Demander
Artist: Demander
Hails From: New York, NY
Musical Style: Rock, HardCore, Indie Punk
For Fans of: Sleater Kinney, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Ida Maria
Why you should check them out:
The stunningly aggressive Demander is creating a riotous following with their exceptionally moody and gritty new tracks. Their abrasive punk rock, strong female vocals, and indulgent indie metal have made them a venerable force to be reckoned with.
Background Check:
Singer/bassist Karen Correa and drummer Sivan Harlap were playing together in New York’s the Hissyfits when they first decided to venture out on their own. While opening for acts across the nation had introduced them to music’s manic lifestyle, their current lineup wasn’t quite enough. With a shared desire to make music that was a little rougher around the edges, they formed Demander in 2004 with guitarist Jared Scott, quickly unleashing brash and raucous battle cries amidst chaotically searing punk rock dissonance.Their debut full length, The Unkindness of Ravens, is a smart and tight collection of aggressive jams and darkly themed tones. Their standout single, “Hollis”, features Harlap’s sharply fractured beats, Scott’s screaming guitar cacophony, and Correa’s rumbling bass and dangerously sweet vocals. It was this album that first propelled Demander into supporting posts alongside the Hold Steady and New Model Army, showcasing their playful take on such heavy music. Recently, David Kurutz, who was also Sivan’s old high school pal from California replaced Scott.
After a bout of touring, the band released their Books 7″ in 2008 and have just completed their sophomore LP, Future Brite (release date TBD) which was mixed by luminaries like John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Screaming Trees) and features guests such as The Hold Steady’s Franz Nicolay.With the early track “Math”, signifying a progressive step towards a new found indie rock lightness and pop punk straightforwardness. Not that Demander is easing up, they’re still packing all of the aggressive punch of the debut. Demander has always been a band on the verge of true breakout status, and Future Brite may be the most aptly titled prediction possible.
Where you can find them in Cyberspace:
On Tour: