The Generals

The Generals were deployed in the summer of 2005 by longtime Sacramento music vets Matt Sertich (vocals, guitars, piano) and Kirk Janowiak (drums, programming, keyboards, backing vocals). Following the disbandment of the musicians’ former endeavors, Zero to Heaven and Pocket Change, The Generals were born in Janowiak’s kitchen as a studio project purposed to re-imagine and reinstitute the sound—a climactic, soaring hybrid of modern programming and classic rock riffs—that Sertich and Janowiak had been slowly, somewhat unconsciously evolving throughout their 15 some odd years of collaboration.



The result, a guerrilla-style series of early recordings that employed a synthesizer, a laptop, recorded keyboard and temporary drum tracks, was prolific, and it eventually led to a five-song demo entitled “Trains”. At this point The Generals felt another member was needed in order to perform live so they recruited the bass playing skills of Blane Barker. With Blane in place, The Generals recorded and released their first official album, “Save Me” in 2007, proclaiming to critics and fans alike the band’s ability to deftly maneuver sprawling, emotion-packed ballads with a three-part compass magnetized by tightly wrought percussion and defiant, iron-clad vocals. After several years spent performing throughout Sacramento and along the West Coast, Blane parted ways leaving The Generals to soldier on as a 2 piece once again. Only this time around they had felt they didn't need to find another bass player. The Generals recently released their first full-length CD, a self-titled album recorded with Joe Johnston (Deftones, Cake).



Though comprised of only two members, The Generals have altered the game, delivering a live show that lays it all on the line and commands as much attention as a five-piece ensemble. This is not music for the injured and the defeated, but ammunition for those who believe in the beauty of second chances.



-Anna Ritner