PRESS SECTION /SLEDGEBACK/
Review By Johnathon Gallienne/ (http://www.punkunited.com/showreview.php?id=424)-1st Oct '05
If Social Distortion had recorded an album between Mommy's Little Monster and Prison Bound I am fairly certain it would have sounded like this. The lead singer has the spirit of Mike Ness running through his veins, vocally I'd put him somewhere between Rancid and Social D. But, the lyrics are that of a younger Mike Ness, social views are put forth... but this is done through stories rather than Anti Flag esque sloganeering and preaching.
The album kicks off with one of the catchiest punk songs I've heard in a while "Pants Off." There are bands who spend their whole careers trying to write something that grabs listeners like that, this band has done that early on in their careers. The music stays at an uptempo poppy punk/ roots rock throughout the album.
I think the thing that kept this CD going for me, is how upbeat it is. I know I listened to it a lot on the 15 minute drive to school each day. And every morning it was able to get me up and going, which is harder to do than you may think. If I had to pick a punk band that deserved the kind of attention Simple Plan and Good Charlotte get for their boy band playing punk songs act, it would be these guys. Some bands end up being popular because they know how to work the business, others end up being popular because they write the kind of music you can't stop listening to. This is that band, you won't take this out of your CD player after getting it.I would say the one drawback to this album is that it sets a very high standard for their next release. However, if they are truly the talent this album has shown them to be... then their next album should not only live up to the expectation of this one, it should surpass it.
"Hard-hitting music destined for radio play"
Reviewer: Chaos And Fruit Punch / Operation Phoenix Records
Great looking package here. The artwork and design are very professional, and the music has a driving Marshall and Gibson rocknroll sound. Melodic singing without the cheese-ball stuff, most of the 13 songs are mid-tempo (except for track 6, which sounded like a quick demo idea and lasted all of 30 seconds - perhaps a mid-album breather), and there's definitely some type of European accent on the vocals. The group has obviously been playing and practicing for a long time. Hard hitting music that's destined for radio play and your local club.
"This cd will knock your socks off!"
Reviewer: Julian Garr, Intellectos Magazine
What can you expect from a band called Sledgeback? Punk rock and in this case it is tuneful and ear friendly but often more pleasant than biting. If you like Social Distortion or the pop punk attitude of bands like Bad Religion or the peppiness of So Cal ska punk this cd will knock your socks off. I really enjoy this cd but it does not make me uncomfortable or move me but at the same time these guys can write a good tune and that is crucial. This is the first full-length cd by Sledgeback, entitled "People’s Choice" so there is plenty of potential for this band and tracks like "Don't Wanna Know" prove that too. The last track the instrumental "Seattle" is beautiful it features a bare guitar line that evokes Sonic Youth it is easily my favorite track because it is melodic but unconventional too.
Jason Schreurs/.FLEX YOUR HEAD-Hardcore online/
People's Choice [Sliver Records]
Nice, frolicking rough punk in the vein of Leatherface, The Strike, Naked Raygun, and other bands I seem to have this hidden soft spot for. I dunno', something about those sandpaper vocals always gets me and, despite how pedestrian the punk tunes on People's Choice are, that gravely voice carries these tunes way farther than my attention span should allow. Even seven or eight songs in, when the chords collide with each other and the riffs begin to spiral upon themselves, still there's this voice grabbing me by the balls and saying, "Come with me." To where, I don't know. But I do know one thing: I'm going.
REDEFINE MAGAZINE "Scavenger of Life" EP Review (Sept, 2004) by Michael Villareal - "If you take some of the poppy, well-rounded punk sounds that seem to be everywhere on the radio today and mix it with a vocalist that sounds like a weird Dicky Berret/ Tim Armstrong hybrid, you would end up with the sound of Sledgeback. The first time I listened to this CD, I'll be honest and admit that I was ready to dismiss this band almost immediately, but then something happened: I wound up liking them. The first song to come through the speakers is the catchy Bosstones-esque "Pants Off". The catchy rhythms and memorable chorus unravel the story of a guy who meets a girl, and the adventure that follows in the process. The CD boasts captivating riffs and choruses, one after another. Each song is well at home with all of the best modern day punk/ska material. While this CD is merely an EP with only six songs, the band has slated October as the release date for the feature full-length album, which I personally can't wait for. This band will be the next big thing to hit the airwaves, so study up on them now so that you can be the first on your block to say, 'Sledgeback: I've been listening to them forever.' Don't fuck around. Pick up this CD. If you're too late, don't say I didn't warn you."
Sledgeback
People's Choice
Sliver Records
Sledgeback play a rather poppy, well-polished take on street punk that would have been right at home on a label like TKO or BYO. They've got that big, broad guitar sound down and the vocalist has a hoarse drawl that reminds me more than a little bit of Mike Ness, and the catchy choruses are in no short supply. Combine that with some cool, punky artwork and glossy production values and you're probably left wondering why you shouldn't buy this.
Well, despite the fact that Sledgeback put out an EP previous to People's Choice, to me most of the songs on this LP sound a little underdeveloped. There are lots of good ideas sprinkled throughout the record—in fact, I'd say there are more than enough to sustain an entire full-length—however, the spaces in between those ideas are alternately ultra-conventional and kind of clunky, which really shows in a genre as bare-bones as street punk.
Still, despite the roughness around its edges, People's Choice is a solid record and more than enjoyable while it's on. Unfortunately, though, with so many bands with bigger labels and better studios behind them doing the street punk thing you really need something extraordinary to set your band off from the pack, and while Sledgeback have some of that, they don't quite have enough to put them in the top tier of street punk bands.
Posted by Daniel at 09:05 AM
"Best local band I have heard, they will go far!!!
Reviewer: Randy Youngquist
Peoples Choice takes the hard hitting tracks from Sledgeback's live shows, adds a few more hits and kicks your ass again!!! If you only buy one CD this year, buy this!
"(Sledgeback has) brought back what punk used to be"
Reviewer: Crystal with Shaolin Records
The boys from King County have done it! They've brought back what Punk used to be with their latest release, "People's Choice." Each track on this disc not only makes you want to jump up from your seat ... it demands it! 'Sledgeanger' is a fusion of angst, raw and powerful vocals, combined with ferocious guitar riffs. While tracks like 'How Far' and 'Good Bye My Friend' show a softer, but definitely not quiet, side of Sledgeback. If you combine only the best sounds of Pennywise and Social D, you'll have the honest but intricate punk fueled sounds of Sledgeback!
"...one of my top 3 favorite bands right now"
Reviewer: Rain-City Shwillers
Ok, so I picked up this record for the super low price of 7 dollars at Sledgeback's cd release party. Thanks Gabi! Anyways, all I can say about this record is that it totally solidifies this band as one of my top 3 favorite bands right now. If you like Social D (which you should), Guttermouth or the best aspects of MXPX, you should definitely check these guys out. The whole album is a barrage of melodic guitars, colored by Ness-esque leads. If I still skated I would totally skate to this album. I seriously like every single song. If you live in Seattle, go see these guys. They are gonna be huge.
"Sledgeback does everything right"
Reviewer: Usedwigs.com
Seattle's Sledgeback does everything right for fans like me of Social D's rockabilly-tinged punk updated with more muscle and speed à la Bombshell Rocks and old-guard Pegboy. You'll dig the impressive guitar leads that flow above and below the pumped-up, driving riffs and will marvel at Hungarian signer Gabi Hun whose gravelly gruff pipes are both daunting and emotionally welcoming at the same time.
"Simply amazing! Simple but addictive to the ears! A must!"
Reviewer: Greg Doors
I love every single song on this album. The Voice is what really catches me everytime I listen to the songs. The instruments and the over all sound quality is A+. These guys will go far and now I cant wait to see them live. Buy this cd and you wont regret it for a second!
-Sleazegrinder
link:http://www.sleazegrinder.com/review_11-12Sledgeback.htm
The thing about punk rock is, it never really had that many directions to go in before it turned into something else – punk, metal, pop, whatever – so if you started experimenting with the basic ‘dirty-ass rock n’ roll played by glue-huffing freak children’ formula too much, you ended up somewhere else entirely. Well, you don’t have to worry about any weird shit going down here, Jack. Seattle’s Sledgeback do, in fact, borrow a bit from the rootsy rock n’ roll of Social D and maybe Soul Asylum on occasion, but mostly they stick to the goddamn formula, tossing out a jukebox worth of solid, catchy punk rock anthems in the jumpy SoCal tradition. Hungarian frontman Gabi Hun is a deadringer for Bob Mould, too, so if you’ve ever wondered what Husker Du would sound like with a couple US Bombs in the band, well, now you know. “People’s Choice” is a little adolescent for my tastes, to be honest, but it sounds like the perfect soundtrack for seducing 17 year old punk rock girls.Umm, if you’re a 17 year old punk boy, of course.
PUNKNEWS:
Seattle has been known for it's music scene for years... Many great bands from here have put out their music for your listening enjoyment... Well, here is another one... Seattle's own Sledgeback!!!With power driven guitar riffs, a chest pounding rythmn section and the snarling vocals of frontman Gabi Hun...catchy choruses and lyrics from life experiences...songs that will get you on your feet... this is a band you must check out!People's Choice was released in 2004 on local lable Sliver Records. There are 13 tracks of in your face punk rock starting off with the crowd pleaser Pants Off... Feel the angst of tracks like Sledgeanger, No Feelings and Regret... the driving tunes such as Take Me Home and Don't Wanna Know....This CD is a must have for any punk fan... any music fan for that matter.All songs represent live just as they are on the CD...The crowd at their shows go absolutley crazy. Great music, great stage presence, great band... GET THIS CD!
You can check out thier tunes at: www.sledgeback.com & www.myspace.com/sledgeback
You won't be disappointed!!!
link: http://www.punknews.com/review.detail.aspx?id=ef1a7357-6d11-41f0-8319-fd2e92720d37
NEO-ZINE (2005)
Sledgeback (American Punk)
Neo-zine:: Please introduce the members of the band
Sledgeback: John Tailbone-Drums
Gabi Hun-Guitar;Vocals
KCB-Bass,Vocals
Neo-zine:: Tell us why you chose to call the band Sledgeback?
Sledgeback: I felt like it fits us.Fits our music.The guys said it sounds good even if it doesn't have any meaning.It's Sledgeback..The meaning of it is the band,the songs and us.That's Sledgeback.
Neo-zine:: Any of you guys have to take on other jobs, or are you able to sustain yourselves doing music
Sledgeback: The jobs we have can't be considered full time jobs,because we are always on the road.We have to take long vacations that do not pay, so if we don't make some money we go broke fast.
Neo-zine:: Who does the song writing? What is the writing process like for you?
Sledgeback: Usually I bring the ideas but we all work on the songs. It's not fully developed until everyone brings his own little part to it and when we are all satisfied with the cut we call it done.Normally we don't really overwrite songs.We put small parts into it but nothing serious.Once it's done it's done..The lyrics always need more time.I have about 200-300 pieces of paper fully written with sentences and lyric parts.I use these and round it to the song(s)..
Neo-zine:: How would you explain your sound to those who have not heard your music?
Sledgeback: American punk rock with Hungarian accent ('cuz of my ugly accent) with a lot of melodies./We can call the language HUNGLISH..haha/.We have influences just like any other band and we take that with pride.We don't have anything to hide.The bands that we like obviously will color our songs too...
Neo-zine:: What really separates your music from that of other people playing similar styles?
Sledgeback: What I hear every day from people mostly is how my accent mixes with my deep voice.They say it's original...and they never heard anything like this before.../Thanx/ I think and hope I am lucky with the voice that I have.That's probably the biggest thing that really separates us from other similar groups.No whining here.
Neo-zine:: Tell us about the new CD “People’s Choice.”
Sledgeback: It's the first official full length of the band.For me it's a "degree"..this is the first album I sing English.(I DID NOT speak English about 6 yrs ago..not a word basically..) This is probably one of the biggest things in my life I did untill now.For the band as one, it's a package with 2 years of sweat in it that has a nice little cover..
Neo-zine:: What sorts of things do you like to write about?
Sledgeback: Basically life,stories,lost things,friends,good and bad times..nothing about perfect blue sky and pink sportcars..I write true lyrics about true things.I don't have million dollar castle with ten cars and perfect life..I can't write about it.Most of the lyrics you hear is something that happened in my life before.That's the way our lyrics are.And that's the way they will be.
Neo-zine:: What’s a day of recording like with Sledgeback?
Sledgeback: Since the members changed a few months ago I will have to wait to tell you that experience with the guys.
I will tell you when we recorded the new album so you will have the freshest news.
Neo-zine:: How have the reviewers been treating the new CD? Any best/ worst reviews?
Sledgeback: We've had both.But I would say more than seventy percent of the reviews were very good.And if I read a bad one I tried to learn from it.Noone will pull you down without a reason.If someone does that that's a jealous looser or a straight hater of the stuff you do.
Neo-zine:: Where’d you get your cover art? IS that guy on the cover the Sledgeback mascot?
Sledgeback: An artist friend of mine made it in Seattle.Most of his drawings are about skeletons..but he has other great pics too.Yes, the guy will appear on the next cd too so we can call it the Sledgeback mascot.
Neo-zine:: Do you play much live? What’s the show like?
Sledgeback: We play a lot.We've played more than 100 shows in less than a year and a half.The shows are usually very good.We always have a lot of fun with our friends...and of course the road.We love it and hate it.
If a show doesn't work out that good we still hang out afterwords and give free stuff to the pepole and party.We are always open for our friends.
Neo-zine:: Are you a very image conscious band?
Sledgeback: I know you can't play guitar with your hair but it doesn't mean you have to look shitty on purpose.Isn't that right?
Neo-zine:: Are you getting some radio play?
Sledgeback: Yes.What I've heard from people we are getting airtime in Seattle-Tacoma; Sacramento and somewhere in Canada.I 've heard us once in Seattle.But I don't listen to much radio.
Neo-zine:: Tell us about your web presence?
Sledgeback: Our official website is: www.sledgeback.com and we have a site on myspace too.It's www.myspace.com/sledgeback
Neo-zine:: Have you done any videos?
Sledgeback: We started one but we never finished it because our tours and shows took all of our time last year.We will have one for 2006.
Neo-zine:: Tell us about any plans for the future. Any new recording?
Sledgeback: Yes.We are working on the new album.It should be out in May 2006.It will follow the style of the first one.If you liked that , you will like the new one too.No disappointments.I promise.
Neo-zine:: Anything else you would like to talk about?
Sledgeback: You know when I had the first fucked up little demos I remember we looked for a second guitarist.I asked a lot of people and they were laughing and telling me::"Dude,I don't have time for ya."..Some of these guys came around lately after peeps started show up at our gigs, and asked if we still need someone 'cuz as they say "you guys are pretty cool"..I have a message for them: Go fuck yourself..
DISHEVELED MAGAZINE Sept.2005
"Out of nowhere"
By Peter Woodburn
Members of local West coast punk-influenced band Sledgeback love playing on the road and can't wait to get back out. They play The Showbox on Sept. 9, and they will start a barrage of west coast stops. The 13-date tour will include Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, The San Francisco Bay Area and Spokane among the stops.
"We are hitting all the places that we hit before and new ones too," said Hungarian born Gabor Hun, the guitarist and vocalist. "In the other cities, we have our friends in bigger bands and in the local scene to play with.
Fresh off playing at the Gorge for the Vans Warped Tour, the trio has been steadily at work on new material for the upcoming tour and a new EP. "If you see the new set list its more than 60 percent brand new songs, and we wrote it together in about a month," Hun said.
Sledgeback's music is based on old-school West coast punk with Hun's raspy and tough-sounding vocals holding the fast melodies together. Hun admits his voice and the bands music draws comparisons to Rancid and Social Distortion, and he sites both of them as influences, but added they don't try to copy other bands. "I know they compare us, and on our side, we are pretty happy about that," Hun said. "But still, we would like to be known as Sledgeback." "Down the road, you just kind of find your own sound," drummer Johnny O said.
The EP will be the first follow up to People's Choice, released late last year on Sliver Records.
It will also be the first time the current line-up has recorded together. Hun started the band a little more than a year ago as four piece band with John Bakody on bass, Cancer Mike on guitar, Dread on drums and Hun on lead guitar and singing. They released People's Choice, and toured up and down the West ... over and over again. After almost a year in the band, the road began to take its toll on the members and they parted ways.
"We didn't have any personal problems with each other," Hun said. "Later down the road it got hard with touring, and it got hard on me too, but they are really good guys."
Following the departure, Hun recruited drummer Johnny O "The Looch" of Jaded 52 and local bassist Jason Buttino. So far, the new dynamic has worked well. "For the amount of time that we've been playing, we are really coming together fast," Johnny O said.
As a longtime Seattle music veteran, Johnny O sees a strong future for the band and the scene as well. He said there were years when clubs wouldn't put punk rock bands on bills, but he sees it changing. "Punk bands or pop-punk bands, it's cool to see it all come together," Johnny O added. "I have seen some better shows and more people coming out. I am pretty optimistic about the scene here."
In the future, the trio hopes to record some of the new material for an EP. On top of all that, they also plan to play shows in Chicago, New York, and in Europe in Spring 2006. They also just played at this year's Warped Tour on the Hot Topic stage.
"The funny thing was that I recognized a lot of people from out of state, from Idaho and Montana, and they came to see Sledgeback," Hun said. It was the bands first show together, and it was The Warped Tour. "I just didn't meet one asshole," Johnny O said. "There were no divas, even while meeting some of the higher up bands.
Sledgeback is dying to get their musical message out. They plan to keep touring, writing, and recording new songs. Hun also informed the band of one other intention. He said since the band gets compared to Social Distortion, he wants to cover their song, Bad Luck. "I wrote Hungarian lyrics for it and I'll send it to Mike Ness. That's the plan," he said.