Artists

Since
the release of their 2003 spinART debut album, Katonah, Apollo Sunshine
has thrilled audiences. Their unique and eclectic sound – from
avant-garde noise experiment to ultra-melodic pop, to rock, to
punk(sometimes all within one song), combined with quite possibly one
of the best live shows you will ever see (a controlled rock chaos of
pedal steel, guitar, bass, double necked guitar/bass combo, two
handtaped-together keyboards/samplers, percussion, drums and how the
hell does he play bass with his left hand, keyboard with his right and
sing lead vocal?!), have left audiences screaming, dedicated,
breathless and unable to hold still! The New York Times says "...in its
own songs, bouncy 60's-style melodies crack wide open, breaking into
outbursts of pummeling and feedback before jumping back into the tune.
It's all neatly and cleverly plotted, but with a looming chaos that's
anything but nostalgic." Their debut release and live shows garnered
incredible reviews nationally. Apollo Sunshine were named one of "THE
bands to watch" in 2004 by Alternative Press magazine, voted "Best New
Band" by the readers of the Boston Phoenix. The Boston Herald placed
them #3 on the top 5 Things To Change The Face Of Boston Arts and
Entertainment in 2004 (#4 was the Democratic National Convention). The
New York Post called it, "Electronically twisted power pop," and Real
Detroit Weekly said, "A wild bonanza of colorful rock candy." In a
further testament to their musicianship, after attending a Leon Redbone
gig, they convinced Leon and his band to join them across the street
for an "open mic" night. After Apollo Sunshine knocked out a few songs
with Leon's band, Leon joined in. Apollo Sunshine proceeded to be the
first band in over twenty years (according to Redbone's band) to jam
and sing with Leon. Hailing originally from Boston, MA, Apollo Sunshine
formed as a trio while Jesse Gallagher, Sam Cohen and Jeremy Black were
attending Berklee College of Music. After their recent string of
successful shows opening for the likes of Sonic Youth, Built to Spill,
The Walkmen, The Roots, The Decemberist, and My Morning Jacket, the
band added guitarist Sean Aylward. With one more guitarist, Apollo
Sunshine are able to further augment their already unique approach to
pop music making them even more dynamic on stage - switching
instruments, singing 3-part harmonies, and recreating the complex
arrangements that were so carefully crafted on their debut album,
Katonah. Apollo Sunshine has also taken their act to television,
appearing as the house band for Last Call With Carson Daly, and taking
over Fox Morning News last winter where they performed, read the
mailbag, and got the news anchor to dance to their new song "Phoney
Marony."
Apollo Sunshine's dizzying tour schedule has quickly gained them a
steadfast audience in nearly every city in the US. A unique "Apollo
Sunshine vibe" has been emerging at these shows, transcending the usual
rock show experience. Their new self-titled album, streeting Sept.
13th, is a joint release by spinART Records and Berklee College of
Music's student run record label Heavy Rotation. The album was recorded
in three weeks with acclaimed producer Brian McTear. After playing over
300 shows in support of Katonah, Apollo Sunshine is an even more well
oiled machine. Their new tracks are more energetic and dynamic than
anything previous. As an album, it flows wonderfully for 40 minutes,
while individually, each song is a stand out. Stylistically, the songs
take their inspiration from sources as varied as Donovan and Outkast. .
. and everything in between.
Just throw on tracks like "Today is the Day" and see if you can stop
your knees from bouncing to the Kinks meet rock-a-billy guitar sounds.
Then listen to the day-in-the-life cacophony on "Phyllis" and see if
you don't just jump right out of your seat. Need a break? Sit back and
check out the easy slide guitar on "Phone Sex" or the whispered
harmonies on "Ghost."
Apollo Sunshine are true musicians and an American rock' n roll band.
They're coming to your town to help you party down, rock you, entertain
you and leave you breathless. . . and you best let them. It'sadamn good
time.