Despite a horrible sound system and a soundman that might as well have been asleep, Thee Armada rocked Warehouse Live on Saturday to a small yet excited crowd. The local band closed the show with a bang, keeping everyone awake and on their feet.
The group kept their set varied with well-known songs from their first album, The New You, and a few new pieces that have yet to be released for the public to enjoy.
Released in February, The New You has become a very popular download on iTunes and a popular item purchased at the shows. By mixing an alternative sound and a fresh version of punk and pop, Thee Armada is breaking the mold of what one would think an alternative punk rock band should be and is coming into their own genre. Thee Armada’s sound counteracts what is typically heard from an alternative band. They surpass grunge rock and give an extremely different sound than what most punk rockers are used to hearing. As they mix ballads and heavy alternative, listeners begin to feel the music running through their veins.
The New You has a sound for almost everyone. Songs such as "This Flick Has Talent" and "The Sinful Bliss" have an alternative vibe to them, but also a pop/rock feel as well. As the album progresses it takes on a harder sound with songs such as "Ravensway" and "Hotels and Heroin," which have more of a grunge feel.
Thee Armada consists of four band members who each bring their own personality into the band. On drums is Brian Smith, whose passion for making drums has fallen into a passion for playing them as well. On guitar are Taylor Peek and Bryan Shelton. Peek is a punk rocker with a soft heart while Shelton has a calm about him on stage that attracts your ears and your eyes.
On bass guitar and vocals, Mike Filewicz commands the stage with his mellow playing and singing. Last but not least is lead singer and California native Josh Caddy, who brings with him a West Coast rock-pop sound that seems to blend in well with the alternative Texas way.
Caddy describes Thee Armada’s sound and the band as a, "chorus driven, new age rock group, with pop roots and bunch of guys with fun attitudes."
If you have never heard Thee Armada’s music or seen them live then you have been deprived of an extraordinary sound. To hear their music, to get to know them better or to see a list of up and coming shows, you can visit them at www.myspace.com/theearmadamusic. If you like what you hear, you can download a copy of The New You from iTunes or purchase a copy from their MySpace Web site.
