Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2009

Seattle alt-rock band just wants to meet you

By Bethany Lee, Herald staff writer

They may come from a part of the state known for dreary weather, but there's nothing woeful about the Seattle alternative rock group Your Divine Tragedy.

Members of the four-man band maintain a little anonymity by going only by their first names, but they put all of their emotions on display in their music.

"Basically we write about what we know, so everything comes from either personal experience or friends' personal experience," said lead singer and rhythm guitarist Todd. "All of our songs are a collaborative effort instrumentally."

The band is on its "Hold the Darn Door Open Tour" and will be performing at The Parkade Bar & Grill in Kennewick on May 1.

"We're really pumped about coming and meeting new people and new bands," said drummer ATK. "That's one of the best things in the world and we're all about building those connections and relating with new people and sharing our music with others."

YDT, formed in September 2003, is promoting its second EP Awaken the Rise and Fall.

After writing more than 35 songs, Todd said, they decided to quit writing and finally record.

"We have a lot of fun and there are certain things that we take seriously," said ATK. "We're a goofy bunch of dudes, but as far as working in the industry we understand it's a business."

The EP opens with the anthem One More Hero. The band's polished sound comes with mature lyrics that aren't overly weighty.

The tracks Left For Dead and Lady Disdain take listeners on a journey with protagonists who are trying to find themselves in a somber world. The band's guitarist Patrick provides high intensity licks but rarely overshadows ATK's drumming.

Bass guitarist Jeff ties Suicide together, maintaining underlying angst and keeping the song from becoming too dreamlike. Johnny has great timing and rhythm. ATK and Patrick have undeniable chemistry on this track and Todd's grainy yet melodic vocals go from zero to 60 with ease.

Awaken is $10 on Divine's MySpace site, iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Napster and a few other online outlets. The band also sells T-shirts, hoodies, hats, magnets and stickers.

The band is set to tour until October, but the members said they are open to touring beyond that. And another album may be in the works.

"We'll stick to touring as long as we can and I wouldn't be surprised if within the next year or so we go back in the studio," ATK said. "Right now we're going to be pushing this EP for the next solid year and will stay on the road and play all of the cities on the West Coast."

For more, go to www.myspace.com/yourdivinetragedy