AN ABBREVIATED HISTORY
After having disappeared for the latter part of 2006, The Unusual Suspects are back with their new record, the "Coney Island EP."
The record is a collection of songs, all of which were written after the release of "Phonograph" in 2005. "I'm very proud of how this record has turned out," says vocalist/songwriter matt megrue, "lyrically, I feel like we have taken a new direction. I think this record is a little more darker themed just because of some of the things this band has endured over the last few years."
Since releasing "Phonograph" in 2005, the band has toured relentlessly, sharing the bill with such bands as Sugarcult, Hawthorne Heights, Early November, Shawn Mullins, and Flickerstick; however, the past two years have held many trials and tribulations as well.
"We had our share of producer troubles, money troubles, personal problems, you name it and we have probably been through it. We had our spells where a lot of us really weren't getting along, but that happens when you're around the same people for that long. But we pushed through it, and I think we've come away with a really strong, focused record," says megrue.
The album's opening track, "Ms. Steal" is an interesting take on an unrequited love for an adult-film star.
"That song was a funny song to write just because it was one of those songs that writes itself. I like to try and keep a little bit of a sense of humor when I write as well, and this is one of those songs," says megrue.
"Ms. Steal" is followed by the trippy and almost shoegazer "Something to Believe In."
"'Something to Believe In' in contrast is a very dark song. I wrote this song a few years ago when I was really struggling with who I was, with where I was, and just figuring out what I believed in. I'm not going to lie and say I've got it figured out now because I still don't have a clue. This song was just my way of exercising some demons I think."
"People, Pills, and Problems" is a raw rock song that sees The Unusual Suspects at their most natural.
"'People..." is a song I wrote a few years ago about someone who was ending a bad relationship...so bad that that it was affecting his every-day life. He wasn't able to function or concentrate or do all the normal things you have to do every day to get by."
Track 4 ("Coney Island Lullaby") sees The Suspects expand their sound using piano, slide, and multi-layered guitar work to create their sonic ode to Coney Island.
"In all honesty, I've never been to Coney Island...but in my defense, I probably know it better than people who have been. I really researched this place for a long time while I was writing this song, and in a way I'm glad that I didn't go. I see Coney Island with a weird sense of nostalgia and mysticism and I don't know if I would still feel the same if I actually visted it before I wrote the song."
The final track on the record, "Last American Rock and Roll Band" is eight minutes of pure rock and roll. The song is a glimpse into the stuggles of being in a touring band, the music industry, and music fans.
"This is the first song that we have written where everyone really contributed in a creative role. Everyone has their fingerprints in this song somehow. Matt K. came up with some of the guitar parts, Al helped with the structure of it, and Brian even helped with the lyrics. So I think all of us are really proud of this song and I think in a way, it really sums us up."
The band is currently writing for a follow-up to the "Coney Island EP" which will be due out, "soon." They band is touring this summer in support of the album, and have lined up shows with Starfish and Coffee (Ross Childress from Collective Soul's new band) as well as Jesse Malin.
Check out The Unusual Suspects at these other sites:
The Unusual Suspects at myTracks
The Unusual Suspects at Purevolume
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