We wanted a record that would communicate with everyone, not just one group of people or another. We�re saying what we feel in a simple way with the hope that if you�re a human being with a heart that�s beating, you will appreciate at least some part of this record�, says Army of Me singer Vince Scheuerman. The big songs of Army of Me�s debut CITIZEN speak from the heart, with the feeling that less is more. And it�s more reminiscent of early Oasis or The Verve, and R.E.M than quirkily trendy indie pop. Army of Me is transcending their humble Washington DC indie roots.
"We are trying to be one of the best bands you will ever see", said lead singer Vince Scheuerman during an interview with Alternative Press magazine (June 2005). Army of Me had just been named one of the top unsigned bands in America by the influential rock magazine, and the article started a barrage of major label interest for the Washington DC based band. This came after several years of DIY touring and a string of self released albums and EPs. The new album CITIZEN represents growth and a new chapter for the band. With the band sounding bigger than ever before, the lyrics deal with desire and personal growth in �Perfect�, uncertainty and change in �Going Through Changes�, and rebirth and hope in �Rise� � a song inspired by the tsunami of Dec. 26, 2005; just three of the albums 12 tracks. �It�s a very human record�, says Scheuerman.
Vince (lead vocals/guitar), Brad Tursi (guitar, backing vocals), and Dennis Manuel (drums), formed Army of Me in 2001 and refined their sound with continuous touring of the Northeast, South, and mid-Atlantic of the US. Opening for bigger acts throughout the process, they developed a passionate regional fanbase, leading to sold out shows at DC's famous 9:30 club, and various clubs in New York City.
Their touring success was only part of the story. "Come Down to DC", an epic ode to their roots, was added into full rotation on DC101 in the Fall of 2005 - just the second time in the station's history that they added a song from an unsigned band. Sirius Radio's "Alt Nation" added "Going Through Changes" to its play list, eventually making the song the #4 most requested and played song on the station - yet another amazing feat for a band who, at the time, were still unsigned. And now, with their album CITIZEN released by the prolific Doghouse Records, which hit stores April 10, 2007, the radio story continues to grow, with adds for �Going Through Changes� at KROQ in LA, WOCL in Orlando, DC101 in Washington DC, XM, and SIRIUS.
Army of Me is an indie band from Washington DC � it�s in your best interest to discover them now.
