Artist description The Benjamins' wry lyricism and wonderful music will undoubtedly remain in your head for days.  If you're looking for volume, you'll find dynamics at all levels. If you're looking for melodies, you'll find harmonies to enhance them.

Music Style Pop and Rock

Musical Influences Weezer, Superdrag, Superchunk, Supergrass, Oasis, The Kinks, The Beatles, New Found Glory, Saves The Day, Get Up Kids, Jimmy Eat World, Blink 182, Ultimate Fakebook, Radiohead, Travis, Pavement

Similar Artists Weezer, Superchunk, The Kinks, Superdrag

Artist History Though they're among the newest additions to the Drive-Thru Records roster, The Benjamins have been knocking around Milwaukee and neighboring circuits since the beginning of 1998. In the summer of 1998 -- when Ben was added -- things began to fall into place.  Quickly moving up from the "dirty dive" bar scene to the club circuit, the group has been commended time and time again for their live show. After sharing stages with artists as diverse as Goldfinger, Citizen King, and the Mr. T Experience, The Benjamins' recent appearance at Milwaukee's Summerfest took things to a new level.

Group Members Jay: sings/guitar, Jon: drums, Ben: guitar, Dan: bass

Instruments 2 guitars, 1 bass, and a set of drums and vocals

Albums The Art of Disappointment (Drive-Thru Records)

Press Reviews "Sometimes I think of you But it's cool to be alone It's nice to not have to fight for the blanket" So begins the second verse to "Couch," the leadoff track to the self-released EP entitled "Bordering on Boredom." The title is deceptive: The Benjamins' wry lyricism and wonderful music will undoubtedly remain in your head for days.  If you're looking for volume, you'll find dynamics at all levels. If you're looking for melodies, you'll find harmonies to enhance them. Most appealing about The Benjamins, however, is their lack of rock cliches. In giving them a listen, say good-bye to the unnecessary angst and all the rules that say that Nirvana and The Smiths have to be the reasons you became a musician. Instead, welcome a group that is destined to be the first ensemble of sincere rock stars from Wisconsin. Though they're among the newest additions to the Drive-Thru Records roster, The Benjamins have been knocking around Milwaukee and neighboring circuits since the beginning of 1998. In the summer of 1998 -- when Ben was added -- things began to fall into place.  Quickly moving up from the "dirty dive" bar scene to the club circuit, the group has been commended time and time again for their live show. After sharing stages with artists as diverse as Goldfinger, Citizen King, and the Mr. T Experience, The Benjamins' recent appearance at Milwaukee's Summerfest took things to a new level. All in all, the band holds it own through its close friendships with one another and their strong desire to meet new people. While time will tell if record sales and touring attendance also put The Benjamins in their very own category, it is certain that they're very distinct in their ideas towards the Internet.  Don't expect to see the band -- which will be using their e-group to run off all the latest news -- to sue Napster anytime soon. In the near future,the guys envision themselves touring endlessly (yet happily) no matter the immediate result of their Drive-Thru Records debut, which is due out in the fall. The intense but fun singing of Jay and the effect-drenched riffage of Dan out front perfectly complement the powerful yet on-cue rhythm section of Ben and Jon. The four, who individually hold influences that include Weezer, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, & The Kinks -- to name just a few  -- collectively create a sound that they frequently refer to as "power-pop with balls."  Maximum Ink, one of the local Wisconsin papers who helped build a big buzz around the guys prior to their signing, said The Benjamins "play sincere yet witty rock and roll that fits all moods and occasions," while Under The Volcano noted that "maybe Puff Daddy was right when he said it was all about The Benjamins!" Amen... -Darren "Hollywood" Paltrowitz

Location Milwaukee, WI - USA

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