RockFeedback

Cymbals Eat Guitars

09.11.09

BIOGRAPHY

Leading the next wave of outstanding bands out of New York (Staten Island to be specific) is the four piece Cymbals Eat Guitars. Founded by high school friends and band mates - vocalist, guitarist and lyricist Joseph D'Agostino and drummer Matthew Miller - Cymbals Eat Guitars were rounded out after bassist Neil Berenholz and keyboardist Brian Hamilton answered D'Agostino's ad for musicians on Craigslist.

The band's first album, Why There Are Mountains, which was self-released earlier this year, showcases the talent of a group on the brink of stardom. Charles Bissel of The Wrens, early this year declared something of a self-fulfilling prophecy- "I’ll be the first to go on record saying that Cymbals Eat Guitars will end up indie famous within the year." With a "Best New Music" tag by the indie-staple site Pitchfork.com and glowing reviews from the NME calling WTAM ‘one of the best 'indie' (the album is self-released, so, y'know, actually 'indie') albums of the year,’ Bissel seems to be right.

The band's DYI success has been noticed internationally as well, including touring with Pains of Being Pure at Heart. D’Agostino describes their live show as ‘ a thrilling rock show-- four dudes valiantly attempting to bring a beastly overdub fest live, and succeeding in most instances in my opinion. A ton of energy, a ton of sweat.’

Joseph Ferocious (Joseph D'Agostino) and Matthew Miller attended Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey where they graduated in the class of 2006 together. D’Agostino says of the time, ‘Matt and I cut our teeth and learned how to play rock music through Weezer. I’m sure there are some vestigial elements quietly informing our current incarnation, but it mainly provided a basis for essaying those first steps into songwriting. Weezer’s music is perfect for formative years. As a kid you’re partially in awe of the obvious virtuosity but at the same time it’s accessible enough to imitate and learn from.’

Weezer were a goof fit in their teens, but now D’aGostino and co prefer comparisons to Pavement, saying ‘The first four records hit home like few others, though Wowee Zowee is my personal favourite. To me, ‘Gold Soundz’ is the ideal song. The lyrics, in conjunction with the melody and the slinky, jangly vibe are perfectly sad, and that guitar nirvana in the middle has influenced every note I've played since I heard it for the first time. ‘Shady Lane’ is great too, I think that was the first Pavement song I heard.”

“In terms of how WTAM was shaped by these influences, I can really only think of one moment where I was like, ‘Hey, I need to do something like that!’ I had just bought the Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain reissue, I popped in the second disc, and by the time that joyous, ecstatic two-chord freak at the end of ‘All My Friends’ had finished, I knew I would be unfulfilled in any occupation other than music-making.”

After responding to D’Agostino’s Craigslist ad, bassist Neil Berenholz, guitarist Matt Cohen, and keyboardist Daniel Baer joined, followed shortly by D’Agostino’s former musical companion in high school, drummer Matt Miller in Feb 2008.

The fact that two members are presently in their early 20s and the other two are in their early 30s has been no hindrance to the band. After all, both D’Agostino and Miller are way beyond their years as capable musicians. If anything, the varying levels of experience contributes to their unique sound even more, even if two of the five members occasionally get irritated that they are the only ones in the band that are unable to legally purchase alcohol. Humorous incidents aside though, the chemistry within the group is undeniable, and that certainly is shown on their extremely impressive debut.

NEWS

Cymbals Eat Guitars re-released their debut LP Why There Are Mountains this September 22nd through Sister's Den Records and are currently on tour, playing in London supporting The Flaming Lips at the Troxy and headlining the Rockfeedback club night at the Lexington on 12th November. See below for dates.