slug: 090831_ar_push
Edits: JTH kz
Notes:
Headline: Push Push Pull releases last album, Dressed For Success
Layercake: Band’s last performance scheduled for this Sunday
By KAREN SONG
Aggie Arts Writer
A manifesto to corporate sell-outs and the music industry’s manipulation and exploitation of musicians is the very inspiration of Push Push Pull’s second album, titled Dress For Success.
“I feel like the deeper you go into the corporate world of music, the uglier and uglier it will get,” said Gary Kim, lead vocalist, guitarist and lyricist for the band. “Music shouldn’t influence you into doing alcohol and drugs – it all comes back to having fun and enjoying it for what it is.”
Originally formed in Davis, this indie-friendly pop rock band has come a long way in its short career. The band recently announced that they would break up – it’s unfortunate that their second album release and announcement of their break-up had to come in the midst of growing popularity.
Though their debut album in 2008, When Songbirds and Snowbirds Sing, was a success with their catchy singles and hook-centric tracks, it lacked a cohesive concept, sounding like a culmination of their DaphneLovesDerby-Copeland-Thrice-esque influences. Needless to say, Push Push Pull finally grew into their musical identity with Dress For Success.
It goes without saying that Push Push Pull developed their own style of electro pop fused with the undertakings of alternative rock that are reminiscient of “Shazam” and “Love” from their first album. Though the marriage of both guitar and drums is more resonate than the keyboard in this album, it makes for a cleaner, idiosyncratic sound.
The result: A more power-driven stark mix of minor and major keys with lyrics that exploit “money hungry filthy beasts” delivered by Kim’s unique vocals that complement PPP’s musical style.
In addition to coming out with two EP’s, touring, playing at Warped Tour and benefit concerts including Inspire’s Not For Sale campaign, PPP stays connected with their fans on Twitter, Facebook and Myspace with their ultimate mission to spread the gospel and the positive influence of their lifestyle through the relationships with their fanbase.
Dress For Success, originally intended for a full album release for sale, their decision to release their EP for free online was entirely based on their love for music and fans.
“We know it goes against music standards to release the album for free,” said drummer Daniel Lim. “Our manager really didn’t want us to but releasing the album online is a chance for everyone to listen to our music. There is no excuse not to have our CD.”
So what’s next for the group? After finishing up their last two performances, Kim plans on moving back to the bay and pursuing graphic design (Kim designed both album covers). Lim will possibly join a Tucson-based band in Arizona and both keyboardist Peter Clevenger and bassist Robert Chao hope to continue their musical careers back at home.
With only two more shows left, check out Push Push Pull at First Friday on Sept. 4 and Joshua Fest ’09 on Sept. 6. To download Dressed For Success, visit myspace.com/pushpushpull.
KAREN SONG can be reached at arts@theaggie.org. XXX
Lyrics Sidebar:
“Whats The Price For?”
Music will save us
It’s all that we’ll ever have
It’s what brings us together
Much more than a business plan
When did this scene
Become so ugly with money hungry filthy beasts
Who try to write the hits
With all of their own filthy shh
