TO BUY SHIRTS GO HERE!!! www.theneplusultra.bigcartel.com
Introducing the unique musical adventure that is The Ne Plus Ultra. This Houston band is comprised of musical powerhouses, vocalist Johanna Russell and bassist Don Russell, along with keyboard/beat whiz, Gus (K!dbe@t) Solis. This team, who have decades of combined experience in the local and national music scene (K!dbe@t formerly of the band Aftershock – Retrograde Records and Don Russell formerly of Small Craft Advisory), have spent the last year recording and engineering 'Drop In', their first album together as The Ne Plus Ultra.
In late 2009 the band had a record deal in place with national distribution! However, days after mulling over the contract and its stipulations the band decided to decline the offer and do it all on their own. They opened the label Habitue' Records in hopes of making it easier for their music to be available to their fans. Currently the label is working on a distribution deal that will enable this to happen!
The Ne Plus Ultra have released two albums prior to 'Drop In.' The first, aptly named 'The Joy of Swank,' is filled with melodic electronic jazzy lounge tunes. It also happens to be where you can hear the earliest version of the fan favorite, Blue Angel, a catchy ballad demanding, "bring me love/that's all I ask of you", sung in the fairer Russell's signature hauntingly dramatic yet dreamy and angelic, vocal style. On the next go around, '66 cc's of swank,' The Ne Plus started to incorporate more of a progressive rock feel into their sound via heavier guitars, less electronic touches, and some epic, rock anthem songwriting. We hear Blue Angel evolve, and are exposed to Elysian and Cold Day for the first time. Whatever was in those '66 cc's', it really wanted to rock!
Furthering the musical evolution, 'Drop In,' seems to have embraced the best of its predecessors, and added many new facets to The Ne Plus Ultra style. Johanna's vocals are as strong and beautiful as ever, and remain the grounding element throughout all three albums. Don's dulcet and at times galloping bass lines set the groove and thanks to K!dbe@t, 'Drop In' is peppered with bits of jazzy lounge samples, funky beats and scratches that really round out the musical experience. Joining The Ne Plus is Dave Montgomery on guitar, and Chooch Davila on drums.
Andrea Wiste
Public Relations and Artist Communications – Habitue' Records
