The Avatars
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The Avatars

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This band has not uploaded any videos

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"I.E.: The Avatars"

"Judging by the modern digital references of the name, band logo, and cover art, one might expect some futuristic-sounding, digital, cut-up sound collages or some big-beat techno workouts. Instead, The Avatars deliver some devilishly playful pop punk. Snarling guitars and snotty attitude drive “Only One” and “Burn You,” but it’s not all blazing speed and spit. In a dazzling twist, “Oh Denise,” with its soaring, multi-tracked vocals and upbeat glam presence, recalls the sexy swagger of T. Rex and Queen."

-Patrick Conlan - Illinois Entertainer


"Demo2Dero: The Avatars"

"It seems as if the power-pop torch will never be extinguished in these parts, and that's a good thing, at least when bands like the Avatars can make that familiar Big Star/Cheap Trick/Material Issue/Matthew Sweet formula of huge guitars, massive choruses and thundering drums sound as fresh and vital as it does on songs like "Oh Denise" and "Clockwork," a cautionary (or is that celebratory?) tale of "another Midwest love affair," just two of the gems that can be sampled playing on the band's MySpace page (www.myspace.com/theavatarsus).

Initially formed as the Omega Battalion, the Avatars -- guitarists-vocalists Ian Zander and Mark Gustafson, bassist-vocalist Scott Ford and drummer Dustin Copeland -- have been working hard on the edges of the Chicago scene for at least three years, driving in from their home base in Rockford. Rockford, Zander -- yes, there's a Cheap Trick connection (Ian is Robin's eldest son), but the quartet gets no points for that nepotistic connection in this corner: They've earned the accolades for themselves with their recently released self-titled debut album, and they more than deserve their slot opening for Cheap Trick at the Vic Theatre on Dec. 10, WXRT-FM (93.1)'s Holiday Concert for the Kids."


Jim DeRogatis

- Chicago Sun Times


Discography

The Avatars (self titled) 04-18-08

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Bio

The Avatars are a band with extensive experience in the studio and on the stage. They bring professionalism to everything they do. They recently finished a self titled album recorded in Rockford, Illinois and mixed at Tim Patalan’s The Loft in Michigan with producer Bill Kozy (Cheap Trick, Lit, Speedball). Based in the Midwest, The Avatars are in the process of expanding to new markets. They have shared the stage with such acts as Local H, Ozma (About A Girl Records/ Reincarnate Music), The Pimps (Honkey Kong Records), and Kid Gib (Subciety Fontana North/Universal Music Canada) and Cheap Trick (Cheap Trick/ Sony Classic)! The Avatars are right at home plying large venues and festivals as they have played The Vic (Chicago), The Ven U (Joliet), Milwaukee's Summerfest, Peoria's Riverfest, and Little River Casino in Michigan. They were featured on both Indie Eye (www.indierelease.com) podcast, Walk to Run Records podcast (www.walktorunrecords.com), and the Chicago area's Fat Recording contest. Their (self-produced) "Clockwork" was awarded Best Production in Indie Rock, week of 1 Aug 2005 and Best Beat in Indie Rock, week of 1 Aug 2005 on GarageBand.com. This hard working band shows no signs of stopping. The Avatars are creative, adaptable, experienced, and professional.