The Suicycles

by Gavin Sheehan
POSTED // 2011-05-06 -
Delving into May we've got three local releases with shows for each, including one very special show being set up as a fundraiser. That show is tonight over at Bar Deluxe where we'll see the latest from The Suicycles. I know what you're thinking... “Wait, didn't they come out with one three months ago?” Yep. And now they've got a second one. Why they didn't combined the two into one full-length... that's the mystery. Word leaked out from members earlier in the week, with Experiments In Being Awake officially becoming available Tuesday morning on their Bandcamp website as a “pay what you wish” release. A damn fine follow-up to the last EP, and if anything, a companion piece with both dark melodies and jolting lyrics. Not to mention another brilliant piece of cover art from Sri Whipple. You can grab a physical copy tonight at their “A Wish To Walk Benefit” show. A little detail on this, lead singer Camden Chamberlain's youngest daughter Elodie has had spinal problems since birth and has not been able to walk. The family found a program by the name of Now I Can, helping her with therapy and exercises to gain the ability to stand on her own two feet. However, the program is not cheap, and in order to help with the costs the group are throwing this fundraiser with all proceeds going toward helping Elodie. Playing in support for this show will be Muscle Hawk, Long Distance Operator and The Plastic Furs. Head over, but a ticket, buy a CD, and help out a good cause. $5 starting at 9PM
If you're down in Provo and unable to make it to this show, there's a two-night event in your area as Allred releases their brand new EP. The last time we heard from John Allred (pictured above) and company was back in October last year with the release of All We Are. For this brand new release John went up north to Portland, recording a series of acoustic tracks with Stephen & Andrew Brittell from the group Brightwood. Allred quickly commented on the album that it's “A concept record based on personal experiences. It's the most personal thing I've ever done...so much I almost didn't release it.” The six track EP titled Come Back is truly that, personal. These tracks seem to flow and echo with emotion at a level that some people dare not tap into, pure honesty. Definitely worth a buy for you acoustic lovers. You can catch Allred as a full band as they take over Velour two nights in a row, tonight and Saturday, and by themselves throwing a musical extravaganza. $8 starting at 8PM both nights.
Speaking of Saturday, the last release of the week comes from a band we briefly mentioned already. Indie rockers Long Distance Operator finally release their first full-length album after nearly two years of anticipation. The last official release from the group came in June of '09 in the form of a self-titled EP. It showed a lot of promise and for a short period was considered a measuring stick for what local rock should be, but became quickly forgotten when the band dropped off the radar and only did a handful of live shows to finish out that year. The group came roaring back late last year making their presence known as a fine live act playing from St. George to Logan, and to cap off that resurgence they're putting out their sophomore recording, Sweet Lucy Devine. The album itself is pretty damn powerful, not to much into the heavy rock, not too much into the indie, just the right balance of pure rock without taking themselves too seriously. Some may not entirely like it as it does go toward a anthem-pop mentality at times, but its worth at least checking out. You can check out a more in-depth write up about the group by Julianna Clay in this article from last week's issue, and you can catch the group at their release show tomorrow night up at The Canyons Inn along with King Niko and The Bloop. We don't have a ticket price, but the show kicks off at 9PM.
Head out, love music, buy local! - Salt Lake City Weekly

by Gavin Sheehan
POSTED // 2011-02-25 -
As we close out the month of February we have three new local releases from five-piece acts to check out with shows happening this weekend. First up is an EP from the brand new group Luminaire. There's a bit of sour news to report with this band, The Continentals seem to have broken up (or at least gone into hiatus from performing), so out of that decision keyboardist William Alleman started up this brand new ensemble to continue making music. Shades of his prior band shine through, but on a more astral level than the soft-rock counterpart. You can currently download their new EP 2010 off their Bandcamp page for just $2, or you can check them out live for hard copies tonight. They'll be playing The Trevortex in Draper (994 New Hope Drive) along with another Continentals spin-off called Body Glow, and they're opening the floor to any other performers who wish to join them. And as a bonus... free hot chocolate and cookies! Show starts at 7PM, no word on door charge, take $5 just in case.

Next up on the list was a last minute addition from The Suicycles! Those of you who have been keeping track know that Camden Chamberlain officially declared during the CWMAs that Cavedoll is no more, which means aside from maybe a final performance to put it in the grave, there will be no further reincarnations of the group. In the wake of that decision was born The Suicycles, who have become a multi-entertaining project with their own music, videos, radio show and more. But primarily its an electronica rock band, though I'm sure Camden will argue with me over that description. Literally voting on it this week the band decided to publish a five-track EP with promise of a full-length in the works, and thus the release 4 Psychotic Car Rides. If this album (with stunning artwork from Sri Whipple) is any indication of what's on the way, its pretty safe to say the coming album could be the breakout title of 2011. Only time will tell. For now you can go check them out live tonight down in Provo at ABG's, playing along side Broken Spells and King Niko.

And while we're in Provo, tomorrow night will see another EP release, this one from Ferocious Oaks. Defining themselves as a “street folk” band, the group (seen above) have been frequent performers around Utah County, but haven't really come into their own yet. Which is kind of a shame, not just for the fact that they write some really pretty songs, but for the fact that they're the only band bold enough to take a harp on stage. And I don't mean a mouth-harp, I mean an actual harp! For the past few months they've been laboring on their first EP titled Polyamory, slowly waiting for Gary Sevison to put his final touch on it. From what little I've been able to hear, its definitely worth buying a copy to at least check out their sound. You can catch their release show at Velour tomorrow along with Emily Brown, Boots To The Moon and Mudbison. Just $5 starting at 8PM.
Head out, love music, buy local. - Salt Lake City Weekly

By Gavin Sheehan
POSTED // JUNE 14,2011 -
For many local musicians, releasing a single EP would be viewed as a huge accomplishment.

Not so for The Suicycles. Beyond their two EP releases earlier this year, the group made a video to an unreleased song, started a radio show and have a full-length album, Sex, Drugs and Death, out June 17.

The Suicycles were created in 2010 when frontman Camden Chamberlain and drummer Van Christensen shifted their attention to new music not meant for their main project, Cavedoll, and created a two-piece band with other instrumentation coming off a laptop. It was a questionable move, since Cavedoll had recently been revitalized and released a new album.

They recruited Robert Roake on guitar, Chris Cole on bass and Kellie Penman on keyboard to complete the initial Suicycles, which gradually made it easier for Cavedoll to fade away.

“They both co-existed for a time, but eventually it became clear that The Suicycles had become my focus,” says Chamberlain. “Cavedoll had lived a good life, so the time felt right.”

The Suicycles hit the studio in late 2010, writing more than 30 songs while bringing in each new member to add to the recordings and, eventually, move into the Suicycles house/home studio.

During this time, both Chamberlain and Roake had become inspired by Teresa Flowers’ program on UtahFM.org and decided to launch their own show on the Internet radio station. Waiting for the Rapture With the Suicycles gave the duo a chance to promote their latest works while bringing in guests and conversing about whatever topics they saw fit.

Roake said the show’s “been going very well. We have had some great guests and been able to promote some cool new local music. After several months, we can almost work the CD player at the station, so that is going to be great soon, too.”

Since the start of 2011, the band has been “blitz-attacking” the music scene, first with random tracks leaked in January, then with the EP 4 Psychotic Car Rides in February, the video for “SL,UT” released in March, several concert appearances in April and then their second EP, Experiments in Being Awake, in May. Now, the group looks to cap off their musical exploits with the release of the full-length album Sex, Drugs and Death.

The album sounds nothing like Cavedoll and barely resembles what’s been released so far by The Suicycles, showcasing every member’s unique talents in the dirtiest electronica-rock they could muster. It’s as if they are saying to the listener, “You’ll hate us in public, but love us in private.” The album probably will be a secret favorite of many.

- Salt Lake City Weekly

by Gavin Sheehan
POSTED // 2011-06-06 -
Pride came, it conquered downtown, it kicked all our asses. Probably one of the hottest and highest attended in years, the festival and subsequent parade received rave reviews over the weekend on TV and print, some predicting that it may overtake the Days Of '47 parade set for next month. (For those of us who've had to suffer through that parade and didn't want to, that's fantastic news!) For those of you who couldn't attend, you can check out the second day's worth of pictures, nearly 500 total (including the parade and Craft Sabbath next door) in this gallery here.

This year the festival brought back local performers (after last year's nonstop DJ fest), finally bringing live music to the stages. Which, if I may be so blunt, was severely needed. No offense intended to the LGBT community, but overplaying gay anthems is so 2009. “I Will Survive,” “Its Raining Men,” “Believe,” and “Bad Romance” are fine songs... but not in 15-minute reruns off your iPod. Could you possibly make a 90-minute mix with a broader library next year? Anyway, this year we chat with solo performer Andy Livingston and loud rockers The Suicycles!

Andy Livingston
Gavin: Hey, Andy! First off, tell us a little about yourself.

Andy: Hi, Gavin, thanks for chatting with me. My name is Andy Livingston. I have been technically playing music since I was a kid, but only started writing music in my junior year of high school when I took up doing instrumental numbers and orchestral pieces. It’s been about four or five years that I’ve been writing singer/songwriter lyrical songs and performing them. What else? I cook amazing lasagna; you will most likely find me at the gym or in front of my piano; and I’ve lived in Utah for about eight years, but am originally from Missouri.

Gavin: What got you interested in music, and who were some of your favorite acts and musical influences growing up?

Andy: I took piano lessons as a kid – I think I started in the third grade – but it wasn’t until years later when I discovered Tori Amos that things clicked and I learned what music could do. Dead composers are great, but this woman did things with that piano… It was then I began to realize how powerful music is in its ability to communicate the ineffable. Those things you aren’t supposed to say, or think, or believe, but you do. I realize now that a lot of that oppression was self-imposed and more perceived than real. But still, I think that growing up when you’re told – albeit implicitly by others’ actions or by your own self-doubt – that you are broken and messed up, you need to find another way to communicate in order to survive. Music became that for me, and still is. It’s my escape hatch when things get gross. Other musical influences include Pink Floyd, Queen, Billy Joel, Elton John, Elliott Smith, and Enya.
Gavin: I read that you were in a couple of bands prior to your solo career. What was your time like with those groups?

Andy: I really enjoyed the time I had with them. The music wasn’t necessarily my style, but it was good to know that there was that support every time we went on stage. I had played in front of audiences before, but not in the same context, so, looking back, it also helped to shape my stage performance and taught me a lot about what it meant to be a “local musician.” And, if we’re being honest, one of the best things about having a band was having someone help me haul my keyboards and gear around. That stuff gets heavy.

Gavin: What persuaded you to start performing as a solo artist as opposed to forming a band?

Andy: I love playing with a band, and am still more than open to the idea of playing with one. The new songs really lend themselves to a full band. Honestly, though, it’s just hard to get a group that really flows well together. At first, I tried to get some people to play with me, but it always ended up fizzling out before it even started. So, it really was just easier to say, “I’ll do the boy and a piano thing.”
Gavin: Being a solo act, do you prefer more intimate shows or larger crowds, and why?

Andy: I love love love intimate shows where everyone is there for the music and is really taking part in the performance. It’s so gratifying when you can actually hear the audience listening.

Gavin: You released your first album Waltz back in 2007. What was it like for you putting that album together, and were there any difficulties along the way?

Andy: Waltz marked my first foray into solo-musicianship and was an interesting experience. I learned a lot from it, and mainly it was the “what not to do” variety of learning. At the time it was exciting, but in retrospect I rushed it, and should have paid more attention to detail. My last album and the upcoming releases have a lot more focus; there is a central story in those pieces that Waltz lacks. It could have been better. I still believe those songs have merit, and would like to re-record it someday. Maybe whe - Salt Lake City Weekly

The members of The Suicycles are no strangers to the local music scene, especially frontman Cambden Chamberlain, formerly of Cavedoll. After realizing quite a bit of success, Chamberlain decided that it was time to close the book on Cavedoll and begin a new musical chapter with The Suicycles. Formed nearly a year ago, The Suicycles have already seen some local success. They host their own show every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. on UtahFM and when they aren’t interviewing other musicians and creating their own music within the confines of their home at Kitefish Studios, they are producing their own YouTube reality shows. We talked to creator/frontman Cambden Chamberlain to find out what inspired The Suicycles and where they hope to go next.

What inspired the formation of The Suicycles?
I started The Suicycles in part to try and reinvigorate my experimental side which I felt had gotten lost over the years with Cavedoll. I was feeling like I had gotten somewhat stuck in a songwriting rut with Cavedoll and wasn’t pushing my boundaries anymore. [Suicycles] was originally a two-piece consisting of just me and Van. I was playing bass and singing and he was drumming. I wrote all the other musical layers and they were played off a laptop. My roommate, Black Rob, was the next member to join. We played about two shows as a two-piece before he joined around the end of October 2010. Our other roommates, Chris and Kellie, joined the band in December on bass and keys respectively. With this full lineup, I was now able to be a frontman only. I do however, sometimes play acoustic guitar when the song calls for it.

How did you come up with the band name?
The band name is a mixture of three words: Suicide, Psychological and Chemical. During the summer of 2010, I took two road trips. On both of these trips I decided to do the drives straight through without stopping (and I was the only one driving). They were about 18- to 20-hour drives. To do this I took a lot of Adderall, drank a lot of energy drinks and ate next to nothing. Each of these drives took me very close to a complete psychological meltdown. Eight or so hours into each drive, I started to feel extremely suicidal, not because there was anything going on in my life that was depressing me, but simply because my mind was so chemically depressed and imbalanced that I just wanted it all to end.

What sets Suicycles apart from other bands in Utah?
As far as we know, we are the only band in Utah that branches out into as many different forms of media as we do.

How would you describe the local music scene?
AWESOME. We love it here. There are so many great bands, venues, radio shows willing to play local music, and overall, people/fans are quite supportive of the scene. Also, there are so many talented artists, photographers, and videographers willing to help out and support bands, knowing full well that musicians are poor folks. We could go on and on about the great bands and great people, but the list would get ridiculous.

How would you describe the music of The Suicycles?
This is tough for us as we cover a lot of genres. The quickest classification would probably be eclectic indie rock. We cover everything from post-hardcore to alt-country to dance rock. It’s ALWAYS high energy, though. The best thing you can do is come to a show and find out!
What about your music makes it worth checking out?
We put on high-energy shows with a pretty large stage presence. Also, it’s a pretty unique mix of people with very different backgrounds, that somehow come together cohesively.

Do you have any albums out?
So far, we have released one five-song EP, entitled “4 Psychotic Car Rides.” We have about 25 more songs recorded, but we are deciding which ones to release and how to release them and also giving ourselves some time to incubate and further develop our sound as a full band.

What opportunities have The Suicycles had?
We’ve had the opportunities to play a lot of great shows, but a few that stand out are opening for Fuel at The Canyons resort, “5 Days New Experiment” at Urban Lounge, opening for She Wants Revenge at Bar Deluxe, March 22, not to mention the favorable press reviews, and support we’ve received from local artists such as Teresa Flowers, Sri Whipple, Rusty Sessions and Heidi Gress.

How would you describe a Suicycles show?
At times raunchy, always high energy, dance-able and sometimes a complete spectacle.

What do you see for the future of The Suicycles?
We are no fortune tellers, but at the least we will be having a great time playing together, releasing a lot more music, making more music videos, sitcoms and basically just taking it as far as we possibly can.

You Should Go: The Suicycles
The band includes Camden “Camdy” Chamberlain (vocals, acoustic guitar, production), Black Rob (guitar), Van “The Vanimal” Christensen (drums, backing vocals), Chris “Creedo” Cole (bass) and Kellie “Kellazor Von Gorelust” Penman (keys and vocals)
Live - In Utah This Week

by Tom Bennett [sweetsaltrecords@gmail.com]

The Suicycles are the dance rock outlet for Camden Chamberlain and his commune of deviants. A set from the band has the feeling of a cult experience. You are very likely to see a large group of very wild and attractive people at their shows engaged in various acts of debauchary. I once walked into the last song of a Suicycles show to find numerous female fans on the stage engaged in a heavy make-out session, a strange young man flashing his penis to the crowd while Chamberlain attempted a back flip off the stage. Consisting of Vanimal on drums, Kelazor von gorelust on vocals and keys, Camden Chamberlain on vocals, Black Rob on guitar and Creedo on bass, the band is a diverse group of musicians. Their sound is a mix of the indie electro pandemonium of bands such as Does It Offend You, Yeah? and the powerful rock of Queens Of The Stone Age, though many other elements seep through in a typical set.

On Saturday night, The Suicycles were in top form at their favorite venue, Bar Deluxe. Despite their rowdy reputation, I was pleased to find the band smoothly sailing through one of the best sets I have seen from a local band (and lately I have seen many great local sets). The band’s intention was to perform a long set of songs from their debut EP, 4 Psychotic Car Rides, as well as many tracks they have been sorting out for a future release. Though all of the set was extremely polished, the highlight for me was the guitar work of Sir Black Rob of Stroke. Roake effortlessly tore through short, yet complex guitar solos while he stomped wildly on a pedal that shifted the pitch of his guitar in the most drastic of tones.The vocals were clear and I could easily discern the drug-fueled episodes of loss that Chamberlain joyfully sang of.

As the set progressed, we were all taking note of the ever-increasing snow storm outside and then out of nowhere,we were all plunged into a dark silence as the power failed. For a moment, we didn’t know what would become of the night, however, Chamberlain grabbed an acoustic guitar as cell phone light began to shine.The audience beat on the stage to keep the beat and sang along, (yours truly was even invited to play some harmonica). The show went on for another half an hour and raised the spirits of all in attendance as we left to face the storm. The Suicycles showed us all that they were there for the music and for their fans, and I respect them for it. For some prime examples of the Suicycles sound, check them out at
www.facebook.com/TheSuicycles
and give a listen to my two favorites, “Vacation From The Sun.” and “Speaking In Tounges.” - Slug Magazine

BY AUTUMN THATCHER
The Salt Lake Tribune

First published Apr 04 2011 01:01AM
Updated Apr 16, 2011 12:01AM
After finding some success with the band Cavedoll, Cambden Chamberlain decided it was time to begin a new musical adventure.

About a year ago he formed the eclectic indie-rock band The Suicycles.

Besides Chamberlain (vocals, acoustic guitar, production), the group also includes Black Rob (guitar), Van Christensen (drums, backing vocals), Chris Cole (bass) and Kellie Penman (keys and vocals).

The group has released a five-song EP, opened for several touring bands and hosts a show every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. on UtahFM.

When not interviewing other musicians, the members are creating their own music and producing YouTube reality shows. We talked to Chamberlain recently to find out more about the local group.

How did the band begin?

I started The Suicycles in part to try and reinvigorate my experimental side, which I felt had gotten lost over the years with Cavedoll. I had gotten stuck in a songwriting rut and wasn’t pushing my boundaries.

Suicycles was originally a two-piece band of just me and Van. I was playing bass and singing and he was drumming. I wrote all the other musical layers and they were played off a laptop.

My roommate, Black Rob, joined in October 2010. Our other roommates, Chris and Kellie, joined in December on bass and keys respectively.

Explain how the band name came to be.

It is a mixture of three words: suicide, psychological and chemical.

During the summer of 2010, I took two road trips. On both of these trips I decided to do these 18- to 20-hour drives straight through without stopping and I was the only one driving.

I took a lot of Adderall, drank a lot of energy drinks and ate next to nothing. Each of these drives took me very close to a complete psychological meltdown.

Eight or so hours into each drive, I started to feel extremely suicidal, not because there was anything going on in my life that was depressing me, but simply because my mind was so chemically depressed and imbalanced that I just wanted it all to end.

Describe your music.

The quickest classification would be eclectic indie-rock. But we cover everything from post-hardcore to alt-country to dance rock.

Describe a show.

At times raunchy, always high energy, danceable and sometimes a complete spectacle.

Do you have any albums?

We have released one five-song EP, titled “4 Psychotic Car Rides.” We have about 25 more songs recorded, but we are deciding which ones to release and how to release them and also giving ourselves some time to incubate and further develop our sound as a full band.

Where has the band performed?

We opened for Fuel at Canyons Resort, 5 Days New Experiment at Urban Lounge and She Wants Revenge at Bar Deluxe.

features@sltrib.com - The Salt Lake Tribune