Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Inspired and heartfelt songwriting complimented by the stratocaster signature combine with grinding rhythms to make this unique blend of alternative indie. - Maximum Ink
Southern Wisconsin's answer to Bettern Than Ezra, or possibly Weezer, the Final incorporate furious, distortion-charged power chords with angsty lyrics of suburban, adolescent disillusionment on their EP, All the Things You Think You Know. Melodic interludes are interspersed between the band's bread and butter-straightforward head-banging, crowd-bouncing romps, which showcase singer Ryan Garcia's Brandon Boyd-esque lyrical quality (though perhaps too much shouting?) While song structure and musicality show moderate promise, the FInal already has down cold one of the most important aspects for a successful punk/alt-pop group-a sincere, self-assured strut, and a jaded, world-weary, take-no-guff attitude.
-Todd Lazarski - The Shepherd Express
Discography
A Different Kind of Flying - ep - 2003
All the Things You Think, You Know - ep - 2004
Latitude - ep - 2005
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Sam Arneson, Ryan Garcia, Mark Helgestad, and Mike Madouse have been listening to music for long enough to know what kind of song makes their respective hearts pound, heads nod, and backsides shake. The purpose of their band, Jefferson, Wisconsin-based 'The Final', is to inspire this kind of response from first-time listeners and devoted fans alike - by writing the most complete, honest, and engaging songs they can muster. Here follows the story:
It was cold outside. Sam and Ryan were growing out of the old projects - Sam was drummer with Subside (Super Speedway Records), Ryan vocalist and guitarist with a southern Wisconsin cover band called the Additives. They committed themselves to writing together the finest songs they could. Finding it troublesome to solidify a lineup, the two completed and self released three eps ("A Different Kind of Flying", 2003; "All the Things You Think You Know", 2004; and "Latitude", 2005) with a revolving cast of characters. Finally, following the completion of Latitude, the two decided to "really start a band." They recruited Mark Helgestad (Abby Normal, Southern Wisconsin's premier mid-90s alternative act), who Ryan collaborated with in his pre-Final days, and bassist Mike Madouse, who worked with Ryan and Sam on the first two eps. The idea was to assemble a group with incredible chemistry and sharp musicianship, while delivering songs which are imaginary, refreshing, and infectious.
Operating as very much an independent act, the final has released the three aforementioned eps, securing opening slots for nationally recognized acts such as Better Than Ezra, Theory of a Deadman, Pepper, and Winter In Alaska. They've been lauded by regional press including the Shepard Express in Milwaukee ("sincere & self-assured..., furious, melodic, straightforward") and Maximum Ink in Madison, and have entertained in clubs in Milwaukee (the Rave, Mad Planet), Madison (High Noon Saloon, the Annex), Rockford (Kryptonite, Minglewood), and Chicago (Phyllis' Musical Inn, Pint), as well as all points in between.
With the recent completion of the new ep and even more recent assembly of the band, the final looks forward to the winter of 2005-06 by planning to spread out and tour the midwest in support of "latitude" as well as writing and recording their first full-length lp - which will unquestionably display continued progression towards more focused, dynamic, and sincere songwriting, all the while maintaining the honesty and hopefullness which have endeared them to those that have joined the ranks of "finalists" already.
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