Finding September - History
FINDING SEPTEMBER SHRED IT ON ‘HISTORY’
San Antonio’s alt-rock/pop-punk outfit dropped their debut EP, History, not too long ago. Right up front let me say, "This EP is totally lit!"
Finding September
Made up of Emily Bayardo (vocals), Jayden Mermella (drums), Josh Gomez (guitar), and Graham Butler (bass), Finding September blends an eclectic array of influences into aggressive, deluxe pop-punk enveloping a raw edge and flair. Mermella’s inspiration on the drums draws on his taste for heavy metal, while Gomez is keen on Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden; Butler’s background includes thrash/funk and Latin influences; and Bayardo comes from the R&B school of singing. Put them all together and you get a sound that’s sui generis.
At the present juncture, the band is working on new material and performing live all over Texas.
The first track on History is the title track, opening on blazing drums flowing into a potent pop-punk tune riding dirty muscular guitars pumping out beau coup oomph. A grand breakdown full of Butler’s fat popping bass provides a stylish harmonic shift. Bayardo’s cool voice projects tight riot grrrl inflection, along with a classy, polished melodicism. In fact, as viciously good as the music is, it’s Bayardo’s stellar voice that imbues the whole EP with bite.
“Inhibitions” starts on growling, outrageously brawny guitar licks that never relent. I love Mermella’s drumming, fast, cool, and highlighted by pummeling double-bass injections at just the right moment. The solo section on this track features a grinding guitar and Mermella’s Thor-like percussion. Rough and flamboyantly tough.
In fact, as viciously good as the music is, it’s Bayardo’s stellar voice that imbues the whole EP with bite.
“Summer Club” travels on thick guitars dropping into stuttering riffs backed by searing licks. Listen to Butler’s bass on this track, with his yummy technique and slapping strings. The drums on “Summer Club” blew me away. Mermella has the magic touch, ferociously powerful yet full of burnished finesse.
The intro on “Darkest Days” features an elegant piano streaming into an explosive nuclear melody rife with beefy fulminating guitars and another dazzling breakdown prior to rocketing off into a pulverizing soundscape.
“Let It Burn” opens on industrial-flavored oscillating guitars and then jelly rolls into a wickedly dark-colored pop-punk tune from the center of Tartarus. Rife with hefty thrilling corrosive energy, this song incinerates the atmosphere.
Wow! Finding September lays it down with merciless intensity, while Bayardo’s voice is the crown jewel on top of a band that totally slaps. This band is brutally superb!
