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| Debut Album from In Theory Sometimes getting kicked out of religious school can be good for a band's development.Case in point: In Theory--Theo Gersht (guitar and lead vocals), Avromie Summers (lead guitar), Sam White (bass) and Aaron Revivo (drums)--whose debut album, This Is It, is due out June 5 on Shelter From the Storm Records (distribution by ADA). The first single, "A New Medication, " is officially being serviced to radio on March 13, although it had its broadcast premiere on the "Locals Only" show on KROQ-FM in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 5, helping to give the single an early buzz. In Theory began when Theo, a classically trained pianist and composer, discovered the guitar. He and Aaron formed the band which, after some line-up changes and the addition of Sam and Avromie, became In Theory. After Theo and Sam were expelled from their religious high school for playing music after hours, the band's bond was stronger than ever. But they never lost touch with their Orthodox Jewish faith, which includes not performing shows on the Sabbath (or Shabbat, as it is called in Hebrew, lasting from Friday night to Saturday night). Due to parental pressure, the band was in danger of breaking up last year when by happy accident, they found themselves at a private post-Grammy Awards party thrown for another band—who didn't show up. In Theory stepped in to play, and caught the attention of veteran producer/musicians Vincent Bitetti and Barry Fasman, who almost immediately signed them to their new label, Shelter From the Storm Records. Working with producers Fasman and Bitetti was a real learning experience for the band. "We'd recorded songs before, " explains Theo, "but we'd never been produced before. Those guys really challenged us and made us work very hard, but they also listened to us, so it was a real collaboration between people with very different experiences and with very different musical ideas." The end result exceeded both the band's and the producers' expectations. "Barry and Vince taught us that patience and focus will get you where you want to go, " Theo concludes. Over the last three years In Theory has recorded demos in their garage, built a following on MySpace (over 160, 000 plays to date) and played live wherever they could. In Theory has gone from gigs after school at the local community center to playing the biggest clubs and venues in their hometown (Los Angeles). They've shared bills with such artists as Papa Roach, Hawthorne Heights, Relient K, Plain White T's, Anberlin, Story of the Year, Alien Ant Farm and Hellogoodbye. Fast, loud rhythms layered with bar chords and lyrics that betray a wisdom beyond their years, the band's sound is at once rebellious and infectious. Although they are often compared to Green Day or The Offspring, and is labeled an Alternative or Pop/Punk band, In Theory reject such labels. Asks Sam, "Alternative to what?" "We play what we like, " Avromie concludes. The album title, This Is It, can be taken in many different contexts. "In addition to meaning this is I.T. (In Theory), " explains Theo Gersht, "it's also an answer to all our friends who think we've fallen off the face of the earth over the last eighteen months. This album is why we couldn't make it to the birthday party or the graduation ceremony or why we were in Texas last Thanksgiving instead of at your house." The first single from This Is It, "A New Medication, " reflects the band's frustration and empathy over losing a friend to alcoholism. "Many of the songs on the album are about relationships, " observes Theo, "but they're not necessarily boy-girl relationships. 'A New Medication' is a good example of that. We worked very closely with this guy, but alcohol was a huge problem." Theo is quick to point out, however, that the single isn't a "message song, " and that it can be interpreted many ways. "We left the lyrics non-specific on purpose, so that more people could relate to it." Other songs take their inspirations from friends, lovers and parents. Meanwhile, In Theory recently caught the attention of RKS Guitars, who signed them to a full sponsorship. They'll be bringing their new gear on the road in the coming weeks, with dates to be announced shortly. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |