Hardrock Haven
Band of the Month / July: Sweet Cyanide
by John KindredStaff Writer
Sweet Cyanide is a band born in the boroughs of New York City from the remnants of Crashbox and Moment Theory. Merging two halves to equal the whole, vocalist/guitarist Sal Scoca and bassist Angelo Fariello have joined with drummer Mike Bambace and guitarist Joe Salvatore. The group’s 10-song, self-titled studio release is a musical event that reaches back in time and hooks into the theatrical ‘70s while lumbering forward, aspiring toward future greatness.
Historically, Sweet Cyanide is a relative newcomer to the music scene. Beginning in the fall of ’08, Socca describes the direction of the band, “I want Sweet Cyanide to sound like we just got dropped here from space. As a kid, I really believed KISS was KISS and Bowie was his persona. I want people to feel that strongly about the uniqueness and power of Sweet Cyanide.”
Eccentric, eclectic and, at times, a bit campy, the album is awash with songs that as disjointed as described fit into a cohesive collection of compelling music. The music harnesses the angst of youth as well as maturity that defy logic for a debut release. Much of that can be attributed to each musician having honed his skills during their previous exploits.
Each band member brings his own level of insanity to the group. “All four of us are literally insane — but each in a totally different way,” proclaims Angelo Fariello. Scoca is the “evil genius,” Salvatore is the “mad scientist,” Bambaces is the “glue” holding it all together while Fariello’s influences lend to his own unique style.
Each song on the album was written in running order … from the opener “Crash Theory,” a song that tips it hat to Crashbox and Moment Theory, all the way to the finale, “When We Were Young.” The music runs the gambit from Green Day-ish simplicity to Beatle-esque vocal harmonies. Tracking the majority of the songs in a haunted studio in New York adds to the ambiance and depth of the music. The band’s willingness to experiment and think outside of the box helps to fill the music out creatively.
At the end of the day, Sweet Cyanide are four individuals striving to create one unique sound. On their debut release, they certainly find the “sweet spot.” The 10-song album has the magic and creativity to garner the interest of rock fans.
Hardrock Haven
Band of the Month/July: Sweet Cyanide
Hardrock Haven
Band of the Month / July: Sweet Cyanide
by John KindredStaff Writer
Sweet Cyanide is a band born in the boroughs of New York City from the remnants of Crashbox and Moment Theory. Merging two halves to equal the whole, vocalist/guitarist Sal Scoca and bassist Angelo Fariello have joined with drummer Mike Bambace and guitarist Joe Salvatore. The group’s 10-song, self-titled studio release is a musical event that reaches back in time and hooks into the theatrical ‘70s while lumbering forward, aspiring toward future greatness.
Historically, Sweet Cyanide is a relative newcomer to the music scene. Beginning in the fall of ’08, Socca describes the direction of the band, “I want Sweet Cyanide to sound like we just got dropped here from space. As a kid, I really believed KISS was KISS and Bowie was his persona. I want people to feel that strongly about the uniqueness and power of Sweet Cyanide.”
Eccentric, eclectic and, at times, a bit campy, the album is awash with songs that as disjointed as described fit into a cohesive collection of compelling music. The music harnesses the angst of youth as well as maturity that defy logic for a debut release. Much of that can be attributed to each musician having honed his skills during their previous exploits.
Each band member brings his own level of insanity to the group. “All four of us are literally insane — but each in a totally different way,” proclaims Angelo Fariello. Scoca is the “evil genius,” Salvatore is the “mad scientist,” Bambaces is the “glue” holding it all together while Fariello’s influences lend to his own unique style.
Each song on the album was written in running order … from the opener “Crash Theory,” a song that tips it hat to Crashbox and Moment Theory, all the way to the finale, “When We Were Young.” The music runs the gambit from Green Day-ish simplicity to Beatle-esque vocal harmonies. Tracking the majority of the songs in a haunted studio in New York adds to the ambiance and depth of the music. The band’s willingness to experiment and think outside of the box helps to fill the music out creatively.
At the end of the day, Sweet Cyanide are four individuals striving to create one unique sound. On their debut release, they certainly find the “sweet spot.” The 10-song album has the magic and creativity to garner the interest of rock fans.
Hardrock Haven