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Classic alternative-rock re-releases from LifeSavers and Michael Knott explode from The Vault




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NEWS SOURCE: Meis Music Group
August 14, 2013

Releases from The Vault by legendary alternative music artist, Michael Knott Frontline Records, a subsidiary label of Meis Music Group, in collaboration with Gene Andrusco (Brainstorm Artists Int'l) and Michael Knott (Blonde Vinyl), are making these legacy albums available digitally for the first time on August 13th from the Frontline Vault.

Simply put, Screaming Brittle Siren is a brilliant alternative recording. Within these tunes Michael Knott (of LSU fame) takes the listener to a place few artists are willing to go.inside his own soul. Once there the picture isn't always pretty. Views of pain, doubt, struggles and failures permeate each song often delivered with blistering guitar riffs and a snapping bass, and at other times the haunting sounds of a cello. This is not a casual listen as gleaned from songs like Crash and Burn, Brittle Body, Liar and I Am No Christ. Originally released in 1992 on Blonde Vinyl, the music still demands your attention decades later. In an industry where much is superficial, this is stripped bare honesty rarely seen. As one reviewer put it, "It is to Knott's credit that he can deliver a record so stunning and unflinching, and still emerge desperate for hope and salvation. Screaming Brittle Siren is a work of genius."

Michael Knott's 1994 release on Brainstorm Artists Int'l of Rocket And A Bomb is a truly unique record. How many people write about the various odd characters living in their apartment complex? Unlike the introspection of Screaming Brittle Siren, this record more often than not looks outward. The theme is familiar though.broken characters in need of fixing (Jan The Weatherman, Kitty, Bubbles). As a turn from previous releases, Knott often writes with humor and lighter tones. Musically it is more commercial sounding than Siren with a crisp and clean electro-acoustic strum running throughout, reminiscent of something Dylanesque. The late Gene Eugene compliments with solid organ. Rocket and a Bomb may not sound as furious as Knott's early work, but its impact is easily as powerful. Knottheads and new fans will love having this recording available once again.

In addition to Knott's releases, classic alternative-rock re-releases from LifeSavers explode from The Vault Frontline Records, a subsidiary label of Meis Music Group, in collaboration with Gene Andrusco (Brainstorm Artists Int'l) and Michael Knott (Blonde Vinyl), are making these legacy albums available digitally for the first time on August 13th from the Frontline Vault.

LifeSavers was formed in 1980. Starting out as a power pop/punk band, the group, lead by Michael Knott, has gone through many changes and resets over the years, often releasing albums that reflected those changes. Blond Vinyl's 1991 Poplife is a prime example. Musically the album is best described as equal parts underground alternative and post-punk surf rock. The general tone is light and playful. With a song title like Surf With God you might expect that. Steve Hindalong and Chuck Cummings add some tasty drum rhythms to Mike Knott's expressive vocals. Not overly high-tech or glossy, nonetheless there are several catchy, addictive tunes that make Poplife a satisfying listen. It's a fan favorite with Knottheads. This re-release includes 3 bonus tracks from one of Knott's earliest bands, Bomb Bay Babies. In 1987 the group assaulted Hollywood clubs with their rebellious punk rock look and sound.

After several years of dormancy the LifeSavers returned in 1995 with the release of Huntington Beach on Brainstorm Artists Int'l. This album saw the return of Brian Doidge on bass guitar and Chuck Cummings on drums. Huntington Beach was also the heaviest LifeSavers album to date - a return to their punk rock roots. Songwriting and lead vocal was split between Doidge and Knott on this album, with less spiritual, but very personal, lyrics that focused on many humorous aspects of '80s life in Knott's hometown, Huntington Beach, California. This re-release includes 3 bonus demo tracks from Knott's first band, Hightops. Knott says his dad paid for the demo in 1978 for his sister Bridget, Vince Pangrazio and Bradford Salmon when they were teenagers.

Both releases are available on iTunes and other digital stores, including http://frontlinerecords.us/ for "Frontline $5.99".
Hear interview with Michael Knott on Rewind Episode 24 at http://bit.ly/FrontlineRewind.

 

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