The A.K.A.s
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The A.K.A.s

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Band Alternative Punk

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"Everybody Make Some Noise - Punknews.org"

The A.K.A.s are a band that is impossible to describe through comparison to other bands, because they do something that in theory has been done before, but have put such an original stamp on it that it can appeal to fans of many other genres. Their own genre is garage rock / punk rock 'n' roll, but they sound so different from their contemporaries that it would be hard to even associate them with any other band. So I can't really give you a neat list of bands and tell you that if you like these bands, you would like the A.K.A.s.

Originally the project of former Brother's Keeper vocalist Mike Ski, the band was formed with the intention of combining Refused with the MC5, which was much more obvious on their last record, with the hardcore-influenced songs "Spectacle City" and "Shout Out Loud." On their latest offering, the band moves toward a more traditional punk-influenced rock 'n' roll sound ,which they execute nearly as masterfully as their faster debut.

On Everybody Make Some Noise!, the A.K.A.s, for the most part, don't try anything ground-breaking, but I think that's fine considering that this is only their second record, and they have already found a pretty good niche as being punk enough to appeal to fans of Strike Anywhere and the Unseen (as they've toured with both to positive reaction), and catchy enough to bring something for people who don't even like punk, a very difficult task in a limiting genre.

One of the defining features of the A.K.A.s would be their heavy use of a keyboard. Its presence actually works for the band because it adds a lot to their sound but not enough to dominate the music, so the A.K.A.s still have a guitar-driven sound with a new layer of melody. This has unfortunately eluded many other bands, who have let the keyboard drown out any organic sound. One of the better parts of this album is that the guitar parts are, on a whole, very natural sounding and free from overwhelming distortion, which means they actually sound like...guitars. This aspect kind of reminds me of Smoke or Fire, and would probably appeal to fans of said band.

Vocalist Mike Ski sings and snarls his way through the album in a manner even Iggy himself couldn't replicate, and delivers some great relevant lyrics on "Everything Is a Commercial" and the keyboard-centered "Paranoia Is a Skill." As far as standout tracks go, the three that stand out most to me are the aforementioned "Paranoia Is a Skill," "In Case I Die Tonight" and "Dead Flowers Forever."

An interesting side note is the three guest appearances on this album, from JT Woodruff of Hawthorne Heights, Chris #2 of Anti-Flag and the legendary Jello Biafra on the tracks "Dead Flowers Forever," "We Write Our Own Anthems" and the spoken word intro to "Everything Is a Commercial," respectively. It speaks of the band's cross-genre appeal that this band could have artists from such different projects appear on an album, although they sound nothing like any of the other bands.

All in all, I think this is definitely an album to check out, no matter what you listen to. This is without a doubt is one of my favorite albums of the year, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an energetic and fun band in an age where From First to Last can break the Top 40. Also, their live show is pretty great, so don't turn down an opportunity to see them. - punknews.org


Discography

Everybody Make Some Noise (Metropolis Records - 2008)
White Doves and Smoking Guns (Fueled By Ramen - 2003)

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Bio

With The A.K.A.s’ debut full-length White Doves & Smoking Guns, the band boldly emblazoned their name with the loaded moniker: The A.K.A.s (Are Everywhere!)… and they were true to their word. Armed with an unyielding work ethic and drive to make their mark and message heard, 400 shows and countless creative campaigns later, hard-earned fans and foes alike are proclaiming, “The A.K.A.s really are Everywhere!"

In a rapidly evolving music world over-saturated with clichés and clones, The A.K.A.s stand in the wake with their clever concoction of danceable, rabble-rousing punk rock n’ roll best described as "dancehall fight music." With an undeniable credibility and relevance forged over years of involvement in the emerging Underground and DIY communities, The A.K.A.s—frontman Mike Ski, guitarist Chris Bazan, keyboard player Josie Outlaw, bassist Justin Perry and drummer Chachi Darin—have converged to realize a delightful recipe for dichotomy.

Combining raucous guitars, compulsive rhythms, ominous organs and manic vocal diatribes, The A.K.A.s musical delivery is smartly served in a sophisticated package of defiance, self-empowerment, and social change. Covertly tucked in catchy choruses and consonant hooks, the band's message is as coherent and authentic as it is vital. Characterized by relentless support of organizations and issues including young voter awareness, animal and human rights, and the environment, The A.K.A.s walk a walk that speaks for itself. A dedication and sincerity in both music and message that is both inclusive and poignant.

Deriving inspiration from artists, authors, and activists, The A.K.A.s pack an aural and visual aesthetic that is indicative of a true anomaly. Style and passion go hand in hand with the radical and incendiary gang of black denim clad idealists who design, print, and hand-construct their merchandise and stage garb. Following months of plots and schemes, including the "Everybody Make Some Noise!" Protest Art Show series, the band entered the studio with uncanny producer Alex Newport (At the Drive In, The Mars Volta) in Brooklyn, New York. The band brought their well-oiled and tested brand of quirks together with a constantly evolving point of view and tightly laced musical restlessness that is synonymous with timeless songs and classic albums.

Drawing from their eclectic punk and rock roots, the band’s music hints to the attitude of pioneers The Clash, the unpredictability of The Dead Kennedy's, and the sexy swagger of garage rock heroes The Who and The MC5. With the danceability of stylish surf rockers The B-52's, The A.K.A.s’ keyboard-drenched riff-rock is a modern—and irony-free—mesh of ’60's rock and ’80's punk.

Impassioned by their own aptly named art show series, The A.K.A.s are excited to announce “EVERYBODY MAKE SOME NOISE!”… the sophomore album to be released March 19th, 2008 with Metropolis Records (Mindless Self-Indulgence, The Epoxies, Electric Six). Darkly endearing with smirky quips, The A.K.A.s have perfected the art of contrast with a collection of twelve daringly confident tracks designed to create a fearless uproar from city streets to suburban strip-malls with equal indifference. Epitomized by guest appearances from JT Woodruff of Hawthorne Heights, Chris # 2 of Anti-Flag, and Jello Biafra of The Dead Kennedy’s, the fivesome walk a bold line of individuality with no apologies.

Expect a barrage of international touring, of which the band's reputation precedes them. Raw, energetic, and anthemic, The A.K.A.s live show is unstoppable as displayed sharing stages on sold out club tours with Bush-Bashers Anti-Flag and sideshow sound trackers Mindless Self-Indulgence, to owning the floor of low brow Brooklyn Art Gallery Openings.

Timely, pertinent, and urgent in a desperate musical and social climate, The A.K.A.s persist as a heartfelt protagonist of youthful fervor and unrest. The alternative to today's alternative music, watered-down and riddled with corporate marketing schemes and product placement, prepare yourself to fight, fuck, dance and destroy with The A.K.A.s.