Columbia’s Own Dead Spring Drops a Stellar Debut Album!
The vibrant city of Columbia is buzzing with excitement as local indie rockers, Dead Spring, have just unveiled their much-anticipated debut album, “Anywhere But Down.” Released last September, this seven-track gem is making waves and could very well be one of the best indie-rock releases to grace our local scene this year!
Meet the Band
Dead Spring is made up of a talented group of musicians: singer/guitarist Alec Edelson, guitarist Sammuel Traquina, bassist Morgan Johnson, and drummer Will Ashley. Together they’ve crafted a sound that’s rich, emotive, and at times, explosive. The album kicks off with a haunting voice-and-guitar intro, where Edelson poignantly asks, “What’s left to explore?/Why beg for more.” This introspective opener sets the stage for an emotional journey that only gets more intense from there!
From Melodies to Mayhem
One standout track, “Tired Arms,” is a soaring punk-pop anthem that throws a nod to classic dual-guitar lines reminiscent of Iron Maiden. If you’re in the mood for something big and bold, this one has got you covered! Then there’s “Fast Asleep,” which masterfully transitions from a grinding rhythm to a stunning, sunlit verse. By the time listeners reach the hard-rock epics “Elasmotherium” and “Cliffside,” they feel like they’ve been on a thrilling rollercoaster ride of sound.
Alec Edelson: The Versatile Artist
Now, here’s the twist! Alec Edelson, the voice behind Dead Spring, also leads a thrash metal band called Axattack. Imagine the edgy sounds of early Metallica, and you’ll get a feel for how intense that music can be. But with Dead Spring, Edelson takes a different approach, leaning into more melodic and heartfelt tunes. He explains, “I wanted to play something more melodic…I just hit a point where I wanted to do more than what thrash metal could do.”
Crafting Perfection at Home
All the magic of “Anywhere But Down” was recorded right in Edelson’s own home! After going back to school and earning a degree from USC in Music Industry Studies, he and the band invested around six months into fine-tuning the album’s sound. Edelson emphasizes the importance of being able to take their time, saying, “We just kept telling ourselves that we didn’t have to rush.” This laid-back vibe allowed for countless “civil arguments” about drum sounds and guitar mixing that ultimately paid off.
The sequencing of the tracks plays a vital role in the album’s appeal, taking listeners from delicate solo moments to dynamic hard rock climaxes. While the order might not have been carefully plotted out from the start, Edelson made sure that it flowed beautifully, setting the perfect tone for this musical adventure.
Looking Ahead
With the album now available, Dead Spring is looking to build a bigger local fanbase. Although Edelson enjoys the success of both his projects, he admits, “My focus is trying to get some semblance of a local crowd.” The band already has enough new material for at least two more EPs, but they want to ensure there’s an audience waiting for their next release.
Intrigued? If you’re in the Columbia area or just a fan of good music, make sure to give “Anywhere But Down” a listen. It’s a fabulous showcase of local talent, full of heart, heavy guitars, and catchy melodies. You might just find your new favorite band!
