The Action!
Syracuse, New York, United States
Music
Press
Here's my Post-Standard review of "Exploding Radio" by The Action!
Here's how to explode a radio, according to The Action!
Take two trumpet and two trombone players. Turn them loose.
Add hard rock guitar, bass and drums. Set them free.
Allow the singer to express himself.
The Syracuse band exudes energy on "Exploding Radio." Recorded at SubCat Music Studios in Skaneateles, the ensemble work of Mike Gibson on lead vocals and guitar, Chris Nolan and Brandon Hall on trumpet and vocals, Dave Piwinkski and Dan King on trombone, Adam Carkey on bass and Craig Chamberlain time and again builds to a peak of excitement.
They start with the title cut, a 38-second acoustic intro stark and full of old-time vinyl ticks and pops.
That jumps into the warm glow of "This Is Gonna Hurt," swimming with slightly mysterious horn work that'll make you want to take a look around to see if Bond, James Bond, is lurking around the corner.
The 12-original-song journey rolls from good times and reggae sweetness in "New Old Friend" to a stolid piece of denial in "I Don't Love You" to the 1940s-feel of "Louie the Lounge Singer." That last one rings of Cab Calloway's gem "Minnie the Moocher," full and flattering.
And who can't smile at an ode to a favorite pooch? In "Dooleytown," Nolan sings, "You will always be my dog." Now that's a love song with a bark.
- The Syracuse Post Standard
Discography
Exploding Radio (LP, 2008)
We All Make Mistakes (Live EP, 2007)
16 Hour EP (EP, 2003)
Waiting For Tuesday (LP, 2001, Released under the name Skatos)
Skatalogical (LP, 1999, Released under the name Skatos)
Photos
Bio
The Action! is an innovative band from Syracuse, NY whose music combines many genres, such as ska, punk, jazz, and rock. The band formed in 1998 and quickly gained a devoted following throughout the region. Formerly known as Skatos, The Action! has released 3 full length albums, two EPs, and been included on a number of compilations including the internationally released Still Standing (Jump/Megalith) compilation. They have been the recipients of two Syracuse Area Music Awards; Best Band (2008) and Best Alternative Album, Exploding Radio (2009).
The Action! includes: Mike Gibson (lead vocals/guitar), Chris Nolan (trumpet/vocals), Craig Chamberlain (drums), Adam Carkey (bass), Brandon Hall (trumpet/vocals), Dan King (trombone), and Dave Piwinski (bass trombone). Each member brings extensive musical knowledge and ability to the band. Together, they produce a fantastic sound, a high energy level, and a contagious excitement during any performance.
After taking a well deserved break for a few years after college, the members of The Action! reformed in the summer of 2006 to host a benefit concert for their band-mate Brandon Hall, who had been diagnosed with leukemia. The concert was a huge success for both Brandon and the band and spawned a full blown reunion. Now, with Brandon back on his feet, The Action! works with a renewed focus and a creative drive that continually produces outstanding musical results.
The Action! has shared the stage with Gym Class Heroes, Reel Big Fish, The Toasters, The Pietasters, Jimmies Chicken Shack, The Planet Smashers, and The Sheila Devine, among countless other talents. On stage, the band delivers a tight, adrenaline-fueled performance that has remained unparalleled by their musical peers.
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