Iceberg Theory

Aficionados of hallowed D.C. punk will be drawn to Ganancias' third LP by the presence of Minor Threat bassist Steve Hansgen and guest vocals from Dag Nasty/DYS/All/Down By Law frontman Dave Smalley, plus legendary Dischord producer Don Zientara running sound. But, they'll stay for Ganancias' talent, as prominent as his mates. Like Dischord's incredible mid-'80s post-hardcore and post-punk records, "Policy of Discontent" is as unswervingly melodic as it is crunchy, with punk's fortifying attack and energy, and the burgeoning indie rock revolution's more complex riffing. Songs such as the Social Distortion-like "Reflection" and more power-pop "Breath Unsure" are awash in a blasting blend of acoustic and loud, ringing electric (and what might be mandolin), on top of the slamming rhythm section, while Ganancias' thick, edgy voice deals hooks like a croupier. Deal me in. -Jack Rabid, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, The Big Takeover, Issue No. 74 - The Big Takeover/Jack Rabid

New solo record from this D.C. artist is another solid notch in the belt for this talented musician. It shows with the caliber of players who jumped in to help out: Dave Smalley on vocals on “Yours Truly” and Steve Hansgen (ex-Minor Threat) on bass from start to finish. Melodies and harmonies are plotted with precision here, helped along by the stellar production skills of Don Zientara. Fifteen songs in all, so grab your favorite adult beverage and set the stereo on “repeat.” Your rewards will be many, young grasshopper. - Razorcake - Razorcake

Acoustic-heavy jangling Washington D.C.-based indie rock that sounds a fair bit like Greg Graffin singing for the DOUGHBOYS with hints of later HÜSKER DÜ. Heartfelt lyrics and vocal delivery ride over clean Don Zientara/Inner Ear production. Steve Hansgen (MINOR THREAT, SECOND WIND etc.) features on the bass and there’s guest vocals on one song from Dave Smalley (DAG NASTY, ALL, DOWN BY LAW etc.), so with all that on board you should be able to ascertain where this is coming from. For fans of material from other punk front-men turned the singer/songwriter such as Chuck Ragan and Tim Barry. - Artcore Fanzine UK - Artcore Fanzine UK

Marc Ganancias, musician in the Washington, D.C. area, who has always been tied to the hardcore punk scene, released his third solo album. On this album he is backed – among others – by Steve Hansgen (Minor Threat) on bass, Phillip Harrington on drums and such guests like Dave Smalley (Down By Law, Dag Nasty, All). The production was handled by Don Zientara of Inner Ear Studio, while the final touches were by Sam Williams (Down By Law, just to throw a name) doing the mastering. If this list doesn't say you something, you probably missed the history of hardcore and punk in the last three decades, which would be a pity, but even in this case "Policy Of Discontent" might fall into your range, because we're not talking about punk or at least not in its usual form, but in an integrated version enriched with a strong rock side and even a folk aftertaste, signifying both popular and traditional. The fifteen songs flirt with a clear American array, both in terms of sound and imagery, a wink to Mike Ness and Social Distortion and throw them into a blend that hit the listener straight without too many turns of words. In his third work Ganancias is offering his two souls and his music passions, so having Joe Strummer and Roy Orbison, Bob Mould, and Bruce Springsteen dancing together, as references and colours without prevailing on the personality and performance of an album sporting different nuances yet still cohesive, the creature of a musician and, even more, an author able to build focused and inspired songs. Basically, it is just solid rock with a punk attitude, acoustic traits but never tamed, because the passion and sincerity are always at sight and seep from every single note, which marks a sharp and unavoidable line between Policy Of Discontent and the plastic world which agitates so many of its competitors. Perhaps the latter will count little for most potential listeners, but it should mean everything or nearly for those who read these lines. - The New Noise/Michele Giorgi

Iceberg Theory – band review – DCecrets
Fans of Bad Religion, Social Distortion, and Sugar should find their way into Iceberg Theory’s music easily. True believers in post-punk rock with pop sensibilities are really selling themselves short by not buying this music and attending their shows. I can say that Iceberg Theory is hands down the best band in Washington D.C. keeping the faith and working in this precise genre that I am aware of… Marc’s songs are done true justice in the entity called Iceberg Theory. Ganancias’ guitar abilities, like the band’s name suggests, are much more than they seem. Watch his hands effortlessly hit a speedy guitar solo and then come back on point without missing a beat, without the bottom falling out of the song, and without relying on a half-dozen effects, and you will know what I mean. - DCecrets