Spring Break
symmetry/symmetry breathe new life into local scene, release genre-bending EP
Creative release ushers in rare live performance in Corvallis tonight
Craig Bidiman
Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: Diversions
When it comes down to it, symmetry/symmetry's music completely transcends the repetitious nature of its name.
This becomes especially prevalent as one listens to their new EP, "Love Breaks Light," as the album is a pure representation of originality. In this sense, the unique name is a perfect indicator of the group's talents.
"When we started out, we weren't trying to get anywhere with this," drummer Andrew Quackenbush said. "We didn't want to try to sound like anything in particular."
This truly shows as the group, together since September 2006, continues to produce material that is so distinct in comparison to any other local band.
Hailing from Salem, symmetry/symmetry is comprised of Danny Jones and Joel Uram as vocalists, guitarists and pianists with Quackenbush on drums; the group presents a live show that consistently blows any new listener out of the water.
Jones' emphatically enthusiastic energy while on guitar, Uram's brilliant performances on piano and Quackenbush's erratic tendencies on drums create a whirlwind of musical fusion unheard of around these parts. Uram and Jones' vocal harmonies are incredible. The two switch instruments and vocal obligations consistently throughout live shows and in recordings.
Quackenbush, a senior in English and philosophy, notes the band's major successes come from being such close friends.
"It's super fun when we aren't playing shows," Quackenbush said. "It makes a lot of things easier since we all get along so well.
"Music is a major part of our lives, but we also really care for one another."
Some notice that the band is sans bassist; this, Quackenbush suggests, is due in part to the fact that the band is hesitant to bring anyone else into the mix because the three members already get along so well.
"There are other reasons [for not having a bassist], but I wouldn't know what those would be," Quackenbush said with a laugh.
The band is excited to have finally released "Love Breaks Light" last month. The EP includes six songs of which Quackenbush noted have been completely recorded and ready for release since September 2007. The issue with its release not coming until last month regarded a lack of album artwork.
This becomes especially prevalent as one listens to their new EP, "Love Breaks Light," as the album is a pure representation of originality. In this sense, the unique name is a perfect indicator of the group's talents.
"When we started out, we weren't trying to get anywhere with this," drummer Andrew Quackenbush said. "We didn't want to try to sound like anything in particular."
This truly shows as the group, together since September 2006, continues to produce material that is so distinct in comparison to any other local band.
Hailing from Salem, symmetry/symmetry is comprised of Danny Jones and Joel Uram as vocalists, guitarists and pianists with Quackenbush on drums; the group presents a live show that consistently blows any new listener out of the water.
Jones' emphatically enthusiastic energy while on guitar, Uram's brilliant performances on piano and Quackenbush's erratic tendencies on drums create a whirlwind of musical fusion unheard of around these parts. Uram and Jones' vocal harmonies are incredible. The two switch instruments and vocal obligations consistently throughout live shows and in recordings.
Quackenbush, a senior in English and philosophy, notes the band's major successes come from being such close friends.
"It's super fun when we aren't playing shows," Quackenbush said. "It makes a lot of things easier since we all get along so well.
"Music is a major part of our lives, but we also really care for one another."
Some notice that the band is sans bassist; this, Quackenbush suggests, is due in part to the fact that the band is hesitant to bring anyone else into the mix because the three members already get along so well.
"There are other reasons [for not having a bassist], but I wouldn't know what those would be," Quackenbush said with a laugh.
The band is excited to have finally released "Love Breaks Light" last month. The EP includes six songs of which Quackenbush noted have been completely recorded and ready for release since September 2007. The issue with its release not coming until last month regarded a lack of album artwork.
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