TentacleEars (San Diego, CA)
“Clearly influenced by great post rock artists like Mogwai and The Mars Volta, After Nations is a fire tornado of sound. Each track, each chord and each arrangement begins with just a little spark, like a dropped glass acting as flint, until the momentum builds and breaks in a rolling cresendo of flame. At times it can be beautiful and glorious in it’s oxidated release of energy with inspiring waves of divergent and pliant organization that comes across unexpected like the approaching intensity of heat. This take on rock stems from a belief that mainstream rock with formulaic progression is bland due to predictability. For those of you completely comfortable with spontaneity it’s easy to note how jazz influenced the experimental take on rock right down to it’s solely instrumental perspective. Ultimately, the sound is loud with an artistic point of view that inspires a release of energy that without warning can be explosive.
After Nations is a young band formed in 2012 and currently reside in Kansas City. Being modern, the band used Kickstarter as a campaign to fund the band’s endeavors. The trio consists of Andrew Elliott shredding the guitar with wicked style, Tyler Mehaffey providing a heavy bass and Trent Utley bringing mad percussion skills. Together they create a feel that is loud, in your face and full of energy. They integrate the three instruments in such a way that it feels both harmonious and clashing in an exciting juxtaposition. Unveil Panoptica, their latest EP, released this April and the band is currently touring the sound.” ~ TentacleEars