|
Meet The Trend in the Cumberland Times-News 03.11.2008
Band continues evolution
For the Cumberland Times-News
CUMBERLAND - In the very
beginning The Trend was something just short of a joke, if only to
themselves.
In 2001, a handful of dark-suited punk rockers placed their tongues
firmly in their cheeks and their image and sound firmly in the shadow of
that immortal band of bands, The Beatles. There, for a short while at
least, they walked the invisible line between parody of and homage to
The Fab Four of the early ’60s.
It was all strictly in the name of lighthearted fun, but less than a
year into The Trend’s existence it became evident that the their talent
could not be held by the constraints of their initial intentions. Seven
years, scores of live shows, and thousands of album and mp3s sales
later, the joke is long over. Now, in 2008, Pro-Gravity records has just
released The Trend’s highly anticipated sophomore album, "Meet The
Trend."
The Trend began when Brain Twigg, the then lead vocalist for unofficial
godfathers of local hardcore punk rock, 200 North; and Kenny Tompkins,
then frontman for progressive rock outfit Luminus; discovered their
mutual admiration of classic mainstream pop music. Twigg suggested that
the two start a project that reflected more of a pop influence than
their current bands, and that he would lend his talent on drums to the
effort.
Joined by Cullen Tierney, 200 North’s viciously talented lead guitarist;
and by Dan Stevens, who had recently returned from touring with
Pittsburgh’s The Berlin Project; the group’s infusion of classic pop
song-making with punk rock sensibilities quickly won it a large
following and a reputation for intense live performances.
For several years the group performed throughout the region - a series
of shows accompanied by the 2004 release of their self-titled debut
album. The Trend remains one of Pro-Gravity Records’ continuously
best-selling albums.
To the extreme disappointment of its many followers and fans, The Trend
eventually disbanded. Not, though, before they wrote and recorded a
second album’s worth of material - material which represents, in the
words of Tompkins, lead vocalist and songwriter, "a huge step forward in
style, production, and song writing" for the group. These songs, often
favorites at The Trend’s final series of shows, nonetheless remained
unreleased - even as material from sales and downloads from their debut
album continued to grow.
Pro-Gravity Records has decided to finally give this material the chance
it deserves, and Trend fans the opportunity to experience it. "Meet The
Trend" is the sixth release for the record label, which focuses on
releasing music by artists from the Cumberland area. It follows recent
releases such as 2006’s "CMD Represents: Volume I," an anthology album
exclusively featuring bands from Western Maryland; and 2007’s "The
Enigmatic," by local hip-hop artist Truce II Headrush.
Though The Trend no longer makes music collectively, their material
lives on. And the ultra-talented members of the group, all Cumberland
area natives, still make music prolifically, if separately.
Cullen Tierney lends his bass skills to Nashville, Tennessee rockers
Delilah Why. Brian Twigg currently tours nationally as lead singer of
Carry The Torch, hardcore outfit from out of Sacramento, Calif. Dan
Stevens is lead guitarist for local hip-hop heavyweights, Heroes For
Higher. Kenny Tompkins remains one of Western Maryland’s most prolific
original musicians, appearing as a solo artist as well as heading the
collaborative efforts of The Royal Army Recording Company and The
Christmas Lights.
Pro-Gravity Records is currently supporting Heroes For Higher in their
live performance and recording efforts, and the label is also planning
to release The Christmas Lights’ debut album, "Walk Like A Human," later
this year.
More information on Meet The Trend, The Trend, and Pro-Gravity Records
can be found at
www.pro-gravity.com. "Meet
The Trend" is available at
CDBaby.com, at Apple
Itunes, and at all other major download services.
|