Modern rock with an edge - a well-balanced mix of meaningful lyrics and strong melodies over a solid foundation of driving rhythms and dynamic guitars.

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ROCK: Modern Rock, POP: Today's Top 40



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"So, what kind of music do you write?" That is a question that pumpshed guitarist Rick Allison is often asked. "We write music that we love, and that excites us. We do not intentionally restrict new song ideas to a particular style or genre" Rick remarks. "That said, I would describe pumpshed's music as modern rock with an edge". That may be a bit of an understatement. pumpshed's music is a well-balanced mix of meaningful lyrics and strong melodies over a solid foundation of driving rhythms and dynamic guitars. The band has a knack for writing songs that are interesting both instrumentally and lyrically, giving the listener a complete musical experience. "We try to write songs that would stand up on their own even without a vocal. Then, we try to lay in a strong melody and interesting lyrics over that framework" Rick comments. Described by one listener as a cross between Live, Our Lady Peace, and Third Eye Blind, it seems that pumpshed may be achieving that goal.

Formed in 2000, pumpshed began life with 4 members - Rick on guitar, John Wellhouse on lead vocals, along with a full time drummer and bassist. Near the end of 2000, the drummer and bassist left to pursue other interests, leaving Rick and John to carry the torch. The two had written several songs over the course of the year, and were eager to record the new material. Luckily, John was also an accomplished drummer and Rick was no stranger to the bass guitar. So, the duo decided to postpone hiring on new members, and entered the studio alone to begin work on what would become their debut release, "Whispers Through A Megaphone".

After a few detours and interruptions, "Whispers Through A Megaphone" was completed in 2005, and is a major accomplishment for the duo. An intriguing musical journey, the album explores a variety of emotions and musical styles. From the angry, full-on rock of "Jaded" to the laid-back, almost country twang of the apologetic "Hand of Fate", the material on "Whispers" covers the gamut of song and emotion, but is amazingly cohesive and unified. It is an album that can be listened to from start to finish in one sitting, without feeling repetitive.

In the end, what matters most to pumpshed is the music. "We want to create music that moves people on many levels" Rick comments. "Sometimes, we write songs that are pure emotion, dealing with love and heartbreak, that sort of thing. Other times, we write songs that we hope will make people stop and think about life in a bigger context than the daily grind".

That desire shows through on "Whispers", where a song such as "Freedom", a blatant assault against the notion of blind faith and unquestioned loyalty, sits comfortably alongside the lamenting "3 Days", a study on the loneliness of being away from someone you love. Other highlights of "Whispers" include the dynamic layers of the opening track "Somebody", the schizophrenic emotions of "Until I Die", the contemplative "Waterline", the cautiously optimistic "Beautiful Day", and the narrative closer "Madam's Train".

From start to finish, "Whispers Through A Megaphone" is a journey worth taking.