Brand New was conceived in a basement in Merrick,NY where drummer, Brian Lane, and frontman, Jesse Lacey began their first informal rehearsals. It didn't take long for them to realize that they had some pretty solid songs between themand that people needed to hear them.
The pair quickly recruited long time friend Garrett Tierney, as well as Vin Accardi, to play bass and guitar, respectively. The group was complete and soon set about recording their first demo, a four-song CD that the band recorded, produced and released by themselves. A rigorous writing, practice and touring schedule helped the band quickly climb the ranks of the underground Long Island scene where they were born. Soon they were playing shows with bands like Midtown, New Found Glory, Good Charlotte, and Glassjaw.
With some classic influences like The Cars, Squeeze, and The Beach Boys as well as more contemporary artists like Lifetime, Weezer and The Foo Fighters, Brand New has built an energetic, more pop-than-punk sound. Their live show is loud and exciting and it's impossible to stand still when these guys are playing. The harmonies are too clever, the hooks are too catchy and everybody is singing along. The tunes are simple and strong, obvious teenage anthems about obvious teenage hurt. Still, watch them play and you won't see the grins leave their faces. They love what they do and they do it well.
"We never wanted to be the innovative band, we've just not smart enough." says Lacey, 揥e just want to play songs that you want to listen to over and over again, and that kids relate to, and that you can't get out of your head.
Mission accomplished. Seems smart enough to me.
For more info on Brand New, visit their website at www.brandnewrock.com.