Benzos 'Branches' album

New York-based quartet Benzos' sophomore record, Branches combines the melodic allure of Doves, the sprawling dynamics of Explosions In the Sky and the minimalist yet intense complexity of Aphex Twin, to develop a unique blend of ambient, emotionally resonant guitar and synth instrumentation, "mashed up" with tight, bottom-heavy, intensely funky rhythm section grooves.

Since the release of their debut album, Morning Stanzas, Benzos -- Christian Celaya (guitar/synth/vocals), Brian Joyce (guitar/vocals), Eiko Peck (bass)and Steve Bryant (drums/sampling) -- have built a passionate live following for their heavily improvisational live shows, sharing stages with acts such as She Wants Revenge, Lake Trout, the Benevento-Russo Duo and Phoenix. Co-produced by Woody Ranere of Lake Trout, the new album animates the band's transcendent melodies and complex rhythms with the dynamism and freshness characteristic of their extraordinary live shows.

From the drum n' bass overtones of "Hurt Everybody" to the infectious melodies of "Phase 2" to the dynamic vehemence of "Crooked Hands," Branches engrosses you with transcendent emotions and complex, highly danceable rhythms that leave you wanting more.

biography
What happens when you take everything you know about music theory and throw it out the window? For Benzos, Stinky Records’ New York- based, genre-bending quartet, it is not mere experimentation — it is their raison d’etre. Hence, it is no surprise that their sophomore album Branches, set to hit stores on August 7, 2007, seamlessly blends the ambience and rhythm of early underground dance and experimental electronic music with lush, rock-based guitars and soaring vocals.

On Branches, Benzos’ Christian Celaya (guitar/synth/vocals), Brian Joyce (guitar/vocals), Eiko Peck (bass) and Steve Bryant (drums/sampling) capture the melodic allure of Doves, the sprawling dynamics of Explosions In The Sky and the minimalistic yet intense complexity of Aphex Twin, to develop a unique blend of ambient, emotionally resonant guitar and synth instrumentation, “mashed up” with tight, bottom-heavy, ass-shakin’ rhythm section grooves.

Recorded in the Summer of 2006 with Anthony Ranere (Lake Trout) and Steve Wright, Branches marks a return to Christian and Brian’s early influences of rave and house music and culture (and all the trouble you can imagine they got into), as well as a deepening emphasis on the hip hop and drum and bass sound that Eiko and Steve have long cultivated. The result of the band members’ experimentation with different moods and textures in their songwriting is a sound that melds each of their respective styles
into a cohesive unit that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Having undergone early changes in personnel and instrumentation, Benzos have overcome these obstacles by honing their creative vision to incorporate a heavily improvisational element, which they refer to as “live remixing” and which has become a hallmark of the band’s live shows. From the drum n’ bass overtones of “Hurt Everybody” to the infectious melodies of “Phase 2” to the dynamic vehemence of “Crooked Hands,” Branches engrosses you with transcendent emotions and complex, highly danceable rhythms that leave you wanting more.

press quotes
Benzos performed at Bonnaroo this year and will be playing at Camp Bisco 6 on August 17 in Mariaville, NY alongside Disco Biscuits, STS9, Girl Talk, Holy F*ck, and more

"Radiohead are still the undisputed leaders on rock quintets that weave anthemic guitar rock with chilly, electronic programming, but New York's Benzos, one of the most innovative bands coming out of The Big Apple today, could eventually grab the baton..." -- Urb Magazine

"With a dramatic swell that hints at Jeff Buckley fronting a visceral emo/jazz outfit, Benzos creates a fascinating synthesis of urban electronic cool and suburban indie heat." -- Amplifier Magazine

"Benzos shimmer sweet drum-split and shoegazer misery" -- The Village Voice

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Tracklisting

Benzos - Branches