Hailing from Dayton Ohio, vocalist/guitarist Brian Brenner, bassist Josh Cook, and drummer Joe Presutti are preparing themselves to take over the music scene. They’ve only been together a couple months and have already released their debut 3 song EP entitled Involuntary Manslaughter along with 2 music videos. Their sound is very unique, as explained by vocalist Brian Brenner “Even though we are a heavy outfit we use a pop format for songwriting. Intro/verse/chorus and then repeat and done. We stray a little, unusual time signatures and such, but no matter what genre heavy to pop, a catchy song, is a catchy song and the pop format works well. I tune to dropped D, and all 6 strings of my guitar are tuned completely unconventional, but is one of the keys to our sound, and allows me to pull off the playing style I need to.”
Bearer of Badnews also has a plan, one that is nearly a year in the making. When I asked Brian of this plan, this is what he had to say “Before we commit to many live shows, we are recording as much as possible as well as filming an array of music videos. We are working on our website, and getting our graphic image of the band super tight and professional first.” Explains Brian, “then our plan is to promote the project and build as much of a foundation and following BEFORE we play live. I want people to be able to leave one of our shows and access as much as any band can offer, both independent and major label acts. Usually bands work the opposite. Tons of shows lead to maybe a recording, and then a self-made video here and there before the inevitable break up. That seems to be the norm.”
The uniqueness of this bands sound, the outstanding preparedness for the future, these guys are slowly and methodically carving a path that is bound to take them everywhere and anywhere they want to go. Their EP Involuntary Manslaughter is filled with gritty vocals, heavily distorted and noisy guitars, and a unrelenting rhythm section that will surely catch the attention of everyone in their path. “Our band is NOT meant for everyone. I am from the Amphetamine Reptile Records era. We are all influenced by bands such as Helmet, Quicksand, The Melvins, Guzzard, Hammerhead, and my favorite band ever UNSANE. All being major influences on us….these bands all had one thing in common. CULT FOLLOWINGS! They were the kind of bands that attracted people who appreciated the originality and cleverness they had to deliver. We write music we wanna hear, and that represents the dark side of life. People take their blessings for granted far too often. We use gruesome death shots, and crime scene photos on our site and our album artwork and videos to represent the ear blistering and abrasive style of rock we play, as well as a reminder of how bad things CAN get.”
I asked Brian how the three of them became this monster known as Bearer of Badnews, this was his response “Well Joe Presutti, our drummer and I have been friends for years. We are both drummers, but in this band I knew I wanted to front the project. I play guitar, some bass, and mainly drums until now. Knowing I wanted a really heavily distorted and distressed sounding voice, and didn’t know anyone suited for the job, so I assumed the role as the band’s voice. Josh Cook, our bass player is one of the tattooers at my tattoo shop Truth & Triumph. We got together and jammed a couple of times and had the first 3 songs we wrote pretty locked in. We knew from that point, This is gonna work! Those 3 songs are basically the first EP.”
There is no denying that these guys were meant to be doing what they are doing. They’ve been through the norm of playing in local bands and now they are setting forth to take a different route and make a huge name for themselves. I would keep my eyes on these guys as they take this musical journey unlike they have ever gone before. They will undoubtly be a force to be reckoned with in the very near future!
Rating: 5/5 Stars!
Album Name: Involuntary Manslaughter
Date Released: April, 2012
Genres: Metal, Hard Rock
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Band Members: Brian Brenner, Josh Cook, Joe Presutti
Website: http://www.bearerofbadnewsmusic.com
