the Underwater

Hailing from York, Pennsylvania, the town that spawned the multi-platinum talents of LIVE and FUEL, comes yet another unique and exquisite rock act that is surely bound for that same stardom. THE UNDERWATER began with former members of Boywunder and more recently added ZAO's Jesse Smith on drums. The new line-up has fused itself into a powerful and commanding live act, as well as written some profoundly impressive material for its debut MCD, "Bleed Me Blue". With a sound that is difficult to categorize, THE UNDERWATER are lead by the passionate, melodic delivery of vocalist, Dan Thomas, who guides them through a roller coaster ride of emotionally charged, driving rock anthems. "Bleed Me Blue" will prove to be a defining moment in this young band's career. Its release is sure to catapult them into major label spotlights, and then from that point, there is no looking back. THE UNDERWATER could be compared to Our Lady Peace, Filter and The Juliana Theory.

http://www.interpunk.com/item.cfm?Item=21029& - Interpunk.com

The Underwater
Published: February 2004
Story: Jamie Arehart
Photo: Fly Magazine photo by Donza Sloane

In the beginning of 2003, The Underwater's critically acclaimed album, Bleed Me Blue, was released, they toured most of the year and then the band disappeared for a couple months. Turns out, they were sweeping the charts throughout most of Europe.
Guitarist Brandon Deroche explains, "Europe was crazy, as far as reception, compared to here. I mean, reception's good here, but over there it's like, encores every night." Guitarist Matt Holmes adds, "It's just different over there, too, because we have a real record push over there. Like, we have a label behind it."
Whether it is reception or a record push, touring Europe is a far jump from smaller shows in York. Lead singer Dan Thomas and guitarists Deroche and Holmes are all from the small Pennsylvania town. "A lot of people ask us if we're influenced by Live," Thomas explains. "It's not a bad thing being compared to somebody that's really successful. But, it's not like they're one of our favorite bands or anything." Holmes agrees, "I don't think we sound like Live." I can tell you this much, they do not sound like Live. Fuel maybe, but not Live.
Fans and the curious can make their own decision when The Underwater returns to central Pa. for a couple of area shows before once again heading overseas.
In addition to reaquiainting themselves with their hometown fans, The Underwater are trying to figure out what avenue to take to release some more music. Deroche says, "We're planning on doing a re-release of the EP on a different label in the States, and there are a couple different labels that want to release it, so we don't know who we're going to go with yet and what the exact plans are going to be. ... We might re-record the songs ... or we might just re-mix some of it." Either way, watch out for The Underwater's single, "The World is Ours," on MTV2 within the coming months. "We're definitely doing a video," promises Holmes.
I quickly understood why "The World is Ours" was decided on for a video as I watched The Underwater open up their show. It becomes immediate that The Underwater possess something that a lot of local bands lack - a good singer. Dan Thomas demonstrates the intense control he has over his voice within the first five minutes of their show.
"The World is Ours" is maybe what one would call radio-friendly rock and roll in that the vocals are clear, it's catchy, dynamic, and by the end of the song, Thomas has at least half the crowd crooning along with him. Even though Thomas is slight, holding just his microphone and standing with his back turned to the audience, his presence demands attention. Maybe it's because he doesn't feel the need to impress anybody by throwing himself around on stage, or maybe it's because of his good, confident posture. But then again, it's probably just because Thomas has such a momentous voice. Alongside Thomas are Deroche and Holmes and bassist Aaron Hodgson, and in back is The Underwater's newest edition, Robbie Gallagher. They all laugh at Thomas as he ends their first song by saying, "We're sometimes called dickheads; other times, we're called The Underwater."
As they slowly push into their second song, the already shoeless Gallagher takes off his shirt. Although it's more than warm in the place, Gallagher has worked up a sweat within the time period of one song. But it's rightly so, since he throws his whole body into his set, pounds with the veracity of a thunderstorm and keeps rhythm like a reliable sewing machine, weaving in and out as the song moves from slow to heavy.
Just watching them play into the first half of their set, I am reminded of something Thomas explained to me earlier. Holmes and Thomas were in a previous, heavier band. He mentioned how he enjoyed being in The Underwater because they were more of a band you could just ... watch.
"Matt and I were in Boywunder. It's hardcore, and with that kind of style, the kids literally won't even watch the band. They'll just form in a big circle, a mosh pitthing." After a moment of thought, Thomas continued, "Honestly, the bands we really like are more bands you just watch. And it seems like that's the kind of band we are. We don't have a lot of breakdowns, we have some heavier songs, but we're not really a punk or hardcore band, so the kids that come out are usually just your average person coming to a concert."
However, at times it seems as though some of The Underwater's members have punk-esque attitudes, even if they are borderline pretty. Bassist Hodgson pounds his feet on the stage, as if he's ready to take off and kick someone's ass. He stands right up front, fearless, poised, like he might be refraining himself from violence. On the other hand, Deroche has a kind of mysterious attitude, sometimes appearing shy as his right foot is turned inward and other times gregarious as he rips into his guitar.
With only a few songs left, the audie - Fly Magazine February 2004

Bleed Me Blue is a dream-like album of warm and fuzzy modern rock, equally disarming in it`s sincerity and charming in it`s flawless execution. This is the Underwater`s debut release and allows fans to see where Jesse Smith has devoted his time post-Zao. Each and every song carries with it a heightened atmospheric sense, resulting in tracks that take on a life of their own, lush with disenchanted melodies and soaring musical crescendos. Dan Thomas` vaguely distressed singing doesn`t quite carry the prominent attention to detail, as his annunciation and inflection are often subdued and relaxing rather then alarmingly pronounced, yet while The Underwater lack the instant gratification much of today`s rock delivers, Bleed Me Blue is an EP determined to make it`s mark with substance as opposed to empty ballad-driven rock radio. Strongly influenced by Soundgarden (the aggressively melodic "Disaster"), The Underwater offer forth rock music that carries with it a weight unusual for such an energetic record, yet time and time again you feel the turmoil and emotion shining through the passion exuded on album opener "To Find You" and adrenaline-surging cuts as "The Capricious". Musically The Underwater are competent and rightfully skilled, as Smith`s drumming is consistent, although a bit underwhelming and restrained considering the style, and Thomas and guitarist Matt Holmes subtle guitar textures create an aura of depth hidden just below the modern rock surface. If Thomas can put more confidence behind his vocal presence, The Underwater could easily become one of rock`s brightest stars, as Bleed Me Blue contains some exceptional moments.

- LochnessPimpster

Smother Magazine
http://www.smother.net/reviews/items/modernrock/157/The_Underwater-Bleed_Me_Blue_EP.php - Smother Magazine

the underwater's 'bleed me blue' ep is like a mix between the rocky radio bravado of anberlin and the gentle driving emo rock of this afternoon. this trend is also followed vocally, singer dan thomas sounding like a rockier version of this afternoon singer darian lizotte.
this is a catchy listen with a certain degree of dramatacism throughout - as can be seen from the opening to 'the world is ours'. the songs are pretty diverse on the whole, from the infectious poppy-rock of first track 'to find you' to the more mainstream rock leanings of 'the first shot', something more along the lines of gameface. 'disaster' shows a heavier edge to the band, though it still plants itself firmly under the 'rock' category and wouldn't sound too out of place on the most recent juliana theory album.
a solid ep for those of you into straight-up rock, though it'll be interesting to see what directions this band take in the future.

matt b

killthenoise
http://www.killthenoise.net/theunderwater.htm
- killthenoise

Out of nowhere surface The Underwater from Pennsylvania and deliver with "Bleed Me Blue" nine songs of melodic emotional rock music that have enough atmosphere to set your dreams afloat...

As for name-dropping, The Underwater features former Zao drummer Jesse, musical parallels between both bands are extremely remote. The nine songs on "Bleed Me Blue" are all about melodic rock music drenched in melodic vocals and atmospherically echoing guitar sounds - this mix brings the sound of bands like The Beautiful Mistake to mind with the only difference being the fact that the Underwaters frontman Dan Thomas lacks a certain aggressive edge in his otherwise beautiful vocals. The half-acoustic title-track is a pretty cheezy love song that sounds rather insincere and mtv-ish for my liking, however, the powerful opener "To find you" or songs like "The first shot" make up for that.

A pretty impressive debut by a band that has what it takes to sell copious amounts of records through mtv and radio airplay. If it just wasn't for the few filler-tracks on here...

XSEBX.com
http://www.xsebx.com/xsebx/index.php?f=r&id=461 - XSEBX.com

The band Boywunder created quite a buzz in the Philly hardcore-scene.
They were known for their innovative original hardcore and have been
very well-respected. The members of this band went on to form the Underwater,
a fairly new band that has been appreciated even more by listeners all over the globe.
The fact that Zao’s Jesse Smith played on the recording of their cd might have helped,
but also without them they’ll rock your socks off! Melancholy and melody go hand in hand with this band.
AsIce
http://www.asice.net/bands/851/ - AsIce

Just when you thought York, PA had nothing else to offer after bringing us rock superstars Live, we get a smash EP from this rising rock act. Destined to follow in Live’s footsteps they’ve already become a local favorite but now are seeking out other areas and fans. The six song CD which is currently available on their website is riveting, fun, and jam packed with charisma and creativity. Plentiful percussion in a simplistic fashion is the back drop for some gigantic guitar work and boisterous vocals on “Losing Me”. “Where Love Should Lie” is lyrically genius and has music support so phenomenal it only adds to the attraction value. While were talking about great music, a life altering “Bring Me You” is destined to gain some serious radio airplay. Heart felt lyrics; exceptional guitar work, some booming bass lines and genuine and simplistic percussion work make this cut a hit. This band maybe underwater now, but they are about to catch fire and sweep the nation.

Review by-Geoff Dellinger

Entertainment World
http://www.entertainmentworld.us/ew1/templates/indy.aspx?articleid=6957&zoneid=61 - Entertainment World

Most of the attention will go out to Dan Thomas, the singer. If you see him you’ll directly compare him with Brian Molko. His voice also sounds a bit like Brian’s, but the music has more influences from the current emo-scene (Placebo uses influences from new wave bands). He does have a good voice, melancholic with a little tweak in it, like the singers of Lit, Green Lizard and Mad At Gravity also have.

So what does the music on this cd sound like? Well, it’s a slow, easy listening cd with at times some rock type outbursts. However, the guitars are mixed a little too much into the background so it never really gets in your face during the up tempo parts.

The music sometimes reminds me of the bands Shun and Mad At Gravity (Both RIP). Only a little bit faster, but it has that same dramatic desparate feeling.

It’s a perfect autumn cd. Imagine a soundtrack for falling leaves, a setting sun and the news you just lost your job/girlfriend/pet animal. Melancholic.

I mentioned the production before. The guitars are too soft in the mix, but overall, it’s prettty good: A polished production, so listening to the album is not the worst thing that can happen. It’s a pretty solid rock album from a band with potential. Normally I think these kind of cd’s are too easy and safe, but I don’t have that feeling with this cd. You can consider that as a compliment. Fans of new school emo and Placebo, give this cd a chance (also for the cool artwork).

By the way: The song Bleed Me Blue” is brilliant.

(Friso)

Rockezine
http://www.rockezine.net/asp/rez_areview.asp?ID=1479&review=The%20Underwater%20-%20Bleed%20Me%20B - Rockezine

Rising out of the ruins of the Pennsylvania metalcore band Boywunder, and featuring Jesse Smith, former drummer of ZAO. I expected a different sound then what the band puts out.

The best way to describe them is radio rock. these are the songs that go on the radio and you wnder where the bands came from. It really reminds me on The Juliana Theory, Filter, Fuel and Placebo.

The 5th track, The Capricious is very driving, and the band lets their hardcore backgrounds shine through a bit in it.

I suggest that anyone who likes good positive poppy rock like you would hear on the radio, to check out this album. If your into the radio rock sound, you will love the underwater. I think they are going to blow up and be huge in time.

Listen to them, and like them now, so when they get big you can stop liking them, and you can make fun of the kids who discovered them on mtv.

Not Popular Dot Com
http://www.notpopular.com/review.php?review_num=100 - Not Popular Dot Com

The Underwater
Published: December 2006
Story: Keith Wilson
Photo: Fly Magazine photo by Steve Stoltzfus

The Underwater is a band that has effectively created a mystique of sorts here in its home region. Exciting breakthroughs bubble to the surface and become the topic of intrigued or jealous conversation. People heard that this band went to Europe and opened for Nickelback in front of 10,000 people, that they disappeared to record demos with a legendary producer while Hollywood Records footed the bill, or that their manager arranged for them to hang out with Incubus backstage at Madison Square Garden. These are all things to brag about, and the band members are willing to do so when prodded. Singer Dan Thomas gladly listed all these moments and many others, but was repeatedly careful in pointing out that while being able to say that you smoked a joint with the All-American Rejects is certainly fun, it doesn’t necessarily speak to the big picture. Thomas reminded me – and himself, I am sure – that those are great memories and things to be proud of, but they are only part of the sparkle and glamour of the shape-shifting non-reality that precedes the ultimate success they are pursuing.
There is a pervasive idealism that can lead to wild delusions of grandeur among musicians. Bands have a way of collectively churning up these hopes and dreams into an imagined future which is often so disconnected from any reality – present or future – that it ultimately ends in crushing disappointment and apparent failure. These York natives have experienced and learned enough to spare them this agony. It is clear that the truth in the well-abused adage “All that glitters isn’t gold” isn’t lost on The Underwater.
As Thomas gave me an overview of The Underwater’s history, I got the impression that even in the early stages he had a mindset that looked forward pragmatically. He was able to recognize early on that a band simply must think about where it is going and how realistic it is to believe that they will get there. When Thomas and guitarist and primary writing partner Matt Holmes were in a Christian hardcore band in 2001, they realized that pursuing music in a defined niche has an impenetrable ceiling.
The band set out to pursue less definable and more uncharted waters outside the boundaries of Christian hardcore. A few years later, the result is an expansive sound; music that is big, dark, looming, aggressive – but spookily delicate at times too. Indeed, this is open-sky, no-limits music. The vocals are soaring and nearly operatic at times, but grounded by pop melodies and fairly relatable lyrics. I hear a bit of the dreamy quality of heavy-gone-pretty bands like Dredg, but with more radio ambition in the writing. Thomas attributes the broad palette and appeal to his unique voice, saying, “My voice enables us to have different kinds of music feel like it’s all from the same band.”
The Underwater now has a distinct advantage when it comes to creating its own forward momentum. The guys have toured the country – and Europe, for that matter. They have flirted with A&R folks at most of the major labels, and they have pushed independent releases to some impressive sales. The edge that all of this has given them is a fundamental and realistic understanding of what is needed to create success at different levels. They have their big picture goals and they have a clear direction of what needs to happen on a day-to-day basis to move them closer to it. They have a renewed energy and focus. Guitarist Brandon Deroche explains, “There’s definitely been a shift of focus. … Most bands either start off right away and they’ll sign an indie deal, and they’ll tour really hard, and that’s how they’ll get big … or they’ll get a major to come in right away and just hope that it’s going to take off. And we’ve kind of been in the middle of that.” For right now, the band’s focus is distilled into two main areas: its local following and its most ambitious release to date.
While other bands pine for some moment of divine major label intervention, The Underwater has been there, done that, as it were. Deroche says, “So we know what we need to do. … We’ve been a band for five years and we’ve learned a lot. … We thought years ago that we were gonna be signed, but we’re actually very – it might sound kind of weird – but we’re thankful that we haven’t gotten signed. … We’ve basically learned things the hard way, that you don’t really deserve it and you gotta work for it.”
The regional build has been successful, as The Underwater has seen its audiences increase in markets like Baltimore and NYC. The upcoming album will be the band’s first full-length and both Thomas and Deroche seem genuinely excited to see it released. They will combine new songs and their best work from the past in an album that is remixed and remastered for sonic continuity. Thomas explains, “We’re talking to different labels about putting it out. … Hopefully we’ll release it - Fly Magazine December 2006