Yearbook

Yearbook

YEARBOOK Greg Hoy: Guitar and Vocals, SH101 Mike Knapp: Bass and Vocals Dave Sharma: Drums and Percussion This album was recorded in four days of August 2003 by J Robbins (Channels, Burning Airlines, Jawbox, Government Issue) at Phase in College Park, MD. It was mixed by J with the band over the next few months and mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side in November. From backgrounds of melodic hardcore, power pop, a love for DC post punk and even math rock, the members of Yearbook have focused their energies on writing solid intense introspective songs. Taking cues from such influences as Jawbox, Mission of Burma, and At The Drive In, Yearbook's songs contain a sense of urgency driven by their dual-vocal arrangements wrapped in rich instrumental countermelodies and interspersed with moments of controlled chaos. MOST importantly...they rock. PRESS/REVIEWS 'Yearbook can't seem to decide whether their jones for complexity errs on the side of math-rocky indie or hard-edged prog. This tension, combined with their solid hooks and enjoyable vocals and lyrics, makes for an above-average listening experience. Songs like 'Expiration' feel like they were written and performed by old pros, wielding the standard instruments and riffs of their trade with style and aplomb. The band could probably stand to trim the fat from a few tracks, and certainly there are moments that lag, but Yearbook has a lot going on.' - Bret McCallon, Splendid, December 2004 When you enlist the likes of former Jawbox pioneer J. Robbins (whose also known for his Burning Airlines outfit or his current band Channels) to produce your album you're probably going to wind up being damn good. Yearbook doesn't disappoint with their DC-esque indie rock sound. The minor key chords are there and coast along with the pop melodies and hooks that Yearbook assembles on each song. The album is a masterpiece and certainly showcases the tremendous wizardry that goes into each J. Robbins production and while similar in vibe to some of his past pet projects like Hey Mercedes, Jets to Brazil, and even The Promise Ring, this isn't a cheap cookie cutter outfit in the least. - J-Sin, Smother.net, December 2004 When your band's album is produced by DC's invariably in-demand J. Robbins (formally of Jawbox and Burning Airlines) this usually means one of two things: 1. Your band bears more than a passing resemblance to Jawbox and/or Burning Airlines, or 2. You savor Robbin's keen ear and meticulous studio wizardry to help whip your fledgling combo into the stuff of critical adoration and salivating fan worship (e.g. just check out the wonders Robbins has worked for The Promise Ring, Jets to Brazil, and Hey Mercedes). Admittedly, this trio do lend themselves acutely to the dissonant, minor key-melodicism of Robbins guitar gangs of yore (not to mention even more arcane, long departed Edsel) Yearbook are strivers just as much as anyone, on the indie playing field at any rate. Save for a couple of meandering instrumentals, Yearbook is worth seeking out for anyone craving a brisk post-hardcore fix. - Jack Rabid, Big Takeover, September 2004 This brooding trio provides both excellent vocal harmony work and pulsing guitars... Nice touches abound. - Village Voice Choice, April 8, 2003.