AFTER’s own music, notably on their latest six-song EP Life, is at once firmly grounded in infectious modern rock ‘n’ roll combined with introspective lyrics, often dealing with “not losing your center or letting technology, or the frenetic pace of modern society, take you away.”
2013’s Life is a “snapshot of where we were at the time,” while the band’s upcoming record, to be produced by 15-time Grammy winner Thom Russo (Audioslave, Juanes, AFI) will show even a feistier side of the band. “We’re a hard rock band, but we have something bubbling under that’s left of center. Unleashing and channeling my classical influences is really adding to our sounds, and I like to work with strings,” Freitas says.
Freitas has a history that’s as colorful as AFTER’s explosive stage show. Born in Lisbon, Portugal, Freitas grew up immersed in classical piano music including Debussy, Chopin, and Mahler; “the more chances they took, the crazier the chords, the more I loved it,” he remembers.
Freitas relocated to LA and the band underwent a few lineup changes, but when Denis joined it kicked into high gear, further supplemented by the addition of Robbins in 2013. Though they’re a trio, AFTER manages to utilize both guitars and keyboards, as Freitas explains: “I’m just doing the Geddy Lee thing, but on guitar,” he laughs, referring to the RUSH bassist/vocalist. “There’s a keyboard next to me while I’m singing and playing guitar, so I pull triple duty when it’s needed.”
Denis’ recorded debut with the band was on the four-song EP Edges of the World, helmed by multi-platinum producer Barrett Yeretsian of “Jar Of Hearts” fame; the song “Edges of the World” was subsequently re-recorded for 2013’s Life (produced by Staffan Österlind and Evan Rodaniche [Powerman 5000, Cage 9]) with a faster tempo.
Videos complement the AFTER package of powerful recordings and frenzied live gigs. AFTER recently shot a video for “Soberland” at SIR’s Hollywood soundstage, while the “Edges of the World” clip came out in March 2014.
Prior to the headliners, there were four opening acts that played this show, the only one worth a mention being the third band in the lineup, LA-based progressive hard rock
Available to purchase “Life” ep on iTunes on March 17th.
Now avail on iTunes is the 2nd Single “Soberland” from the band’s ep titled “Life”.
“Soberland” Video debuts this Wed March 11th on Artist Direct. Video will feature Marey Carey. Video directed by Bill Montei and produced by Don Hamister.
Watch the brand new video “Edges of the World” now on Youtube!
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