Campus band sets the `standard' with new CD
Corey Hartmann
Scene Music Critic
One of the greatest things in the world is when you buy or come across a CD that you know absolutely nothing about, listen to it and then really enjoy it.
The only thing I knew about American Standard is that they were a campus band, had just released their first album and recently had a gig at Benchwarmer's. After listening to their CD for the first time, I also came to another observation: I really wish I had gone to Benchwarmer's to see them play live.
The band, consisting of vocalist Holly Hoffman, lead guitarist Chris Osos, rhythm guitarist Dan Puccini, bassist Tom Hayes, and newly appointed drummer Grant Ramsey, has come a long way since their first gig at the NAZZ Battle of the Bands last April. Despite being together for just three weeks, the band, then known as Sarcastik Bite, made a very impressive showing at its first public appearance.
After taking the summer off, the band came back into the new school year with a new perspective and a new name, American Standard. During the fall semester, the band built up a strong reputation as a live act by playing numerous shows at Corby's, Benchwarmer's, house parties and other campus shows. With requests for an album pouring in , the band entered the studio a little earlier than planned. And now, after creating a fan base, the band has their debut release available for anyone to listen to their fresh, original grooves.
The CD, released and self-funded on the band's Big City Records label, starts off strong with some of the band's best songs. "Keep Away From," "Every Time I Win" and "Perfect Girl" are all fast, up-tempo songs with great lyrics and beats. The album continues on with songs like "Lucky," "Hold On Tight" and "4 Million Miles." "Minnesota One," however, was the song that I listened to over and over.
"Minnesota One" and "Every Time I Win" are probably the band's strongest marks on the album. But the band's greatest asset would have to be the sweet yet edgy, versatile voice of lead singer Hoffman. Her voice has a Gwen Stefani-like sound, but still unique enough to blend perfectly with the band. This talented young singer, who can tackle anything from Guns 'N Roses to The Cardigans, has the potential to lead American Standard to larger venues, even outside of good ol' South Bend.
I think these guys are going to be around for a while. They sure deserve to be. The band, however, currently marketing its album on the Internet, has recently stumbled upon other bands with the same name. In addition to the trademark infringement issue with a certain toilet manufacturer, fans should watch for another name change sometime soon. Armed with a yet-to-be-decided new name, the band will fine tune their live show for a national tour in the summer of 2000.
All Scene Stories for Tuesday, March 21, 2000
