The Avantist

Smart and charming and funny, the Avantist is a band slowly and deservedly on the rise. Its work ethic and time together are testaments to the strength of the group's talents and clear sense of vision. And although any number of bands can claim similar attributes, few (if any) can throw out this simple fact: All four Avantist members are brothers.

Fernando, Erick, David and Luis Arias grew up in a musical home. Their father had a rich life in the industry working as a mariachi performer and later as a DJ for Spanish-language radio stations in the Chicagoland area. The brothers credit his strong interests as a leading source of inspiration for the music they continue to make today. "He hasn't stopped singing," Fernando said. "He puts me to shame every time he sings."

One of the most influential bands, Cafe Tacuba, became a source of entertainment for the four when their father brought home CDs and videos of the group's performances. And although their tastes expanded as they got older (they cite everything from System of a Down to Mars Volta as influences), they still turn to their father for advice and guidance in their music careers. "I know he's proud of us," Fernando said.

The Avantist is on the brink of a breakthrough, hard at work completing its debut album, "Terasoma," which the band hopes to release in early 2016. "Terasoma" is the culmination of years of refinement and dedication. The four formed the Avantist more than seven years ago when Luis, the youngest, was only 13 years old. Since these early days, the four have settled on a unique, nostalgic and precise sound fueled by a strong sense of voice and heart.

"Truth in Light," the first single from "Terasoma," is a lovely and tight ditty that connects to the record's larger themes such as love and relationships. Other topics include family, religion and politics. For the latter, the group cites "Conquer," the album opener, as the most political track on the record. Co-written by Fernando, Frankiem Mitchell and L.A. Van Gogh, the track was hammered out in a day and addresses ideas of confusion and how the brothers strive to say things they want to say. Emotionally propulsive, "Conquer" underlines the idea that humans have the right to be heard and must band together to not be conquered.

Coming full circle from the quartet's childhood influences, "Terasoma" also will feature saxophone work from Adrián Terrazas-Gonzalez, who has worked with the Mars Volta. In the works since July 2014, the album has been recorded in bits and pieces in places from a recording studio to the band's parents' basement.

"There's no wrong answers with us because ultimately we're so locked into each other that someone's going to do something right," Fernando says about the four working together. As brothers, they have the advantage of knowing and working with each other for their whole lives. "This is it for us," Fernando said.

Erick agreed. Growing up together, they had to learn how to respect and listen to each other, making a familial relationship not unlike a work partnership or friendship. It takes effort, patience and a consistent regard for other people. As a band, this idea has a deeper effect. The stakes are, in some sense, higher than they would be in any other band. "If we fail, we're all failing together so we have to get out of it together," Erick said. - Chicago Tribune

The Avantist’s self-titled LP is a wonderfully furious journey through one hell of a relationship (either with another person or with oneself). The 12 tracks, from “classics” like the surf-rocker “Tidalwave” and glossy, indie-tinged “Truth in Light” to stunning, soaring choruses on new compositions “Deep Red Love” and “Medi-Demi” show how the Arias brothers bit down on their ambition and didn’t let go... - Local Loop Chicago

Avantist has always been a family affair. From growing up together, to getting into trouble, to starting a rock band, the Arias brothers have stuck together through thick and thin, so it is no surprise that these close knit ties are reflected in their music. Their latest offering is a self-titled album that mixes elements of prog and garage rock, and sounds at once wild and fun. The band sat down with Jill Hopkins to talk about the new music, their unique band duynamics, and how they got to collaborate with The Mars Volta's Adrián Terrazas-González. - Vocalo

For this week’s playlist, we’re mixing it up. Since the four brother act The Avantist is physically releasing their full-length debut album tonight at Township—a record that even features the Mars Volta’s Adrian Terrazas-Gonzalez on saxophone—they’re here to recount they’ve been listening to lately. Make sure to follow us on Spotify for more. - Third Coast Review