Ultra High Frequency
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Ultra High Frequency

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"NOW HEAR THIS - "Your Guide To Unsigned Bands""

The buzz surrounding Ultra High Frequency is getting loud. Interscope act Brand New recently hand-picked the New York-based rock band to fill the opening slot on several of its U.S. tour dates. To coincide with the June trek, Ultra High Frequency (not to be confused with Portland, Ore.-based UHF) released its second album, "Matter in Time," which was produced by Barrett Jones (Foo Fighters, Nirvana).

While in Norfolk, Va., the band put several albums on consignment at indie retailer Relative Theory Records, which immediately sold out after the Brand New gig. "We have sold out of their disc twice now," store manager Joshua Wright says.

The band has been featured on nationally syndicated TV show "Fearless Music," and snippets of the act's songs have been used on several MTV shows, including "The Real World" and "Next." All this exposure has led to some interest from major and indie labels, but the band hasn't found the right fit yet.

"I'm not gonna put on a suit and makeup," lead singer Frank Fussa says. "Fuck that. It's about the music."
Contact: Wes Hodson, 212.210.0066
-Katy Kroll - Billboard Magazine


"For L.I. Rockers, Emo Is So Yesterday"

By TAMMY LA GORCE
Published: October 1, 2006
TAKING BACK SUNDAY, of Amityville, has sold nearly two million records. Head Automatica, fronted by Daryl Palumbo of Bellmore, is on the cover of the underground rock magazine Alternative Press this month. Brand New, of Levittown, had the top-ranked album in the emo category in Rolling Stone in 2003.

These bands, along with their brethren like Nightmare of You, and Men, Women and Children, have been part of a recent spike in Long Island musical exports that calls to mind the heyday of Lou Reed, Pat Benatar and Billy Joel. A few years back, theirs was a more or less cohesive sound falling into the category of emo: a navel-gazing sensitive guy's rock music, with lyrics full of teen angst. These days, the category is being transformed by some of the same players who spawned it.

Brand New is writing new material for what is said to be a total reinvention; Head Automatica is venturing into angst-free pop; Men, Women and Children and Nightmare of You are following, in an even frothier direction. Taking Back Sunday is taking the opposite route, into the harder elements of throwback rock.

''We've just grown up musically,'' said TJ Penzone, 25, of Wantagh, lead singer of Men, Women and Children.

Wherever they are going, the players often feel some nostalgia for their roots, which are mainly in hardcore rock.

''The scene on Long Island when we started out was a scene in every sense of the word,'' Adam Lazzara, 24, of Taking Back Sunday, said in a telephone interview of the band's early days in 2000. He was on tour in London to promote ''Louder Now'' (Warner Bros.), the band's third disc, released in March.

''We would play V.F.W. halls, basements and this little place called Ground Zero, an all-ages place in Bellmore,'' he said. ''The cool thing was, you would go to a show, and then you'd meet up with all the same people later in a diner.''

At 27, Mr. Palumbo of Head Automatica is one of the more influential Long Island rockers, if less commercially successful than some; the group's second album, ''Popaganda,'' has sold more than 50,000 copies. ''It's not like we were doing anything too special,'' he said of the early days. ''But there was a hardcore show every night.

''There would be 40 of us hanging out, and we really cared a lot about the music. There was a lot of community.''

Not surprisingly, there has been a lot of cross-pollination, too. Mr. Palumbo is also leader of the hardcore band Glassjaw; Mr. Lazzara of Taking Back Sunday was once in a local songwriting collective with Jesse Lacey of Brand New.

Like Mr. Lazzara, Mr. Penzone of Men, Women and Children reminisced fondly over shows at Ground Zero, but said that nowadays, ''what we're doing is a backlash to what we used to do.'' The band's self-titled second album, which has disco, glam and pop inflections, came out on Reprise Records in April. Mr. Penzone counts Prince and Morris Day and the Time as major influences.

''We used to sing about serious, serious stuff,'' he said. ''But our vibe is, we're having fun -- the world has too many problems. Music is supposed to make you forget your problems.''

Head Automatica is also charting poppier territory, but a more sugary version inspired by Squeeze and Nick Lowe, Mr. Palumbo says. A review on allmusic.com praises the ''sparkling guitar-driven pop songs'' on ''Popaganda.''

Emo and hardcore became ''limiting musically,'' said Brandon Reilly of Levittown, the singer for Nightmare of You, describing his band's turn toward Morrissey-style 80's pop. ''When you're younger, you have more angst.''

While most of its cohorts are going lighter, Taking Back Sunday has entered a darker phase. On ''Louder Now,'' the band was just this side of melodic metal. ''We were going for something more intense, like in our live shows,'' Mr. Lazzara said.

But where the musical shift may have caused the most moaning -- home on Long Island -- it instead generated the kind of loyalty a onetime emo kid could appreciate.

When the group played Nassau Coliseum in June, Mr. Lazzara said: '' 'Louder Now' hadn't been out that long. But everybody was singing along, really into it. It was the best crowd of the whole entire tour.''

Following the Buzz


Up-and-coming Long Island underground bands to watch include the following:

ENDWELL -- A five-piece group with roots in several Long Island towns, it specializes in screamo-style, hard-driving punk and is expected to release a full-length album this fall on Victory Records.

PERMANENT ME -- This straightforward pop band from Bellmore is ready for its teen-magazine close-up. It was recently signed to the Stolen Transmission label.

THIS IS HELL -- A head-banging hardcore group from Levittown, it is on Alternative Press's list of ''100 Bands to Watch.'' Its debut album, ''Sundowning,'' was recently released on Trustkill Records.

ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY -- This pop band, whose m - New York Times


"August, 2005"

Ultra High Frequency is a new New York–based band that combines wailing vocals, intricate guitar counterpoints, driving dynamic drama, and loud power-pop blasts. After recently seeing them in concert, I bought their CD, Sun Never Sets in Dramaville. I'm obsessed with the opening track, "Movie Theater," which has the catchiest melodic hook I've heard in a rock tune in five years. The CD is superbly recorded, and had me twitching in my living room as I settled into a high-level dynamic vibe with the B&Ws set to Stun. - Robert J. Reina, stereophile.com


"2004"

Ultra High Frequency’s debut release, “Sun Never Sets in Dramaville,” delivers great vintage guitars with harmonies that faintly resemble one their mentors: the Beach Boys. The bass and beats top off with either heavy body-moving bebop rock sounds or slow thought-provoking rhythms. “Sun Never Sets in Dramaville” is a great debut album. - Jason Lutjen riftrock.com


"2004"

On their debut release "Sun Never Sets in Dramaville", Ultra High Frequency mix great harmonies, smooth vocals and music that is both original and catchy to create a powerful sound that is all their own. Their well-placed solos prove their musicianship without coming off as overbearing and flashy, while their unique drum rhythms provide a strong foundation for each song. Ultra High Frequency are great musicians and great songwriters, which they prove repeatedly on their debut release "Sun Never Sets in Dramaville". - silent sky media


"AP&R - Unsigned Bands of the Month"

Ultra High Frequency
HQ: Long Island, NY
NOW PLAYING: Matter In Time (ultrahighmusic.com)

THE STORY SO FAR: How many bands can you name that have been playng together since the age of nine, and are still rocking out a decade later? Ultra High Frequency's the only one on our list. "It was always just fun for us," says frontman Frank Fussa. "We spent all day skateboarding together and all night playing our instruments." The members drifted into different interests over the years, but found themselves pulled back together in 2001. "We got a lot better [in the interim, but] our gear is ancient and is breaking constantly," Fussa admits.

WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW 'EM: Because Long Island's golden boys, Brand New, handpicked the band to open the first leg of their U.S. tour this summer. And if Jesse Lacey's endorsement isn't enough for you, we don't know what is. (They also just opened for the Gin Blossoms, if that does anything for you.) "We're a rock 'n' roll band," Fussa says. "We have our own intelligent way of making music - and we do it."

YOU LIKE? YOU'LL LIKE: FOO FIGHTERS / EVE 6 / THE MATCHES - Alternative Press Magazine - Oct 2006


"In '70s or now, 'Time' is right"

Rafer Guzmán
WITH THE BAND

July 6, 2006

'Matter in Time," the new CD from Ultra High Frequency, would have been a blockbuster in the late 1970s, that pivotal time when classic rock and traditional pop hadn't yet succumbed to punk and new-wave. The Plimsouls, Split Enz, The dB's, XTC, Cheap Trick - all managed to cling to the satisfying cliches of old-school rock while grabbing on to a new kind of energy.

"Matter in Time" hits upon that same magic combination. The band - singer Frank Fussa Jr., guitarist Jonny Tehel, bassist Christopher Johanidesz and drummer Dennis Joseph, who are scattered in Roslyn Heights and Kings Park - has a firm grip on pop hooks, colorful chord progressions and perfect harmonies. The disc is eminently playable - as soon as one song ends, the next one pulls you in, and when the whole thing's over it seems silly not to just start again.

Just about everything you want is here: Edgy pop

("Hi-Sea"), rowdy rock ("Traps") and unsentimental ballads ("Play Your Cards"). There's also a potential single in "Takes Time," a glorious rock song with a driving bass line, a nasty guitar-lick and a suspenseful split-second of silence before the hook. In a better world, this song would be all over the radio, and other songs would sound just like it.

Ultra High Frequency is worth checking out (www.ultra highmusic.com) but don't take this column's word for it - Brand New recently took the group on tour for a week.

Ultra High Frequency plays at 8 p.m. Friday at CBGB, 315 Bowery, Manhattan. Tickets are $8. Call 212-982-4052 or go to www.cbgb.com.

WHAT'S NEW? THEIR ALBUM.

Speaking of which, Brand New appears to be on the verge of releasing its next album. The band recently e-mailed members of its street team to announce, "First Brand New interview about the new album is with ... YOU." The band will take online questions from fans (the deadline is tomorrow) and post the answers at www.brandnewrock.com. When can we expect the album? That's unclear: A publicist for the band didn't return a call seeking comment.

Send e-mail to raferguzman@gmail.com.
Copyright 2006 Newsday Inc.

- Newsday (New York)


"Art & Music"

By Mike Ferrari

...the last band I caught this night was Ultra High Frequency. Bright, upbeat pop rock with a little edge to it. Started out with a nice 3 part harmony that broke out into a rocker. They had this song 'Woogie Boogie' that I really dug, had a grooving bass line. The band just returned from Seattle where they finished recording their debut CD, which will be released June 20th. They'll be joining another Long Island success story, Bran New on the first leg of their US tour. These guys could be onto something - you read it here first. - Aural Fix


"Sound Check"

Ultra High Frequency

Though Ultra High Frequency is from Long Island, their sound is decidedly West Coast, partially becasue of the work of producer Barrett Jones (Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Presidents of the USA). On their new album 'Matter in Time', due out June 20th, UHF have assembled an impressive colection of poppy rock songs featuring electric guitars leading to happy harmonies and infectious melodies.

Even when the band is obviously not playing a happy song, like the stellar "Need You Around" and the direct "Holden's Ballad," they still engage the listener with sing-a-long choruses and memorable hooks and beats.

'Matter in Time' is an easy and enjoyable listen from a band that seems like it has a hell of a lot of fun making pop rock music.

Joe Student / Philly Edge Editor

Ultra High Frequency is at the TLA (334 South St., Philadelphia; 212.922.1011) with Brand New on Wednesday, June 21 at 8PM. SOLD OUT - Philly Edge - Music


""Time to Rise and Shine" Six local bands you're likely to hear from..."

Pic w / caption - "Ultra High Frequency could be the next big noise with it's album "Matter in Time."

ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY (bold)
UHF aims for the classic, timless sound of power-pop on its fine new album, "Matter in Time." The four-piece band, led by singer Frank Fussa runs through spirited rock numbers, grand ballads and at least one potential hit, "Takes Time." UHF recently opened several dates for Brand New on that band's current tour. Visit www.ultrahighmusic.com.
-Rafer Guzman - Newsday - NYC


Discography

"Matter in Time" - (2006) White Elephant Recordings
"Sun Never Sets in Dramaville" - (2004) Mugshot Records

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

RECENT NEWS:

- Opening act for Brand New, Northeast leg of 2006 US Tour (June 2006)

- Featured in AP Press Oct issue: Top Unsigned Acts
Featured in Billboard Magazines "Now Hear This" -Your Guide to Unsigned Bands - Oct 2006

- Featured in New York Times - "Following the Buzz" - Oct 2006

- Featured "Artist of the Week" - XM Satellite Radio, CH 43 - RADIO UNSIGNED

-Featured Artist - BMI.com - Oct 2006

- Featured artist on nationally syndicated Fearless Music TV (FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC)

- Latest Release produced by Barrett Jones (Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Presidents of The USA)

- Myspace.com: Over 25,000 friends / 80,000 plays in 3 months (since leak of new tracks)

- Charted on XM Satellite Radio R>A>D>A>R report / SIRIUS Radio

- Songs featured in MTV's Real World, The Guantlet & Next

BIO:
You may or may not have heard of Ultra High Frequency, but if you have, then you already know their unique blend of Rock¡¥n¡¦Roll. Following footsteps of the great bands of the 1960's and 70's, Ultra High Frequency combines smooth harmonies with dueling melodious guitars and a thunderous rhythm section, unveiling a sound that you just don¡¦t hear anymore. Uninspired by soulless trends, these four suburban misfits have been winning ears over at every chance, playing raucous live shows and leaving audiences buzzing with awe.
With their youthful inspiration and unparalleled drive for success Ultra High Frequency will undoubtedly have their day in the spotlight. Founded and fueled by the strength of their friendship and passion for music, the band truly lives and breaths a magical chemistry most musicians search their entire lives to find.
The story began back in grade school, when singer/guitarist Frank Fussa Jr. and bassist Christopher Johanidesz were busy skateboarding and playing music together in Kings Park, NY. Not more than just a few miles away, guitarist Jonathan A. Tehel and drummer Dennis Joseph were living similar lifestyles. The seeds of the band were then planted when the duo's met skateboarding miles away from their homes in the sticks of Pennsylvania. Brought together by something cosmic, the foursome soon realized they had more in common then merely their love of punk rock and skateboards, and formed the early stages of what we now know as Ultra High Frequency.
Influenced heavily though the music of their youth as well traditional Rock¡¥n'Roll classics, Ultra High Frequency creates a sound all their own. The band¡¦s frosh LP, Sun Never Sets in Dramaville, earned them praise from fans and critics alike before heading back into the studio to record with producer Barrett Jones (Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Presidents of USA). The new recordings have a sound that brings out the essence of Ultra High Frequency: earnest and catchy, optimistic, and truthful inspired Rock¡¥n¡¦Roll music.