August 22, 2003 Think you know Rock? Get to know MoRisen Records By Chelsea Paxton Contributing Writer ATLANTA August 22, 2003 On August 27th, for one night only, Atlanta will get a taste of what the rest of the Southeast is already talking about. Snatches of Pink and Jennyanykind, along with The Talk, will play at East Atlanta's Echo Lounge to kick off the release of The Talk's forthcoming LP, "No, You Shut Up" which officially drops August 26th. All three are at the forefront of talks on who's "aboutto be the next big thingin this rock revolution,'"but none hail fromDetroit, New York, or LA;these guys are right up the road neighbors from NorthCarolina. These bands are just a few of the raw talents signed to the independent record label, MoRisen Records, based out of what could easily be mistaken for an upper-crust Atlanta suburb, Charlotte, NC. Full of soccer moms in Escalades, Charlotte is, on the surface, the epitome of upper middle class white suburbia, and MoRisen is geniusly fixed in the center, handpicking talented,passionate rockers from bars and clubs all the way to Chapel Hill and back. The upcoming album releases of not only The Talk but also Chapel Hill's Marat ("Marat" September 23) and the first release in 7 years from Snatches of Pink ("Hyena" October 7) has the rest of us looking twice at the kids in the garage next door, shaking our heads, saying, "Rock n roll? In North Carolina?" and then quickly, "Now why didn't I think of this?" In today's pop-culture infested market no one even thinks to look to the South for anything beyond hard core rap (already well taken care of by SoSo Def and Disturbing the Peace) or the occasional Injected, and even then no one looks past Atlanta or maybe Athens in a pinch. No one, that is, except Chuck Morrison, genius of foresight and founder of MoRisen Records. In 2001, after several years in various facets of the music industry, Morrison had the guts and vision to combine his business bravado with his love of music and seize upon the untapped wealth of the Carolina music scene. Thus, MoRisen records had its beginnings, one part forward business and marketing label, and equal part lover of lyrics and live musical innovators. MoRisen, simply put, is the best thing to happen to music in years, promoting real, intense musicians with unbridled talent and the gift of performance. The birth of MoRisen represents the emergence of a new kind of label that is both forward thinking, with its innovative and aggressive marketing strategies, and timeless, with a focus on great songs written and performed by pure musical talents who know how to deliver on record and on stage. A real and much needed alternative for today's quality seeking music fans, MoRisen Records is committed to releasing albums that explore the best of North Carolina's alternative rock and guitar-driven pop. This is nothing new for Snatches of Pink. They've been on hiatus but with their forthcoming, "Hyena," if you missed them the first time around then don't be a victim of the same mistake twice. I slipped in my preview copy of "Hyena" nonchalantly, expecting little more than loud guitars and incoherent vocals that are the trademarks of the dime a dozen rock bands of contemporary American rock. But I was hooked from the first riff, slightly amazed and absolutely exhilarated...it was like being launched into a rowdy British dive bar in the late 60s only to find out that Chris Robinson is on vocals. The first track left me wanting to hear more and wondering exactly where I was when Rolling Stone and Spin were writing about Snatches the first time. As Magnet magazine stated so perfectly, "Snatches of Pink left me exhausted- one part drunken noise orgy, one part spiritual cleansing and numerous parts hammer of the gods. Arrogant, excessive, beautiful." This band, considered the pioneers of North Carolina's alternative rock, has spent time touring with the likes of The Ramones, Iggy Pop, and Soundgarden, perfecting their unabashed unruliness and lyrical depth and being praised for their unconventional musical approach by critics both big and small. Also playing the Echo Lounge show is Chapel Hill's Jennyanykind, twin brothers Mark and Michael Holland. These brothers of "American revival rock" have a vibe that feels at first listen like an Allman Brothers throwback. But with the first vocals, it is evident that the combination of genuine lyricism and brilliant enmeshment of both blues and pop, leaves this duo defying classification. This is John Mayer back when he played Eddie's attic...but better. Jennyanykind''s MoRisen debut, "Peas and Collards," is slated for a fall 2003 release. Releasing their first CD under the MoRisen label on the 26th of August are Charlotte based alternative punk-rockers The Talk. This band's style has all of the invigorating rowdiness of the best of the 80s combined with a knack for songwriting soulfulness. The result is good, fun, rock and roll. Having formed only in 2002, these Charlotte boys may be new, but they have all of the ability and drive of legendary superstars. Not content to simply ride on talent, their dedication has already led to a self promoted and produced coast-to-coast tour, a strong local following. The foursome received "Best Band" honors from Charlotte's Creative Loafing in 2002, and studio time with well-known and unquestionably talented producer Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, Sideshow). The Talk has already taken the Tarheel State by storm and is poised to do the same with discerning music lovers around the country. Also on the MoRisen label is Leisure McCorkle out of Charlotte, NC whose 2002 release "Jet Set Baby" received critical acclaim and The Never. Formerly the b-sides, The Never will release their MoRisen debut in 2004. Still not convinced? Keep listening; this is only the beginning of the hype for Snatches of Pink, The Talk, Jennyanykind and all of the MoRisen artists for that matter. For more info on the MoRisen label as well as artist information and song samples, check out www.MoRisen. com. |
