This week’s Band of the Week are The Crash Moderns. This five-piece, power-pop band from New York City have a sound that is an exciting mix of retro-pop –- The Cars, Cheap Trick and Elvis Costello –- and modern pop-rock with a new-wave twist. The Crash Moderns frisky, mercurial brand of music is a perfect complement for many of the big name pop acts they have supported — Lifehouse, American Hi-Fi, Bowling For Soup, and Bon Jovi.
TCM’s fresh bubblegum guitar-rock hooks with tapestries of synth and frontman Danny Roselle’s ability to write perfect three-minute pop songs combine to create energetic and playful sounds. And they have fabulous hair, like a modern day Flock Of Seagulls.
The Crash Moderns — Danny Roselle (vocals & guitar), Jon Matias (guitar), Joe “Don Juan of Evil” Merrigan (bass), Jimmi Kane (drums) and Tommy Eichmann (keyboards) –- formed back in 2004 when frontman Danny and Jon Matias decided they should do something together. Since the recent release of their self-titled five track EP, they have been showcasing and touring in both the US and Canada. But they are now back in New York and working on a new, full-length album.
When I interviewed Danny I found him to be a funny, intelligent, and flirtatiously mischievous guy who is very serious about his music. Danny is a New York Italian whose natural effervescent energy is very obvious in his song writing. And I couldn’t help but notice he looks a little like Carlo Imperato who coincidentally played a character named Danny in the 80’s TV show Fame.
How did The Crash Moderns become a band?
Well, Jon and I formed The Crash Moderns Halloween 2004. We had known each other for a while, and decided that it was time to really focus on putting something together that we both really believed in.
We started writing material and entered the recording studio a short time after, laying down the tracks which would eventually become our EP. We then decided that it was time to put the live unit together, and started touring almost immediately.
After a few line-up switches… first to come into the fold was our amazing drummer Jimmi Kane. He was a friend of Jon's, and they had played together in a former band. Then we held auditions for bassists. We got Joe thru a NYC trade paper ad we had run. Joe was playing in a bunch of NYC bands at the time, and when he walked in the room we immediately got a good vibe. I think it was partly due to the fact he plugged his bass in, looked at me and said “Hey, I'm Joe. Please let me know if I'm too loud, if so, I'll make sure to turn up!” Last to join the line-up is Tommy. He is our brand new keyboardist. He actually just joined the band a very short time ago, and I think his head is still spinning.
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1 - Connie Phillips
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