balance. I had not “officially” joined the band yet, and they informed me that if I wanted to step down, they had found someone else who wanted to join full-time. I had a really good corporate job at HP and a wife at home, and I just wasn’t ready to jump into everything full-time. I bowed out, and in came Jason Bittner.

About six months later, I formed a new band called Seemless with Pete Cortese, who I’d been writing songs with. I also received a call from Adam D. Of Killswitch Engage, informing me that Unearth was looking for some help writing their new record, The Oncoming Storm. I was working on both projects simultaneously, but Seemless was my baby and I needed to see it through. We got signed to Equal Vision Records in 2005, released two records, and disbanded in 2009.

I had lost my job at HP due to outsourcing, so my wife said to take the next chance that came along and we would make it work out. We toured the second Seemless record for a year, but the band just never really caught on and we just continued a downward spiral of morale-killing tours and huge money losses. We were on a tour in May of 2007 when we all realized we needed to just go home and figure out the future. I was sitting in the van on a twenty-three-hour drive, wondering what the hell I as going to do, when my phone rang. It was Ken Susi of Unearth, asking me if I could fill in permanently with Unearth until I figured out what I wanted to do. I accepted the offer and was playing with them one week later! My first Unearth show was in Madrid, Spain, supporting Pearl Jam and the Used, playing to more than 20,000 people. The following day we were at Download Festival in Donnington, playing to about 15,000. I was completely overwhelmed.

I spent a year filling in with Unearth before officially joining the band in 2008 while writing songs for what would become our record The March. During that time I did a record with Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed and Kirk Windstein of Down in a project called Kingdom of Sorrow, and I received my first Billboard-charting record. I did some tours with KOS, until things became so busy with Unearth that I had to take a hiatus from the KOS camp.

I am currently on tour with Unearth for the last tour of the March cycle, and I’m proud to announce the release of my new project, Tangents’ One Little Light Year, which drops on October 26 via Restricted Releases/Sony.

Tangents is the project I’m doing with my great friend, singer/songwriter Dave Witham. Dave played in a band called Of The Hour, which I managed for a while before they disbanded in 2007. The two of us kept in contact, and I always secretly hoped we’d write and record some songs together at some point—just never thought it would turn into what it is now. We spent the better part of a year writing, recording, and producing One Little Light Year completely on our own. The rest is history!

I can’t thank enough the people who follow my work for the kind words I receive on a daily basis, the support that I get from friends and family, and most importantly my wife, for dealing with my absence and never complaining about it. Thank you all so much, and just wait until you hear what’s coming in the next months…whoa, Nelly!
- Modern Drummer

Today Dave Witham from Tangents tells us about "The Pieces Fall" from their brand new album "One Little Light Year," which is being released today. Tangets is a rock duo that features Dave (Of the Hour/Flat-12) and Derek Kerswill (Ex-Unearth/Seemless). Here is the story:

The Pieces Fall was one of the first demos that I worked out for the Tangents album, One Little Light Year. It was also the beginning of a new musical goal of mine, to write more chord-based songs that would stand up as much in a full rock band type setting as they would a stripped down acoustic setting.

I had been trying to put songs together previously, but I was depending on technology too much. I was trying to write songs that were based too much on what I could do on the computer… using different samples and sounds. Someone would ask me to play some new things that I was working on. I would grab my guitar and realize that… I couldn't play anything that I had been writing! I had some songs, but it just wouldn't translate on a standard instrument. How good could a song be if the chord structure and basic harmony of the piece were so non-existent? If I tried to recreate one of those songs on the guitar, it would just sound like a big blob of boring. So, I began working on putting some songs together in the traditional way; Sitting down with the guitar or piano and working things out, and then going to layer all the production stuff after.

In retrospect, I really think that The Pieces Fall is one of the reasons that Tangents exists. It was the first full demo that I sent Derek to check out, and I know it made a pretty big impression on him. Ultimately, it is one of the big reasons we are working together now. His playing and drums are the glue that holds the whole thing together.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album - more on this story - Antimusic.com

5 Questions With... is your chance to get to know new and up-and-coming bands. Derek Kerswill is Unearth's drummer, and has also been a member of Kingdom Of Sorrow, Shadows Fall, Seemless and other bands. His latest project is Tangents.

How did Tangents form?
A couple of years ago, I was co-managing a band called Of The Hour out of Providence, RI. I really fell in love with their stuff, but unfortunately there were a lot of different personalities in the band and the guys weren't on the same page in terms of what they wanted to accomplish. I'm still pretty close with the majority of the guys, but stayed in direct contact with the primary songwriter in the band, Dave Witham. I always told him I'd love to work together following the OTH split, but we were both busy doing different things.

He called and wanted to send me some ideas he had been working on to get some input and opinions. I called him back after a couple of days and told him I'd really love to play drums on his stuff, but that I also had some production and arrangement ideas, on top of some songs and parts I'd love to throw at him. Before you know it, we had 15 tracks completed in pre-production form and we formed the project so organically that we still have no solid band and we forgot that we should probably get a name.

Describe the sound of One Little Light Year.
The record is a dynamic journey of space, atmosphere, darkness and light. The whole idea of One Little Light Year came from something that just came to me one day; the idea of losing out on certain relationships, situations, life decisions, etc. I was thinking about how you may have been "One Little Light Year" away from a polar opposite life, but the whole thing is that it's an oxymoron, due to the fact that an actual light year is so long that certain things are just not in the cards for you.

What are your expectations for the album?
Well, not very much. I just want to win a Grammy, go double platinum and get an upstream deal with Interscope. Nothing too far out of reach and or unrealistic.

Will you be doing any touring?
I have the ultimate touring plans for Tangents. I want to do an exclusive planetarium tour! It'd be a special "Evening With Tangents" in a planetarium, under the stars. "Welcome Home (Planetarium) Tour 2012". Just WAIT!

Anything else you'd like to mention or promote?
Buy the freakin' record, dammit! - Chads Heavy Metal Blog

So you would figure that any band that featured Derek Kerswill, the drummer for Unearth, and Seemless, that it would be a heavy, in your face experience with blast beats and rhythms that would make your face explode. All the while trying to figure out how someone can play 16th note triplets on a kick drum while doing ridiculous shenanigans with their hands. You would also figure that since metal fans are extremely jaded and a bunch of functioning alcoholics that anyone in a metal band would not partake in a project that was "soft" or anything of the likes of Tangents for credibility sakes. But not Derek Kerswill.

Tangents is a very successful and risky undertaking for the Unearth skinsman that along with vocalist/guitarist Dave Witham make something that is so smart, and crafted so beautifully that it will make metal heads and Williamsburg hipsters stand together in unity. Witham's vocals are crisp and almost seduce you as you listen to "One Little Light Year". As the album progresses, the songs only get more heartfelt as you become even more engaged with everything that Tangents is trying to portray.

Tangents is a beautiful mix of the best parts of early Muse, Copeland and dare I even say Radiohead. Although the tunes aren't as obnoxious as some Radiohead songs tend to become or over the top as they might be, the feel of the songs is very reminiscent. This whole record sounds so real and I think thats one of the reasons why I am almost infatuated with it. I believe in everything that Dave Witham feels while he sings throughout this record and its that emotional connection that you almost have to fight off not to have that makes this project so special.

When you get a guy like Derek Kerswill who has such a reputation for being a ridiculous metal drummer and then you find him in a project like this one it really speaks volumes to the type of musical mind, and variety that he has. I would also see this as a huge risk for him because I am sure there are going to be those Unearth fans who are like "What the fuck is this, I hate it, I wont be able to listen to Unearth the same way again, I have no musical horizons or tastes for anything that isn't br00000tallll, I'm 35 and still live in my mom's basement." But with those people aside, if you love music, and I don't mean just metal music, I mean music as a giant scope of different variety and inspirations you are going to enjoy this record just as much as I do.

Songs like "Nothing Left Undone", "Arrow In the Heart", and "The Pieces Fall" will make you realize how Withams voice compliments the sonic and surreal background of the instrumental tracks as Kerswill's intensity and relaxed style pushes everything forward. "Hyde" is one of my favorite tracks off this record for its progression and its eery sense of hope that it tries to relay. Almost feeling totally defeated but still having a sense that redemption may still exist.

Tangents are releasing "One Little Light Year" on October 26th. You can check out a few tracks from Tangents by visiting their myspace page here. Since this is a sound that maybe not a lot of you are familiar with, come back here, share your thoughts, and divulge your little feelings on the comment wall.

-Paul - Skullsnbones.com

Who is the band? What is their history? What motivates them?

“One Little Light Year, the debut album from New England-based TANGENTS. Recorded and mixed at Stillwork Recording Studio in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the album was produced by the band with producer/engineer Benjamin Jon (All That Remains, The Acacia Strain)”.

“TANGENTS is not what most will expect musically from drummer Derek Kerswill (Unearth/Seemless) and Dave Witham (Of the Hour/Flat-12). Kerswill's musical diversity and rhythmic approach provides a solid foundation for the album, propelling the tracks forward with great intensity. Add to it the lush and organic sound of vocalist/guitarist Dave Witham and TANGENTS soars in the vein of Jeff Buckley, As Tall As Lions, even Radiohead. Witham's magnificent voice rises over a spiraling sonic backdrop with dazzling control and splendor. The album's ambitious songwriting creates the catchiest music either musician has released to date. Over a year of intense effort went into the creation of One Little Light Year. Witham reveals, "The recording process was unlike one we have ever been a part of before. We did a lot of work remotely. In fact, the only time Derek and I really got together was to do some of the pre-production work and when we were tracking the drums. It came out remarkably well considering the limited amount of time we actually spent together in the same room."

"Recording this album was one of the greatest recording experiences of my life," says Kerswill. "We worked on pre-production together for awhile, which made recording the record so much easier. I was so well-versed in what I was doing drum-wise that I tracked ten of the twelve songs on the first take with zero edits. After drums were done, Dave pretty much tracked everything else." (Source, 2010).

Review:

1. Arrow in the Heart – Cool guitar effects and power drums open this one. A very original song and sound for this band to open the album. “An arrow through your heart wouldn’t make you stop.” The guitar riffs are different and build momentum as the song progresses. Amazing to think these guys did all of this through e-mail? Cool keys supporting all of the sonic sounds and guitar riffs. Reminiscent of Radiohead, but Witham’s vocals are better. Sonic power opener to get this project started.

2. Homecoming (Victory Song) – Cool effects, slow guitar and synths open this Keane sounding song. But again, Witham’s vocals are better and it is by no means a rip off since Keane seems to have left this sound behind. It also reminds me a little of the Engineers. Very cool Beatles – like riffs running through this and the last song as well. The keys give a nice soft touch to the sound. Witham’s slow delivery really driving home the powerful lyrics and melody.

3. Fall Asleep Again – Definitely a Beatles/Keane feel to the opening of this one. But again, so much better than Keane’s latest work. The drumming is so precise and really lifts the power of this song. “There is no easy way out. There are no ships to recover they’ve all run aground.” The guitar and drum match is so perfect when they play in synch on this one.

4. Static – Soft acoustic and synths before overwhelming drums. A Pink Floyd spacey, Coldplay/Muse/Engineers slow moving wave song. “The static washes me in waves till I’m satisfied.” Yes that captures the feeling of the song so well. One of the best songs on the album. The guitar riffs are so relaxing and well timed. “Satisfied”, yes definitely with this one.

5. (Missing) One Little Light Year – Cool synth effects before blasting guitars and drums. This one has more of a Muse sound to it. But this is better. “Can’t let this go on. Cannot control this.” The synths are excellent during the mid section of this song.

6. The Pieces Fall – Cool synth opening then the drums and guitar begin building a melody and rhythm. “Now they want to spin me all around.” Those familiar Radiohead/Muse/Coldplay type lyrics, but this music makes the message more immediate and desperate. It must be Witham’s delivery. He makes it sound more genuine. “For once in your life.”

7. Nothing Left Undone – Deep bass sounding chords and keys open another of the best songs on the album. Again Witham’s delivery is so sincere. “Hey you…should watch the way you go on.” “The truth is that we’ve won.” “We’re not giving up the world.” Very Muse sounding but again with more power and sincerity.

8. When Will It End? – This one opens with Coldplay like chords and proceeds down some recent Muse - like paths, but again this band provides their own unique signature riffs and drum patterns, intermingled with some Beatles – like chords from Let It Be or Abbey Road. Nice mix of the two generations.

9. Hyde – Another excellent song off the album. The piano and acoustic just setting the perfect mood. That guitar and piano is just perfectly mixed with backing synths and the soft drums. An anthemic piece that is just short of full orchestration which brings to mind the sound of some of Radiohead’s best.

10. What the Scanners See – Cool synthesized guitar chords and effects which just does not last long enough. Cool moody interlude.

11. Blind Spots – Almost a Rush sounding opening to this one. The drums set a great rhythm and melody along with the guitar. Very heavy influence from Muse’s latest, but better, more powerful in the vocal delivery. The Rush like guitar licks adds dynamics missing from Muse’s latest. “We won’t fall back down.” Let’s hope not.

12. Watch You Go – A slow deliberate, almost dirge sound to this one. “We’ll watch you go without a fight.” Orchestration and cool chords surrounding this one. Witham’s vocals echoing the lyrics as the music trails off.

Conclusion:

Rating: 8/10 – I like this album almost as much as Muse’s Resistance. The sound is instantly accessible. When you realize it was created by only two artists it amazes you to think they could come out with such a powerful sound. I hadn’t heard of this band or either of its members, so it was a complete surprise. One of my favorite albums of the early fall releases this year.

Reviewed by Prof on September 16th, 2010 - Prognaut.com

Tangents: One Little Light Year
Melodic/Progressive Rock
4.5/5.0

Angel Side Side / Restricted Release
www.myspace.com/tangentsofficial
www.anglesideside.com
By Craig Hartranft, 10.18.2010
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Knowing that the Tangents project comes from expert drummer Derek Kerswill of Unearth fame may throw some readers, and fans of extreme metal, for a turn. But One Little Light Year is hardly out of Mr. Kerswill realm of musical interest. He notes:

"... metal is probably the least of what I actually listen to. My biggest influences songwriting and style-wise have always been classic rock, whether it be Led Zeppelin and Yes, or ZZ Top and Allman Bros. But in the mid-90s, Radiohead and Jeff Buckley pretty much changed my life and there was a whole new place I wanted to take myself musically."

Along with vocalist Dave Witham (Of the Hour/Flat-12), Kerswill explores those former interests generally and the latter influences more specifically in a lighter melodic prog rock venue. The atmosphere of One Little Light Year travels on an airy, almost ethereal, plane. It's certainly driven along by Kerswill's tight and versatile drumming. Witham's vocals are equally impressive, from soaring to sublime, and dangerously persuasive.

And that probably also best describes the music within. A delicately heavy vibe can move The Pieces Fall, while generous layers of atmosphere propel like (Missing) One Little Light Year or Fall Asleep Again. On more than a little bit of One Little Light Year early Radiohead merges with modern Muse as on Nothing Left Undone. Then Tangents delivers an uncommon slice of symphonic melodic rock on Watch You Go.

One Little Light Year is an unexpected, mysterious, and superior diversion of clever melodic progressive rock from Unearth drummer, Derek Kerswill, and worth your immediate attention. Quite recommended. - Dangerdog Music Reviews

An AOL listening party for One Little Light Year, the debut album from UNEARTH/SEEMLESS’s Drummer Derek Kerswill, TANGENTS, is now available at this location. The album was released yesterday (October 26th) via Restricted Release in cooperation with Angle Side Side.

Recorded and mixed at Stillwork Recording Studio in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the album was produced by the band with producer/engineer Benjamin Jon (ALL THAT REMAINS, THE ACACIA STRAIN).

Tangents is not what most will expect musically from drummer Derek Kerswill (UNEARTH, SEEMLESS) and Dave Witham (OF THE HOUR, FLAT-12). Kerswill’s musical diversity and rhythmic approach provides a solid foundation for the album, propelling the tracks forward with great intensity. Add to it the lush and organic sound of vocalist/guitarist Dave Witham and Tangents soars in the vein of JEFF BUCKLEY, AS TALL AS LIONS, even RADIOHEAD. Witham’s magnificent voice rises over a spiraling sonic backdrop with dazzling control and splendor. The album’s ambitious songwriting creates the catchiest music either musician has released to date. - Rebroadcast over many industry sites

Tangents - 09.09.10
Interviewed by: Jenny Tate (09/09/10)
The following is a mini interview of generic questions that we posed to all bands that wanted to answer:

Tangents
www.tangentsmusic.com
http://anglesideside.bigcartel.com/artist/tangents
www.myspace.com/tangentsofficial
www.purevolume.com/tangents
http://twitter.com/tangentsband

1. How did you get your band name?
Derek and I both really like TANG. I mean *really* like TANG... (Yes, the orange-ish flavored astronaut drink.) Derek and I were sitting around one night, sipping from large steins of TANG and watching one of the Lord Of The Rings movies, and there were these tree dudes called ENTS. We naturally combined our love of orange-space-drink and walking tree guys and came up with the name.

2. How did this band get started?
I tricked Derek into playing with me. Reverse psychology style. I won’t go into the details, but let it be known that I’m a tricky one.

3. What bands are you influenced by?
Jeff Buckley, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Ours, Pilotdrift, Muse, Pavement, Zeppelin, The Beatles, Beck, Fiona Apple, Jellyfish, Elbow, MGMT, Cake, Yes, Sigur Ros, Smashing Pumpkins, Starsailor, TLC, 2Pac, Charlie Daniels, Jack Daniels, The Muppets, David Bowie, New Kids On The Block and Enya. That’s all of ‘em.

4. If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
We would tour with any band that could put us in front a large audience and whose fans would be receptive to us.

5. If you were a furry, what animal would you be? Why that animal?
Definitely a Stegadumpus. Those are awesome.

6. Why should people listen to your band?
We sound like Stegadumpuses playing rock music. Stegadumpuses are awesome, therefore, we are an awesome band. (See question #5 to clear up any confusion.)

7. If you were chosen to be in Guitar Hero/Rock Band, what song would you want in the game? How hard do you think it would be to five-star on expert?
If it’s one of our songs, I’d say “What The Scanners See.” That song is like 30 seconds of ambient sounds. I just think it would be really funny to see a bunch of drunk teenagers (not that TANGENTS condones that type of thing) looking really uncomfortable not sure what to do. I think to really master expert mode, you would have to transcend into the spirit realm and float around the room... but at the end of the song you would have to turn back into a physical entity.

8. If you won a Grammy, who would you thank?
I’m thinking if we win a Grammy, that means that we really, really sold out even more than we thought was ever possible. I guess I’d thank God while pointing to the sky like an athlete when they hit a home run or score a touchdown or something... because it’s something that God really wanted them (or us) to do. Right?

9. If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?
I’d probably get rid of the industry... I don’t think the word industry should ever be involved with an art form. I know that it is wishful thinking, but... if I had my way.

10. Memorable tour experience?
I haven’t left my home in 23 years.

11. What does AP.net mean to you?
Is that awesomepwn.net or alienporn.net. I always confuse the 2... which one is .com and which one is .net.

12. What is your favorite song to play?
"Why Does It Hurt When I Pee?" by Frank Zappa in front of a nursing home audience.

13. What is your vacation spot of choice?
Another planet, but I usually do Exuma in the Bahamas since the spaceflight airfare is getting really pricey these days.

14. What music reminds you of your childhood?
"Leaving On A Jetplane" (seriously) and "Barbara Ann" (by the Beach Boys.) My mom used to play those all the time.

15. If you could have any super power, what would it be? Why?
Ummm. I’d be able to conjure red turtle shells and banana peels at any time. (helpful while driving)

16. Do you feel that your band has "made it"?
Ask me in a year... or 3.

17. What is something that most fans don't know about you?
I didn’t know we had fans..

18. What's your favorite holiday?
I’m a Festivus man myself.

19. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Hang out with my dog and my wife, play music, converse, lightly party, play video games, mess around.

20. What kind of hidden talents do you have?
The talent to finish this interview within 20 minutes! - Absolutepunk.net

Score: A

Wow, who knew that digressions could be so good? In case you didn’t, Tagents is the project of Unearth’s Drummer, Derek Kerswill and his partner Dave Whitman. What might one expect from an Unearth side-project, perhaps something more brutal and crushing? This album however, is the complete opposite of Unearth. Brutality is replaced with melody and where things were once crushing they lilt. Luckily though, this stuff is just plain good.

It’s important not to view new projects through the lenses of old ones. The songs on One Little Light Year have an epic, sprawling, magical sound, like post-rock mixed with pop, but it’s so much more than that.

What’s so impressive about this release is that it’s the byproduct of just two guys. Kerswill and Whitman presumably share bass duties while Whitman sings and plays guitar over Kerswill’s catchy drumming. Whitman’s voice is amazing and reminiscent of the late Jeff Buckley, just listen to those inspirational high notes at the end of track four, “Static.” Whitman’s guitar work is also effective; from his playing, you can tell that he didn’t wish for this to simply be a guitar project. His riffs fit in all the right spots and I’m happy to report that Kerswill’s drumming is well mixed too. With a project of such a light nature it’s easy for the songs to drag but Kerswill’s playing ensures that they retain a sense of movement.

If you’re a fan of music, looking for something delightfully different from the hoards of insipid pop out there grab this, you will not be disappointed.

In A Word: Gorgeous

—by Dejon Turner, October 29, 2010 - The Aquarian Weekly

Chances are you've never heard of TANGENTS... yet.

The non-metal, melodic-pop project from UNEARTH drummer Derek Kerswill and vocalist Dave Witham (OF THE HOUR) has been getting some minor buzz lately with track debuts on sites like Noisecreep, along with news that's been leaking out for a good few months. When a copy of their debut album arrived here today, it got bumped to the top of the queue fairly quickly.

ONE LITTLE LIGHT YEAR is a surprising record that will grab the ears of listeners unfamiliar with the other works of Kerswill and Witham, and that's a good thing for the band. While turning the die-hard metal crowd onto a project more pop in nature can be a challenge, getting the non-metal audience to give a project like this a shot is often harder if they're instantly turned off by the thought of some hardcore guys gone melodic.

Early 1990's melodic pop carries a huge influence here, and to give you an idea of what I mean - think back to a lot of the artists that were slapped "alternative" and became staples of MTV's long-departed 120 MINUTES - Jeff Buckley, Mazzy Star, or the early works of Radiohead (before they started churning out shit). If you dug any of the aforementioned artists, you're going to love TANGENTS.

"Arrow in the Heart" and "Homecoming (Victory Song)" are a solid duo or songs to open the record. Witham's voice floats above it's musical backing, weaving intricately in a manner that allows both voice and instrumentation to breathe. "Fall Asleep Again" is one of my favorite tracks on the album, the rhythm between the percussion and piano at near perfection.

The influences are strong in their reveal, whether by choice or pure coincidence. A little 'Floyd on "Static" perhaps? A little Muse on "When Will it End?" There's even a hint of The Beatles on tracks like "Hyde."

For those intrigued by the prospect of what TANGENTS has to offer, preview the album in the player above and grab a digital copy now. If you prefer to wait, a physical release will take place on October 26th. - Kikaxemusic.com