American Standards
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| This article, American Standards, has recently been created via the Articles for creation process. Please check to see if the reviewer has accidentally left this template after accepting the draft and take appropriate action as necessary.
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Comment: Existing sources do not appear to support the subject's notability. We need significant coverage from reliable sources, not ReverbNation, a blog, or an unknown chart listing service. See WP:BAND for more specifics. — MusikAnimal talk 21:06, 18 March 2014 (UTC)
- Comment: No claims of notability that meet requirements at the link above. No major awards or labels or sales records. No independent, third-party references to confirm or establish it. See WP:REFB for introduction to the basics. The Ukulele Dude - Aggie80 (talk) 13:01, 27 February 2014 (UTC)
American Standards | |
|---|---|
American Standards | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
| Genres | Noise Punk, Hardcore Punk, Metal, Mathcore |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Labels | Victory Records,[1] We Are Triumphant, Torn Flesh |
| Members | Brandon Kellum Corey Skowronski Steven Mandell Mike Cook |
| Past members | Brennen Westermeyer Geoff Gittleson Cody Conrad |
| Website | www |
American Standards is an American Hardcore Punk band from Phoenix, Arizona, formed in 2011. The band consists of members Brandon Kellum (vocals), Corey Skowronski (lead guitar), Steven Mandell (bass), and Mike Cook (drums). Their musical style is rooted in technical hardcore with strong elements of punk and metal. They've garnered much critical and fan acclaim for their high energy, intense live shows and raw sound[2] . American Standards charted as #2 top punk band in Arizona and #16 nationally on Reverbnations Punk Charts. [3] They're also known for Kellum's socio politically charged lyrics which have included topics such corporate satire, materialism, personal struggle and desire for change. To date, the group has released three EPs, three music videos and multiple demos.
History
Formation and First Releases (2011-2012)
American Standards was formed by Brandon Kellum, Brennen Westermeyer, Geoff Gittleson and Cody Conrad in the wake of multiple now defunct touring bands. Shortly after its inception, Corey Skowronski joined the band on bass guitar after responding to a local craigslist ad. In addition to bass, Corey became an integral part for the bands imaging as he personally designed all merch and album artwork. The band quickly gained a devote following for leading a guerrilla punk movement in its community, throwing serval basement shows and distributing DIY compilation CDs to raise money for local charities and causes. During this time, the band released multiple home studio demos including songs such as Happiness Doesn't Sell.
Self Titled (2011-2012)
The bands first unofficial release was a 3 song self titled EP consisting of the songs; "The Masks They Wear Resemble Human Faces", "Paradigm alt+shift+delete" and "The Impossibilities Are Endless". It was released independently with 500 copies being pressed and packaged with handwritten lyrics.[4] There was one video to accompany the release for the song "The Masks They Wear Resemble Human Faces". The song's title being derived from The Twilight Zone episode, Eye of the Beholder, which vocalist Brandon Kellum has commonly sited as inspiration for the bands lyrics. The EP served as the the launching pad for several US tours acting as both support and headliners[5] . It also attracted the attention of the Boston based label, We Are Triumphant. A distributed label of Victory Records.[6]
Still Life (2012-2013)
Still Life was American Standards first official release. The 7 song album was initially released independently by the band June 30th, 2012 online and in select stores. There were two full production music videos for the tracks "Harvester" and "The Still Life"[7] . There was also a live video for The Red Queen. [8] Still Life solidified the bands attention to well crafted thought provoking lyrics with its opening track, "Self Entitled" being a stripped down monologue centered around materialism, greed and elitist mentalities. The album also displayed a prominent driving bass guitar, dynamic electric guitars and drums rooted in creative rhythms. It received critical acclaim by national publications such as Absolute Punk and Spudnik[9] as well as international outlets like Thrash Hits and For The Love of Punk.[10] After release, the net label Torn Flesh Records began working with the band to increase its online distribution and the band continued to tour the US extensively to support the album. [11] This is when American Standards announced its signing to We Are Triumphant and the re-release of Still Life with Victory Records backing its distribution through SONY/RED[12] . The rerelease occurred on December 3rd. This became the last release with the bands original line up with Cody Conrad (guitarist) leaving shortly after.
The Death of Rhythm and Blues (2013–2014)
After the departure of original guitarist Cody Conrad, American Standards decided to carry on as a four piece. During this time, the band began writing for a full length while making festival appearances at Within These Walls, Infest and Southwest Terror Fest.
Americans Standards went back to the studio in early July 2013 with the intension to work on a ten song full length. Early in this process the band announced on their social media sites that Brennen Westermeyer (guitars) and Geoff Gittleson (drums) would be leaving the band after the release. In addition, the band announced on July 4th, 2013 that they had left Victory Records/We Are Triumphant and that the forthcoming release would be scaled back to a 5 song EP entitled "The a Death of Rhythm and Blues".
When released on September 14th 2013, the CD artwork tied in the concept for the EP depicting the iconic scene where legendary blues artist Robert Johnson was said to have met the devil at the crossroads to sell his soul. This imagery was prevalent lyrically throughout the entire EPs landscape with the most blatant use in the song "Dead Mans Victory". Kellum has sited "The Death of Rhythm and Blues" as an expression of the desire to create something that will last beyond oneself. He has also noted its concept as symbolical for the loss of the groups original rhythm section and their choice to move forward as a band.[13] The EP was met with great reviews and was featured on several underground top 10 releases lists. Musically, the album stayed true to the raw sound of earlier releases while finding new dynamics in songs such as "The Burden of Being", "Misery Relapse" and "The Engine and the Engineer" in which a music video was filmed for.
During the touring for The Death of Rhythm and Blues, Corey Skowronski moved from bass guitar to lead guitar with Craig Burch of The Last March of The Ents filling in on bass. Mike Cook formerly of The Author and also in Phoenix based locals Your Young assumed the position of drums.
Hungry Hands 2014–2015)
Only four months after the release of "The Death of Rhythm and Blues", American Standards announced that they would be going back to the studio to record a new EP with the bands new line up. At this time, Steven Mandell of a local AZ group Ape Kill Ape had filled the position of permanent bassist. American Standards explained that this album would be their most dynamic, experimental album to date and expressed the new line up as finally finding the right mix.
In February 2014, the band launched a kickstarter to help fund the project with the opening description stating;
"After four years, three EPs and several DIY tours, American Standards is turning to our awesome friends, fans and family to help fund our next big adventure. The Plan.Travel 400+ Miles to Los Angeles, California to record a 3 - 4 song EP. The EP will be the first time we've pressed in three formats including CD, vinyl and cassette. There will also be multiple full production music videos for the songs. Upon release, we've planned touring across the US to support the new EP. Along with this, we'll be releasing a whole new slew of merch..."[14] There has not been a release date set for "Hungry Hands".
Members
Current members
| Name | Instrument | Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Brandon Kellum | vocals | (2011–present) |
| Corey Skowronski | guitar | (2011–present) |
| Steven Mandell | bass guitar | (2013–present) |
| Mike Cook | drums | (2013–present) |
Former members
| Name | Instrument | Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Brennen Westermeyer | lead guitar | (2011–2013) |
| Geoff Gittleson | drums | (2011–2013) |
| Cody Conrad | rhythm guitar | (2011–2012) |
Touring members
| Name | Instrument | Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Craig Burch | bass | (2013) |
Discography
- Self Titled (2011)
- Still Life (2012)
- The Death of Rhythm and Blues (2013)
- Hungry Hands (2014)
References
- ^ Records, Victory. "VictoryRecords.com". Victory Records Webstore. Victory Records. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
- ^ Sinister, Bearly. "American Standards - The Death of Rhythm and Blues". American Standards - The Death of Rhythm and Blues. Retrieved 11/11/13.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ Nation, Reverb. "Reverbnation Music Charts". Reverbnation Music Charts. Retrieved 19 March 2014.
- ^ Media, Earshot. "The New Sound of Punk". Top 40 Charts. Retrieved 12/27/11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ Kick, Song. "Songkick Tour Dates for American Standards". Songkick. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
- ^ impedimenta, Charkinzie. "American Standards Signs With We Are Triumphant". American Standards Signs With We Are Triumphant. Impedimenta. Retrieved 10/29/12.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ Fossum, Melissa. "American Standards release dreary black and white clip for the still life". Newtimes. The Phoenix Newtimes. Retrieved august 28th, 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ Videos, Music. "American Standards YouTube Channel". American Standards YouTube Channel. YouTube.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|url=(help) - ^ King, Xing. "American Standards Reviews". Spudnik American Standards Still Life Reviews. Retrieved 9/14/13.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ Punk, Johnny. "American Standards - Still Life". For The Love of Punk. Retrieved 11/29/2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ Flesh, Torn. "American Standards releases Still Life on Torn Flesh Records". American Standards releases Still Life on Torn Flesh Records. Torn Flesh. Retrieved 11/29/14.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ Webzine, IdiotEQ. "American Standards Signs With We Are Triumphant". American Standards Signs With We Are Triumphan. IdiotEQ. Retrieved 10/27/13.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ World, Natalie. "American Standards' Brandon Kellum Talks EP and Much More". Natalies World. Natalie's World. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
- ^ Standards, American. "American Standards - Hungry Hands Kickstarter". Kickstarter. Kickstarter. Retrieved 2/8/2014.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help)
External links
Category:American metalcore musical groups
Category:Musical groups established in 2011
Category:Victory Records artists
Category:Musical groups from Phoenix, Arizona
| This article, American Standards, has recently been created via the Articles for creation process. Please check to see if the reviewer has accidentally left this template after accepting the draft and take appropriate action as necessary.
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