Bio: After playing hundreds of shows on average per year, securing slots on prominent tours (Taste of Chaos, Warped) and building a legion of devoted fans along the way, Greeley Estates have attained a noble reputation within the independent rock scene since the band's humble beginnings in Phoenix, Ariz.
Now with two leading full-length albums, 2004's Outside of This and 2006's Far From The Lies, the members, comprised of vocalist Ryan Zimmerman, drummer Brian Champ, guitarists Alex Torres and Brandon Hackenson are fully equipped to introduce their remarkably anticipated follow-up Go West Young Man, Let The Evil Go East.
Greeley Estates' third release is the best effort to date and highlights the band's crowning moments: their raw and captivating live performances, which is why Go West promises to be quicker, louder and more exhilarant than anything they have ever crafted. "It's more aggressive and the lyric content is darker," Zimmerman proudly explains. "We like playing heavy songs live, so it just made sense to make an album that's heavier. This is a great direction for us. It feels good, for sure."
Produced by Cory Spotts (BlessTheFall, Job for a Cowboy), Go West is a testament to Greeley Estates' modest roots. By paying no mind to time restraints or potential Soundscan numbers, the band found aspiration to experiment with different production procedures. Instead of forcing lyrics into songs, which Zimmerman was prone to doing in the band's early years; he would patiently wait until a melody was complete before reaching for a pen. Zimmerman's verses also showcase an array of diversity in subject matter, with topics inspired by everything from personal stories to imaginations and cinematic features. "The rest of the band was just saying the songs are more like individual stories," Zimmerman explains. "It could be about a movie I just watched or whatever was on my mind. All the songs have a storyline. I watched a lot of films during the recording, so every song is similar to a movie, which will be fun for shooting music videos."
To further enhance their sound, Greeley Estates enlisted guest vocals from several hometown bands such as Emerald Honor, A Change of Pace, The Cover Up and The Irish Front. "Every inch of this album, musically and vocally, we tried to go outside from what we did in the past, and take it to a whole new level," says Zimmerman. "It was great because there's a lot less pressure when you do exactly what you feel and want."
With the addition of new member Alex Torres, the band is rapidly progressing in all aspects of their musical careers. Torres played an essential element in the recording of Go West, writing several tracks and arranging lead guitar parts. "He's a little shredder!" Zimmerman declares. "He added a ton to the album, and he'll add a ton to the live show, too. He's a great addition."
Go West Young Man, Let The Evil Go East is the result of what Greeley Estates was always destined to write. In doing so, they have accomplished an amiable feat. "We're all really happy and proud of what we've done," Zimmerman light-heartedly concludes. "Recording the new album has been a very memorable experience. This is the album to perfectly represent Greeley Estates."
Go West Young Man, Let the Evil Go East is in stores NOW!