APSE

The beginning of Apse’s story is like that of many other bands: six lads from New England and Virginia, who have enjoyed playing music since an early age - meet through their academic institutions. Under the songwriting / direction of Robert W. Toher and Ryan M. Todd, the band was founded initially as a two-piece, in the fall of 1999. Drummer Ezer Lichtenstein was quickly added, and over the last six years the band has expanded to a 6-piece, adding members Aaron Piccirillo (Guitar), Michael Gundlach (Guitar), and Matthew Wick (Auxillary percussion / drumming). Years of rehearsals, concerts and line-up changes back up the 34 minute-long EP released exclusively by Acuarela for distribution worldwide. The North American sextet have certainly made the most of their time so far, because more than just showing traces of brilliance, they showcase a solid, potent and mature musical sense with influences spanning Classical compositions, Slint, Kraftwerk, and The Cure – to the first Sonic Youth noise adventures, and the early works of Brian Eno and Roxy Music. Sonic whirlwinds that begin with a spasm, accelerate to the rhythm of nervous drums trotting around an arpeggio, tie themselves round high-pitched guitars, spin round golden melodies and agonise after a final sound explosion.