Dubbed "rock n' roll classicists" and "an eclectic synthesis of psychedelic grunge and classic rock" by Chicago press Model Stranger's sound and unique look has pleased rock and roll purists, indie rock fans, and casual listeners all the same. Their variety of sonic influences covers ground of which fans have described as ranging from Tom Petty and David Bowie to Pearl Jam and Muse.
While taking a break from the road, Model Stranger has been in the studio working on songs and additional material for a follow up to their debut release "Dreams & Bones". This next effort is proving to be a more focused studio project which contrasts to the approach taken on their first record. Priding themselves on their live prowess they recently released "Live at the Double Door" which showcases select tracks from a 2011 performance. The band will be releasing first listens and sneak peeks of their new material throughout the Winter/Spring of 2012.
Taking a live performance driven approach into the studio on "Dreams & Bones", the band completed a record that exhibited a raw and authentic quality in part thanks to an analog recording process. The record charted on CMJ charts across the country following its release in April 2010. While maintaining a dedicated following in Chicago, Model Stranger continued making fans around the greater Midwest and extended markets by remaining arduous to the road performing over 150 dates in their first 18 months as a band. To add to the collection of videos online from their growing fan base, the band recently released a video for the live and radio favored "Where Do We Go From Here?"
Model Stranger - made up of Stephen Francis (vocals/guitar), Kevin James (bass) and Vincent Joseph (Drums) is the epitome of a DIY band.This rock trio has worked the Midwest scene very diligently with an impressive list of successful regional tours. In addition to sharing the stage with popular national acts such as Our Lady Peace, Local H, Sister Hazel, and Neon Trees, Model Stranger has performed at famous Chicago clubs and festivals such as; The Metro, Congress Theater, Double Door, and Cubby Bear. Model Stranger also co-headlined the 2009 I AM FEST, and played at the 2009, 2010 Taste of Chicago festival, and Taste of Lincoln Festival 2010, 2011.
While the band will not be abandoning life on the road entirely in 2012, the majority of their focus will be new songs that will be used for an unscheduled release this year.
For more information, interviews and booking inquiries contact management@modelstranger.com
Chicago power trio Model Stranger will be bringing their blend of rock and roll to the masses on April 24th, 2010 with the release of their full length debut "Dreams & Bones"
An eclectic synthesis of psychedelic grunge and classic rock, Model Stranger's sound has been described as "akin to an off beat conversation between a deprived Thom Yorke and an angry John Lennon dissecting the modern challenges of the human condition."
Taking a live performance driven approach into the studio to record "Dreams & Bones" like so many of the great classic rock bands of the 1970s, the band - made of singer/guitarist Stephen Francis, bassist Kevin James, and drummer Vincent Joseph - captures an energy and excitement in their music vacant in most indie rock releases today. While the record exhibits an intoxicating raw and authentic quality in part thanks to an analog recording process, the band utilizes their production skills and chops to deliver a record with a twist of modern finesse.
While the phrase "making a record" is usually used in a figurative manner these days in a digital world, Model Stranger is taking it literally. Following through on a record that began with an organic recording process, the band is planning a special release with select material to be released on vinyl as well as their full length CD.
Their music has drawn comparison to bands as diverse as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Dandy Warhols, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Elliott Smith, Bright Eyes, Silverchair, Radiohead or Muse and has/is spun on two of Chicago's finest rock/alternative radio Stations: WXRT 97.9 and Q101. WRLR, Fearless Radio, The Rock Deli, and Hostage Radio have also featured Model Stranger with interviews and spotlighting showcases. During the recording of Dreams and Bones, Model Stranger was also able to play live shows with popular national acts such as Our Lady Peace and Local H.
Beyond their recording prowess and sonic diversity, Model Stranger has really begun to build a reputation based on their energetic and magnetic live performances. Jay Madey of popular Chicago blog "The Steam Engine" had this to say about the band's live show:
"Model Stranger have really had my attention lately. Live, they really kick it up a notch (multiple notches are kicked actually) and the songs get Mark McGwire'd with this power that's quite remarkable."
"[Model Stranger] has technical prowess and front man Stephen Francis appears to be progressing into a unique and passionate song writer that is inspired by more than just love and heartbreak. It's refreshing and exciting and I cannot wait to see what they do next."
*Model Stranger performed and released music under the name Reverie from 2004 to 2008.
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