It's one of the first thunderstorms of the summer eve and I'm sitting in my dimly lit apartment parking lot cranking the air conditioning in my car to ensure my phone battery remains charged despite power outages and my glass of shitty white wine has raised my body temperature just enough to call for it . I'm calling guitarist Matt Hanemann from the self-made, Philly home-grown indie rock bank Belgrade. Comprised of "a bunch of post hard core dudes." the members are veteran musicians hailing from current or former established groups.
I have to wait a minute while Matt escapes the beer and conversation fueled rehearsal session with his band mates. When the background distraction ends, the graphic artist by day, song writer/guitarist by night is on a atmospherically high from the band's April 16th digital download debut of their self-titled L.P, and their April 26th album release party at Kung Fu necktie. With stylish vinyl, color coded covers and an elaborate twelve page lyric insert, this indie band is willing to invest in and support the music they want to create and listen to. Our call drops but after an awkward minute of phone tag, we are quickly reconnected, sharing passions and laughter in no time. Belgrade formed organically, challenged by the idea of being controlled and instrumentally focused, the members; Matt Hanemann and Jason Bucei (guitar), Jeff Myers (drums), Derek Zglenski (bass) and Mike McNelis (vocals), naturally matured from their rougher, familiar hard-core roots and are making a name for themselves on the Philadelphia indie rock scene.
The first track on the album "Shot And Pill" is incandescent; vocals radiant over melodic transitions. At two minutes and forty-three seconds, a shimmering guitar rift, pulls oh so delicately at my heart strings and in my opinion, s. Matt's favorite song is "Venice On A Map" from their debut E.P. Never having a proper coming-out party, the track is being re-released on their current L.P. to shine like it should- a subtle homage to the bands beginnings. The most striking thing about the album is how effortless the and inviting the sound is, fitting as these magical moments happen by "just playing around." The track "Protest," appears mid-album, a peppy tune written by vocalist Mike McNelis during the Occupy Philly movement and a unintentional contemporary anthem of sorts. The album is a testament to mature song writing, pulsing bursts of drums all to the backdrop of organic sound.
Belgrade is a band living in the moment! With no concrete tour plans, they are enjoying the ride while playing in their favorite local venues ranging from Johnny Brenda's to the First Unitarian Church. Matt describes the ever-changing Philly music scene as "vital" giving credit where credit is due to Philadelphia and it's abundance of great musicians that proved essential in the formation of 2011's Belgrade. Thankfully, the band is "sticking close to home for now." They plan to continue to make "anthems for your cloudy nocturnal courage." My glass of wine is finished and so is the interview, but I can't wait to update Belgrade to my playlist, available for download on bandcamp. Belgrade is a quiet storm brewing on the summer horizon that you don't want to miss.
www.belgradeband.com.
https://www.facebook.com/belgradeband