QUOTES:
"Could ONESIDE be the first modern rock band to discover how catchy the sound of a banjo can be in a pop song? If this doesn't make them distinctive, then their inherent intelligence does. Smart stuff, fresh on the ears."
-Buzz McClain (Washington Post, No Depression)
"ONESIDE's got some good hook-filled songs and they keep their playing tight…this quartet promises much."
-Mick Skidmore (KyndMusic.com)
"'Vibrant' is the first word that came to mind when I listened to Oneside. Words that followed were 'melodic', 'rootsy', 'smart' and 'progressive'. Oh, and can I make up a word? OK, then, 'banjoadelic'. DeBary's vocals get it done quite well along with the electric and acoustic banjo. There's a time and place for banjos, and Oneside has chosen well."
-Aimsel Ponti (Portland Press Herald)
"With precise musicianship, tight harmonies, and enough energy to forget it was a Wednesday night, this quintet tore through their original material with confidence and attitude that belied their youth. These guys should be around for a while and are sure to turn some heads."
-Northeast Performer
"Their sound is rich and unique."
-Insite Magazine
BOSTON HERALD:
Oneside: No. 1 in self-promotion
By Kerry Purcell
Friday, September 7, 2007 -
Kerry Purcell is a feature writer for the Boston Herald. Her weekly column, "MEET the Band" explores Boston's thriving music scene and spotlights an emerging Boston act.
It takes more than talent to get noticed in a music scene saturated with new bands. Good thing the skilled musicians of Oneside are not afraid to self-promote or use the Internet to publicize their fresh take on alt-newgrass and rock.
“You never know what to expect from Internet contests,” singer Ned deBary said, sitting behind the sound booth in the Paradise Lounge, where Oneside will finish a monthlong Tuesday night residency next week. “If you take advantage of as many Internet-related opportunities as you can, something good is going to come of it.”
Oneside used Sonicbids, the Boston-based music promotion site, to land a slot playing Theo Epstein’s Hot Stove, Cool Music concert last month at Fenway Park [map] [map].
The band’s latest online endeavor is bringing similar results. Oneside submitted a tune to Ourstage, an online poll for indie artists that lets fans vote for their favorite song. Oneside’s “Got to Go” topped the Americana category and finished at No. 3. Its high standing earned Oneside a spot at a showcase tomorrow in a familiar venue - the Paradise Lounge - as well as a spot at the Austin City Limits fest next week.
Often compared to the Shins, Wilco and Arcade Fire, Oneside stands out from those supergroups by spotlighting the banjo. Oneside’s banjo standout, Chris Hersch, honed his skills at Boston Conservatory and pushes the twangy string instrument to imitate electric and flamenco guitars and even a piano.
The band is currently touring the Northeast in a van named Cleopatra, while its song “Why” is flying high on American Airlines [AMR] [AMR]’ in-flight programming. Internet savvy has also led to appearances at the X Games in Aspen, Colo., SXSW in Austin, Texas, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
After Oneside returns to Boston, the band will finish recording its debut full-length album, which members hope to release next spring.
Bassist Grafton Pease, who played barefoot during Oneside’s Paradise set this week, explained that the new album will have the same energy as the band’s self-titled EP.
What will be different?
More banjo. Lots more.
The band: Ned deBary (voice, guitar), Chris Hersch (banjo), Jake Brooks (drums, percussion), Grafton Pease (bass, voice)
The sound: Alternative newgrass/rock
The show: Oneside plays Sunday at the Ourstage showcase, and on Tuesday with We the Living and Hot Day at the Zoo. Both shows at the Paradise Lounge.
The music: Listen to and download “Chinatown” and “Got to Go,” off Oneside’s second self-titled EP, at www.bostonherald.com, www.onesidemusic.com and www.myspace.com/oneside.
