Music
Press
Real Detroit Weekly-01.09.08
“Big picture: we’re not reinventing the wheel,” says Kyle Harold of the Detroit based hardcore outfit that is (X=Y). “(X=Y) is all about escapism. We entertain people, piss them off, make them happy, get ‘em drunk and get ‘em laid. It’s not a life-changing experience, but a necessary release.” Think of their approach to music as abrasive and brutal, like jacking off with 40 grit sandpaper while drinking 151 out of the ass of a taxidermy puffer fish. It’s a contribution to one of the only sub-genres of rock that hasn’t died out. Great melodies, a good balance of stabbing through your heart with screaming as well as singing makes (X=Y) potentially appealing to anyone who understands music. “(Our sound is) loud, abrasive, filthy and very groove conscious; kinda like us,” Harold says.
- Aaron Rajala
Discography
Until Something Better Comes Along... EP 2006
With All Due Respect EP 2007
Waking Up in Strange Places LP 2009
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Bio
Formed in Detroit in 2005, the five members of (X=Y) came out of the same high school with a single agenda: dominance.
Originally known as Welphare, twin brothers Justin and Jason Chandler (vocals and drums), bassist Joey Mendrysa and vocalist Jeff Green set about reeking havoc on their hometown's music scene. With the addition of guitarist and high school friend Kyle Harold, the line-up was complete. (X=Y) was unleashed.
The combination of the Chandlers (who had previously scored a Detroit Rap Award as a duo) and the unabashed rock of their three schoolmates created not only a unique sound, but a relentless live presence, burning up stages across the midwest.
The debut (X=Y) EP entitled Until Something Better Comes Along saw its release in early 2006 and has borne live staples Illusions, Suffering and the mid-tempo scorcher Garbage.
Drawing on influences ranging from Mudvayne & Slipknot to American Head Charge, Breaking Benjamin and Deftones, the group followed up directly with another EP, With All Due Respect, in 2007. Lead by the fan fave tear-down Coke & Whores, a seamless growth is evident throughout the sophomore effort. Both WRIF and 89X have provided critical support for (X=Y) by spinning tracks from the EPs on their respective local shows.
Yet another (X=Y) CD is being tracked and is primed for release early 2009. Songs from all three records have been fused into the show, making for an impressive set list which fuels the chaos known as (X=Y) live.
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