While their name is unassuming, the boys in Stafford are anything but. In fact, they assume that people want to listen to music with powerful and talented drumming, catchy and clever guitars, intelligent lyrics, melodic vocals interspersed with chaotic screaming, and bass lines so tight you'd swear they were virgins. That's why they combined these elements to form the songs on their full-length release, Correction: I'm Not Running. Tom Suhey (drums), Erik Perrella (vocals), Scott Harris (guitar, backing vocals), Mike Ponsica (guitar), and Steve Martin (bass, backing vocals) took their time crafting the songs that make up their LP debut, making sure to put parts of themselves into every song. Whether it's the driving bassline and the punchy falsettos in "The Snake In Your Suitcase," or the energetic drumming and fierce guitar work on "They Keep Underestimating You," it's the subtle and not-as-subtle touches that help these 12 songs stand out from the crowd.
However, the most crucial aspect is the live show. Nothing is more important to Stafford than translating the songs into a flawless live performance. They have the dedication necessary to turn out a great show, and they revel in the energy reflected back by the fans. Stafford has already played their share of great gigs, including opening up the Paramount stage at the 2004 Skate and Surf Festival in Asbury Park, NJ, as well as shows with bands from labels such as:
Drive-Thru Records (the Early November, Homegrown, Halifax, Socratic, Houston Calls) Vagrant (Moneen) Victory (Spitalfield) Triple Crown (Outsmarting Simon, Scraps and Heart Attacks) Trustkill (Roses are Red, BEDlight For BlueEYES) Eyeball (the Oval Portrait) the Militia Group (Tokyo Rose) ECA (the Prizefight) Fueled by Ramen (Punchline) Fidelity (the Escape Engine, Madison) One Day Savior (the Sleeping)
as well as sharing the stage with local favorites such as Foster, the Rookie, Rydia, Emma, and more. Nothing drives the band more than seeing the fans sing back their lyrics, mosh it up, or just have a great time when they are playing.
