Unwritten Law inhabits the upper echelon of successful punk
bands, bands whose substance and longevity overshadow the
countless hordes of imitation, fly-by-night pop-punk operations
riding a one-way train to anonymity. In a musical climate
where audiences write off and forget hundreds of bands who
lack a smidgen of ingenuity, Unwritten Law repeatedly proves
that its music connects with, attracts, and inspires loyalty
in an ever-growing legion of fans worldwide.
The San Diego-based bands legacy continues with its
sixth release, Heres To The Mourning, which was released
on Lava Records in February 2005. The band made an effort
this time around to compose music that flowed from beginning
to end. We felt like each of our records have been written
and played really well, but they havent been that cohesive
as a piece from front to back, comments Scott Russo,
the bands lead singer. This time, were really
making sure that all the songs are fused together, so it stands
as one piece of music, with a really defined sound as well.
Guitarist Steve Morris adds [This record was] something
that was fresh and fun for us.
The album features the input of many industry veterans, which
increases its unique sound. The signature compositions on
the record were produced by veteran Sean Beavan (Nine Inch
Nails, Marilyn Manson). Heres To The Mourning also features
a collaboration with renowned musician and songwriter Linda
Perry on the dynamic, introspective Save Me. Bassist
Pat Kim effuses I cannot describe or compare this [album]
to any previous album because its not like any of our
other albums. If you try to listen to all our albums back
to back, every album sounds different and progresses. I try
not to think about things weve done before but instead
where we can take it. Russo summarizes, Its
pretty wicked stuff. Were really trying to make an evolutionary
step.
The evolution of the band included the acceptance of a new
drummer into the lineup. Both Adrian Young (No Doubt) and
Tony Palermo (The Jealous Sound, Pulley) provided their exceptional
talents for Heres To The Mourning. Palermo has now joined
Unwritten Law permanently, infusing a fresh element to a band
that has maintained a steady, albeit versatile, structure
throughout its career.
Heres To The Mourning is another of Unwritten Laws
contributions to the punk history it has helped create over
the past decade through wildly successful world tours and
album sales and numerous radio hits. The band formed in the
northern San Diego County city of Poway, an area not classically
known for its contributions to punk music. The band
showed up one day when I was living in an abandoned house.
I sang a song, and they
[asked me] to join the band,
remembers Russo. The house had walls slathered with
blue paint, which inspired the title of the bands first
full length release, Blue Room. Sporting a dozen scrappy,
hook-laden melodic punk tracks, the bands debut soon
found its way into the hands of the regions underground
punk community. The band soon signed a deal with Epic records,
which provided for increased distribution of the debut. The
deal also lent Unwritten Law credibility and acceptance outside
of the independent community, which comprised the bands
original fan base. The band followed up Blue Room with an
even better received sophomore effort, Oz Factor. As the band
increased in popularity, they felt it was time to find a new
deal, subsequently signing a label agreement with Interscope
Records. Unwritten Law released their third project, an eponymous
album, in 1998, which cemented their reputation as a serious
and lasting contender.
Unwritten Law gained mainstream acceptance in 2002, with
the release of their album Elva, featuring the hit single
Seein Red. Seein Red sat
at number one on the modern rock chart for six weeks, exponentially
increasing the bands fan base. After that, MTV invited
the band to perform as part of the networks series Music
in High Places. The show encouraged the band to explore
a completely new course for its music, as their repertoire
of energized, electric guitar-fueled rock had to be performed
in an arrangement appropriate for Yellowstone National Park.
The session yielded impressive results, inspiring the band
to record a predominantly live, acoustic disc. The band left
Interscope and found a new home at Lava records, which released
the acclaimed album version of Music in High Places.
In all honesty, Lava is a smaller label theyre
more of a boutique label so theyre more hands
on, explains Russo of the decision to switch labels.
They are proven in breaking bands, so its a really
nice place to be.
Heres To The Mourning is Lavas second album partnership
with the band. It promises to extend Unwritten Laws
ability to reach a wide audience through its musical diversity.
You could put us out on tour with No Doubt or you could
put us out on tour with The Used, or Helmet. Well fit
into all those categories. I dont know a lot of bands
that could do that, says Russo. From stripped-down,
staccato strums to surging electric guitar chords and slamming
drums, the unique beat and catchiness of Save Me,
and the intense guitar riffs and urgent bass lines of The
Celebration Song, Heres To The Mourning delivers
an eclectic offering to attract new fans and old and a complimentary
sound that maintains a connection throughout the entire album,
and promises to carry over into their future live performances.
Band description courtesy of Luckymanonline.com
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