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Army Of Me: hometown boys done good
There aren't many chances to see local boys become successful then root them on when they come home. The band Army of Me is just the perfect example of that and DC should consider them lucky. The band comprised of Vince Scheuerman (vocals/guitars), Dennis Manuel (drums) and Brad Tursi (guitar) are from Washington DC. In fact, how many bands write tributes to where they are from like the amazingly catchy “Come On Down To DC.” Army of Me is making a stop at Black Cat in DC tomorrow night at 9pm and they always attract a huge crowd of old friends and even moreso diehard fans. The band who has received accolades in the past like “Best unsigned” band seem right on the edge of being one of the biggest bands to come from DC.
Scheurman’s journey is quite interesting and definitely has future movie written all over it. Scheurman had grown up in Gaithersburg, Maryland in an ultra religious community that some had deemed a Cult. He used music as his outlet and eventually broke ties and left the community behind. He went on to prove he had brains to go with his gorgeous voice and courage because before breaking into mainstream music Scheurman actually received a degree degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland, But science obviously wasn't what was in his heart and fans should consider themselves lucky because it would be a shame for such a captivating voice like that should not be kept secret.
The band itself formed in 2001 and after a few name changes and losing a guitarist the band finally began to see success. Their first big break came when the band won the old version of the radio station WHFS' Big Break contest, which allowed the band a chance to have an opening slot on the 2001 HFStival. The band releasing an EP of demos as well as the Fake Ugly EP independently while they searched for a label. The band pretty much immediately hit the road and started to tour up and down the East Coast as well as other parts of the country on their own. The band finally found a label in 2006 in Atlantic, that same year the band started recording their soon to be debut CD in VA which would be entitled:Citizen. While the CD was originally due for release in 2006 due some personnel changes that took place at Atlantic, the CD was actually released in 2007 on Doghouse records. To showcase their new songs the band hit the road with such acts The Used, OAR, Dave Matthews, Blue October, Switchfoot and more. The band has been playing live quite frequently ever since.
The first single from Citizen "Going Through Changes" received a lot of attention almost immediately. The simplistic video, which simply featured Scheurman as the star riding what appeared to be a bus or train, got played in heavy rotation on MTV. The song also received radio airplay on stations like Sirius, XM, LA’s KROQ and DC's own DC101. The song much like most songs on their CD seemed to reflect Vince and his life. The lyrics beautifully portray someone telling the story of going from such a unique and complicated upbringing to mainstream music and their journey in life. Other standouts on the CD are gorgeous and seductive "Still Believe In You," the optimistic and bubbly "Perfect," the sexy "Meet You At The Mouth." In the bands own words from their website: “the lyrics deal with desire and personal growth in "Perfect", uncertainty and change in "Going Through Changes", and rebirth and hope in "Rise" - a song inspired by the tsunami of Dec. 26, 2005.” There is also reason to rejoice because also according to the bands website, they will release a brand new EP Make Yourself Naked on October 23 which will include five songs called “On My Way,” “Lost At Sea,” “Heart of Love,” “Love Song,” and “Don’t Be Long.”
But Army of Me not only produce catchy tunes but their songs are lyrically well-crafted as well. The songs are gorgeous and the band seems more like seasoned veterans rather then a band that has only existed for 8 years. Citizen's sound feels like Scheurman really did release his emotions and inner turmoil into his music in every note and word. They are one part Indie, one part pop but definitely pure rock and 100% substance. Oh and nice guys too boot. So don't miss a chance to see this group of rising stars who seem like superstardom is just on the horizon for them. The Black Cat stop is only one of two stops other then a stop at Rockwood Music Hall next weekend. But make sure to go show some support for the hometown boys who will wow with their amazing live performances and show why this little DC secret is on the verge of belonging to the world soon. Tickets are $10 and for more information on the show and tickets click HERE and to hear the wonderful debut CD from Army of Me click HERE to here it on amazon. For more info on the band check out: http://www.armyofmeonline.com/ and myspace.com/armyofme
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