None More Black has experienced just that. With its fifth drummer and third bassist, the New Jersey based quartet has just completed recording its 15 song debut LP "File Under Black", out June 2nd on Fat Wreck Chords.
The band began in Philadelphia in Winter 2000, shortly after Jason Shevchuk quit Kid Dynamite. Hometown heroes, Kid Dynamite had released two well received LPs and toured the United States extensively, but a full-time band interfered with its vocalist’s film making work and education at film school. But Jason found it hard to stay away from music and quickly began writing songs that he and his bass playing roommate Dan would practice in their living room. Though he only sang in Kid Dynamite, Jason now played guitar, writing both music and lyrics.
The guys tried out several drummers and guitarists before realizing the obvious choice for axeman; Jason’s brother, Jeff Shevchuk. They found a drummer and embarked on a rigorous practice schedule. Before playing a show, the band already had label interest. Philadelphia based Sub Division Records had heard some early None More Black demos and offered to release an EP. The band replaced its drummer and recorded a three song 7" which was issued in September 2001 and has sold over a thousand copies.
Shortly after the release of the 7", the band again lost its drummer and now its bassist as well. Mike McEvoy and Paul Delaney were eventually recruited to pick up the slack and dedication that the former rhythm section had lacked. Delaney continues to serve time with NYHC veterans Kill Your Idols, but wanted so badly to be part of None More Black that he continues to commute from Brooklyn to Central Jersey twice weekly for practice.
Constantly writing, the band recorded and sent out its newest material to a host of labels garnering the interest of Fat and other prominent indie labels. The band chose Fat, signed in January, and wasted no time in getting into the studio to record its 15 song debut LP File Under Black. Don't let the line-up changes fool you. None More Black isn’t a band to make enemies. File Under Black was recorded by former drummer Nick Rotundo at his Clay Creek Studios.
Like scorned lovers, the punk scene can be unwilling to let it’s musicians move on after a messy break-up. Jason knows the band could easily fall into the "Oh, it’s the dude from Kid Dynamite’s band" stigma. But he’s not afraid. "We’ve already been labeled that" he said. "I think once the record comes out, nobody is going to care what band any of us used to be in. I feel Kid Dynamite made their mark and I was part of it. I’m very proud of Kid Dynamite. I’m also very proud of None More Black. I’m able to make music, but I can’t control what draws people to it. Hopefully it’s the tunes."
Jason, who has already written nearly another two albums worth of material, feels that, "the first None More Black record is going to be the best record I’ve ever been a part of. The process has taken so long, I’m overjoyed at the fact that it’s finally going to happen. Very few people know what a struggle it’s been for me to get this band on it’s feet. It almost didn’t happen several times. I’m very proud of it. I think we all are".
Having played consistently throughout the Northeast corridor. None More Black is gearing up and looking forward to its first U.S. tour, which will follow the June release of File Under Black.
