The Wake: Written By Jenny Odegard
At first it was hard for me to figure out what it was I found appealing about Apparently Nothing’s new album Sprawl as I listened to it in my car. The lyrics are serious, the hooks are catchy, and the production is clean, but something beyond that was motivating me from one song to the next. At last, the answer arrived to me somewhere around track four. As I glanced down at the back of the CD case–while trying my best to stay on the right side of the road–I noticed that I was listening to a song called “Reason for Leaving” and that it was not slow, nor did it reek of desperation. It reminded me a lot of the day I figured out how to use the Gopher Way; I was warm and subtly disoriented, but delighted at my discovery. Apparently Nothing formed in Madison, WI, about four years ago. Singer/guitar player Aaron Shekey and bass player Ryan McGrew have been writing songs together since eighth grade, and the band was fully formed by their sophomore year of high school. this long-standing bond is evident in the way their playing styles connect on the album. This also contributes to their uniformity of sound and focused instrumentation. They concentrate on trying to offer something different for listeners, while still paying respect to rockers before them.Fans of classic rock and ’80s metal, Apparently Nothing combines a full rock sound and attention-grabbing solos with alternative and pop rock. The result is an album that looks and feels like what is on the radio, but maintains a more mature and complex style. “We really try not to force anything we write. Keeping our music honest is extremely important to us. Without honesty, we wouldn’t be able to play the same songs every night and still have great times and make amazing memories from performing. We keep it sincere. Fans really know when you’re bullshitting” says drummer Layne Knutson of their music direction. The other thing about Sprawl that struck me was how much fun it was to listen to. As it turns out, Apparently Nothing has a case of modern radio boredom (like many other students we know). In turning to alternative sources of music, they’ve found themselves becoming more and more influenced by what was going on 20 years ago, rather than what is going on now. “I think a lack of good modern radio programming led us to start listening exclusively to the classic rock stations … also a lot of it comes out of what is fun to play live … we all kind of realize the absurdity of it all but sometimes you can’t help rocking out to Judas Priest and Guns N’ Roses. I think we’re tapping into a similar sort of energy without all the glitz and being a little more serious about it,” relays lead vocalist Aaron Shekey. So where does that leave Apparently Nothing and where are they going from here? On Feb. 11 they’ll be in Burnsville playing at the Garage. Beyond that, the drummer Layne says “in one year, we’ll be homeless and broke, but in five we’ll have obviously realized the benefit of selling out and raking in the millions.” Let’s hope not.
Written by Mark Lush 01.21.06
Musicianship - 8.5 out of 10It’s funny; I’ve reviewed each album that Apparently Nothing has released, and it seems that every time I do, I forget what a unique experience it is! As with previous listens, I was truly impressed with each individual member’s ability to play his respective instrument! However, at first listen, I felt like the overall project was a bit messy. As I listened a second time, though, everything gelled, and I began to see the ways that Shekey and Lincoln play parts that complement each other, and I also began to see how the rhythm section members (Layne Knutson on drums and Ryan McGrew on bass) hung together while seeming to be at odds with the other instrumentalists. With each subsequent listen, the song continued to make more sense, and I began to see the true strength of this band! Each player is great at what he does! Even more amazing is the fact that each individual is also a great team player! Bands like this seem destined to do great things, because it’s very rare for creative individuals to work so well together! Here’s to the boys in the band! They are excellent musicians!
Songwriting - 8.5 out of 10I like the fact that I work in an industry where creativity is at once celebrated and castigated! People either want their music to stay exactly the same, or continually change, and artists have to decide which side of the fence to stand on! You either decide to fall in with the rank and file, or chart a new course, creating something totally different. There are risks either way, honestly. The artist may alienate their fan base, or lose them totally in the creative process. Groups like Apparently Nothing choose to keep the material fresh, unique, and different, and though they take a chance that they might lose fans along the way, they continue to search for the new approach that will provide a truly unique listening experience! Do I have to say it? Yes! I think these guys are awesome songwriters! I particularly liked the songs “Being Saved”, “All I Need” and “A Life Undone”. These three tunes are perfect examples of the abilities that this band possesses; however, every song should be heard at least once, if not multiple times!
Sound Quality/Professionalism - 9 out of 10I like the sound that Apparently Nothing has produced on this, their newest album. The guys are mature beyond their years when it comes to creating a pure, authentic Rock sound, and they go to great lengths to maintain that quality! Just take a look at the liner notes, and you’ll find many interesting facts about the making of Sprawl! The proof is in the pudding, though, and the only way that you’ll know quality is to hear it. Just pop the CD into your player, and you’ll see what I mean!
Packaging - 10 out of 10These guys are excellent musicians; in addition, they are also excellent graphic artists! They always coordinate their website with their album packaging, and make everything look very professional! The lack of lyrics in the liner notes would ordinarily cause me to rate the packaging a little lower, but everything else is done so well that I have to give credit where it’s due! Additionally, these guys are selling Sprawl, a full-length CD, for only $5! They could ask twice that amount, and people would pay it, but these guys are keeping it real for the people who love their music! They are to be commended!
Favorite TracksBeing Saved
All I Need
A Life Undone
Sprawl
I Don’t Get You
Overall Rating - 9 out of 10There are very few bands listed at MWB that have allowed me to review all of their material! This album will mark the third project that I have listened to from Apparently Nothing, so I feel as if I have watched these guys mature and grow, both as individuals and as a band. This is a band that has challenged me to step outside the bounds of conventional thought with regard to songwriting and Rock Music, and it has truly been a pleasure to work my way through their catalog! When you hear Sprawl, I hope that you’ll like it as much as I have! This CD is a departure from their formula in some ways, because they seem to have left behind some of the Geek Rock influence. They still have the emo feel to their music, but it’s somehow different! They are more progressive in their arrangements, and they are focusing more stringently on the elements of recording/playing that make their music a living, breathing entity. Think I’m out of my mind? Take a listen, and I think you’ll agree! This is a different album, and the more you listen, the more you’ll like it! Make sure to give Sprawl a listen! It’s not going to be everybody’s cup of tea, but I think hearing it will help you see how a band is able to take influences, blend them, and create something entirely unique. Apparently Nothing continues to invent and re-invent their sound, doing things that make their albums worth hearing! I’m a fan, and I think I always will be!
Hey everyone! Just a quick little update. The kind folks over at Midwest Bands have reviewed our disc, Say What You Will. How about you check that review out? It isn’t half bad. Clicky Clicky