War Tapes 'self-titled EP' album

This Los Angeles 4-piece successfully creates epic anthems of angst, blending the attitude and edge of today's post-hard-core scene with an appealing nod to 80's new-wave and post-punk. All the while, War Tapes demonstrates a knack for creating huge hooks and sing-a-long choruses.

Front-man Neil Popkin engages audiences with youthful charisma and a passionate delivery. His dark, powerful stage presence is unpredictable, yet completely refined. Conversely, bassist Becca Popkin is stoic and graceful, with thoughtful bass lines filled with a melodic, driving force while simultaneously adding lush haunting harmonies that counter balance her brother’s deep commanding vocals. Drawing on his punk-rock roots, the fervent Matt Bennett seamlessly combines his live energy with a wall-of-sound guitar style that adds an intense level of richness and precision that rivals the heroes he grew up worshipping, but is completely his own. The unique drumming approach of William Mohler brings a striking and stylistic dynamic to the band. His powerful rhythmic cadence is the breath and pulse of the band and the foundation for War Tapes’ signature heart-quaking ‘doom-pop’.

“I never thought I would actually be in a band. I always watched with envious amazement the bands I saw nightly at the 9:30 Club but never really thought I would one day be on stage. Music has always been everything to me. I can’t remember a single instance in my life that doesn't have a soundtrack that goes with it. Hearing certain songs can bring back a nostalgic scent and a feeling. Music was more than something I just wanted to listen to, I wanted to create it, be a part of it. War Tapes, though I could have never predicted it, is who I am. Sometimes in the middle of a show I find my mind drifting and I feel like I am floating above everyone - I am watching everything happen from the outside in. I get chills. Even though I really am the one on stage I get the same excited feeling I used to. Like I am watching my favorite band play - and then I realize I am in it.” [Becca]

“It was the type of San Francisco day that chills the tip of your nose but warms your insides like an autumn day in Boston. The type of waking hour that one can find euphoria in the simplest of moments like sitting on a park bench placed perfectly under a foliage-ridden tree. The night came on like a blanket of drama and before I knew it I was on the side stage of a sold out show at the legendary Fillmore Theatre. I remember thinking that if I had died right then, or if this were to be my last performance on earth, I wouldn't mind at all. My childhood dreams would have already been accomplished, and I was about to open for the Smashing Pumpkins. The nervous energy of my band mates only made me more confident. This was the moment I'd been waiting a lifetime for. As I heard the stage manager start to count down from 10, I knew it was here. He then reached 3,2,1.. the lights blacked out and my world changed. The moment I'd been waiting for. This is why I'm here today. I've sold my soul to this stage of chaos.” [Neil]

Neil and Becca are brother and sister from Boston.
Matt is from Hawaii and was in the top punk rock band in the islands.
William is the only LA native and has the most to say but doesn’t want to talk about himself.

“Once I enter our studio the outside world no longer exists. I'd say I'm in there twice as much as
everyone else, just because it is so inspiring and I can play my drums no matter the hour. There are two huge windows that overlook the downtown LA skyline and at night the buildings illuminate the sky, creating one of the most incredible views ever. I attribute a lot of our sound to that image. It's the image that pops in my head when I listen to our recordings and the image that I draw inspiration from. I love getting to rehearsal early because it's like the calm before the storm. For me it's like arriving at a venue for sound check. The club is empty and it's usually pretty chill, then fast forward to set time and it's a completely different environment, it's really cool that our room has the same kind diversity of energy. That kind of dynamic range is something that I'm always pushing to achieve in our songs.” [William]

War Tapes began when Neil booked a show in downtown LA in 2006 and promised a band but didn’t have one.
He called Becca, Becca called William, Matt joined later.
Besides the Smashing Pumpkins War Tapes has opened for Shiny Toy Guns, Moving Units, The Bravery and toured with Tiger Army!

“One night Neil brought over the new demo from his band. Our friend gave it a spin and I heard the song that would change my life. The lyrics, the instrumentation, the texture, and the arrangement were all so far beyond what I was used to; I was fucking blown away. Within weeks, my (then) band was playing with War Tapes at the Lava Lounge. Even in that dingy hallway of a club, the band was on fire. As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to get in there. I guess they were into my guitar playing too. Neil and William invited me to jam with them downtown and this session would change everything for me. It was the first time I played real lead guitar; no rhythm guitar, no power chords. I was in the upper register the entire time, making noise and trying to create new sounds every chance I got. The band encouraged this sort of experimentation, which is I guess at the core of our sound and song writing process in the first place. I left the session tingly and nervous whether the rest of the band felt the same way. Fortunately, they were into it too. We've been practicing everyday since.” [Matt]

tour dates
07.13 @ Que Sera w/ REPEATER (Long Beach, CA)
08.08 @ Domino Room (Bend, OR) w/ TIGER ARMY
08.09 @ Wonder Ballroom (Portland, OR) w/ TIGER ARMY
08.28 @ Club Movement @ Bordello’s (Los Angeles, CA) w/ Sleepmask, Repeater, Veil Veil Vanish
09.12 @ Marquee Theater (Tempe, AZ) w/ TIGER ARMY
09.17 @ Moscow w/ REPEATER (Hollywood, CA)
09.21 @ The Fillmore (San Francisco, CA) w/ TIGER ARMY
10.23 @ The Grove (Anaheim, CA) "OCtoberflame 2008" w/ TIGER ARMY

meet the band
War Tapes is:
Neil Popkin - vocals, guitar
Becca Popkin - bass, vocals
Matt Bennett - guitar
William Mohler - drums

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War Tapes - self-titled EP