Terasoma EP
Release Date: June 22, 2018
Label: No Trend Records
Pre-order HERE
TRACKLIST
1. UVB_76
2. _violence
3. this_could_be_it
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BIO
An avantist by definition is to be an avant-gardist– to emphasize, practice, and celebrate experimental and unorthodox methods and techniques, and to incorporate this into a craft. Avantist (the band) is four Hispanic brothers from Chicago who churn out post-rock, and whose name and music aptly fit the term.
Growing up on the South side of Chicago the four Arias brothers’ family, although Americanized, made sure to instill a knowledge and understanding of their culture and heritage that runs deep to this day. A strong tie in family values is one example of these traditions. As kids, the brothers prioritized intense video game battles and immersed themselves in movies and music. Within their semi-sheltered reality of a childhood, they grew up doing everything together. This would make for the unshakeable bond they share today.
Their father, born and raised in Mexico, has a classically trained voice that took him all over the country. Upon moving to the States and entering Chicago in the late 80’s, he earned a job as a Chicago radio personality for La Tremenda, a Hispanic radio station. The boys would dig through all the promotional material their father was given. There were VHS tapes full of music videos, posters, t-shirts, and CDs, and in those treasures they found something that would, unbeknownst to them, kickstart their musical journey: a copy of Cafe Tacuba’s 1994 studio release, Re.
Even though they were not playing music during that time, the record was a catalyst that transformed their idea of what art was and could be. Cafe Tacuba’s transitions from rock, to funk, to punk, and to traditional Mexican sounds opened a whole new artistic perspective for the brothers. From then on, every type of music rang through the halls of their household, and their love of movies grew to encompass foreign, independent, and experimental films. With the sudden boom in artistic outlets and inspirations, their desire to perform live grew stronger.
In 2008, after a slight obsession with the video game Rock Band, the brothers eventually grew weary and came to the realization that they already possessed the tools they really needed in the basement of their home. Each one slipped effortlessly into a role: Fernando, the loud and charismatic frontman; Erick, the rolling bass foundation; David, the frantic and innovative guitarist; and Luis, the disciplined drum prodigy. Thus, Avantist was born.
The brothers in Avantist have dedicated the last decade of their lives making music that proves to fully live up to this idea of the avant-garde. Their music revolves around the philosophy that art is and should be progressive, dynamic, and unconventional, and that creativity is something to incorporate into every single aspect of life. They continuously strive to challenge themselves as artists, as well as to challenge their listeners.
This April, Avantist will finally see the release of their first full-length album come to fruition through the help of Chicago based label No Trend Records. The self-titled LP is a record that is years in the making, with the process beginning in June 2014 and ending in June 2016. Electrical Audio Studios in Chicago is where the Avantist began their meticulous writing and recording process with album producer Andy Spillman, ultimately utilizing several different studios and talented engineers. They worked continuously and endlessly, the goal being to perfect and duplicate the electricity of their live performance. They brought in Adrian Terrazas-Gonzalez (saxophonist in The Mars Volta) to record on two of their heaviest tracks, adding an element that pushes the music to dizzying heights. The album is 11 tracks that tells Avantist’s story and includes underlying themes of family, love, and loss. Packed with post-rock viciousness while simultaneously switching over to melodic harmonies with a hint of R&B, each track is unpredictable from start to finish. This record is the definition of Avantist.
Their follow-up EP, Terasoma, due out June (also through No Trend Records), had the brothers step out of their comfort zone. In contrast to the two years they spent on their first LP, within the span of a month, Avantist forced themselves to shape, write, record, mix, and master all new music with the help of long-time friend and producer Yuki Tasaka. In an unfamiliar work process with a set goal in mind, the brothers were energized and unflinching in their creation. As hard-hitting as ever, Avantist has made a successor that is as every bit raucous and infectious as their previous release. This is their next step. Excited to adapt and eager to continue creating, Avantist is moving forward.
“Blending punk energy with prog technicality, this experimental quartet – all brothers – has a unique, dynamic, and ear-catching sound.” – Bandcamp Daily
“On their debut album, Avantist show they’re one of the best bands in Chicago.” – Chicago Reader
“These boys have a unique, nostalgic, and precise sound fueled by a strong sense of voice and heart.” – Chicago Tribune
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