Comets on Fire
Avatar
SubPop Records

Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area and originally from Santa Cruz, CA., Comets On Fire pays homage to the psychedelic rock of the 60s and 70s that the area is so famous for. The band got its start in 1999 when singer and guitarist Ethan Miller and bassist Ben Flashman decided to work on a small recording project together after listening to album upon album together. With Chris Gonzalez (who has since left the band) on drums, the cassette tape they recorded together was their first album. Noel Harmonson and his Echoplex joined soon after, along with guitarist Ben Chasney, and Utrillo Kushner, who replaced Chris on drums after he left the band. All are drinking buddies who came together to make music, and the band has remained in this form ever since. It can be said that Comets On Fire’s longevity and steadfastness, in addition to their well-formed rock ‘n’ roll, may be a product of memorable nights of partying together.

Maintaining their original intentions of playing rock without the succumbing to commercialization, each of the tracks on Avatar is a jam that at an average of six-and-a-half minutes long, lasts longer than the typical “mainstream” rock song. The energy on their latest album remains high with a demeanor similar to that of 1960s psychedelic rock they are known for portraying.

Avatar is a party. Comets On Fire’s laidback ethic drips from their music–intense guitar and drums along with impassioned vocals (when they decide to use them) invite the listener to crack open a beer and enjoy the ride.

MP3
Dogwood

Websites
http://www.cometsonfire.com
http://www.subpop.com