Artist description NC's New Melodic Punk Band

Music Style New School Melodic Punk

Musical Influences NOFX, Pennywise, Bad Religion, No Use For A Name, Strung Out

Similar Artists NOFX, Pennywise, Bad Religion, No Use For A Name, Strung Out

Artist History Visually Impaired was originated in 1992 by Dennis Blanchard and Dean Sears. After going through a couple of lineup changes in the early 90's, which included replacing the band's original Drummer with Scott Lloyd, a newcomer to the then punk scene, and the band's original Bass player with Travis Serio, a long time Punk Veteran; Visually Impaired built up a large following and recorded their first self-titled album Visually Impaired in 1992. Despite enjoying great success in the club scene, Visually Impaired was forced to put things on hold in 1994 due to many factors, the largest being Scott Lloyd relocating to Southeast Asia. Visually Impaired reunited with all of its previous members, except for the band's original Rhythym Guitarist, after Scott Lloyd returned to the United States in the later stages of 1998. Keith Owen, a long time friend of the band, was asked to step in and fill the vacant Rhythm Guitar slot. In June of 2000 Visually Impaired reentered the studio to record The Blind EP, a five song sampling of their new material. The band returned to the studio and finished production on their new Full Length LP, Quarter-Inch Contacts. Quarter Inch Contacts will be available in November 2002. In March 2003, Keith owen stepped down from the line up. We then recruited our original bassist, James McNeil, to step in and play rhythym guitarist. It's like a V.I. reunion!!! We now have new energy and direction!!!!!!!!!!! Influenced by bands such as Bad Religion, Pennywise, The Offspring and NOFX, Visually Impaired delivers a unique heavy hitting sound to the East Coast.

Group Members Dennis Blanchard - Vocal Stylist Dean Sears - Lead Twanger Scott Lloyd - Rhythymic Guru Travis Serio - Low end Frequency Technician James McNeil - Rhythym Conductor

Instruments The Four Basic Music Groups

Albums Quarter Inch Contacts

Press Reviews Spotlight: Visually Impaired  - by Doug Cornell (Artistlaunch.com & AMP3.com) Visually Impaired  Ferocious So. Cal. Punk From the first thunderous slab of metallic power chords, Visually Impaired let you know that they aren't a typical Southern California punk band. Unlike some currently popular punkers, these guys know how to play their instruments.  Not that knowing how to play is any big deal in the punk realm, but this skill may help Visually Impaired cross-over to a harder-rocking audience.The band's wall of sound comes from two electric guitars, bass, drums and vocals. The guitars are recorded LOUD, while the vocals remotely echo "intelligent punk bands" Bad Religion or Pennywise.  There's no screeching here, just great melodic singing.  The band understands the value of dynamics, and doesn't bludgeon you with a constant barrage of volume.  Standout tracks include "25," with its Sabbath meets New Model Army guitar intro, or "Chorus of Angels," a track that would have been right at home on the best Bad Religion albums.  The lyrics discuss themes of hopelessness and despair: "No one understands the emptiness that has surrounded you since birth. You knew in your parent's minds that you were nothing but an unpleasant surprise."Visually Impaired's music will have you reaching to turn up the volume.  Punk doesn't get any better than this, so get ready to do some serious head banging. Visually Impaired (A Review From THEGLOBALEMUSE.COM) Title: The Blind EP   |    Label: Roman Six Records Visually Impaired is a heavy groove punk band that forces their melodic power jams in your face with a hell of a lot of volume. This is not your typical pop punk crap, but a guitar heavy, ass kicking punk band. I was surprised that the music on this album would be this amazing. There are a ton of influences from punk to metal. The vocals are great and add a powerful melodic flavor to the heavy riffs that drive the music. This music could definitely cross genres of metal, punk, and rock. I wouldn't be surprised to hear this music on the radio even. There's a certain unique quality that I hear in this music that I don't get from many bands of this genre. Maybe it's the musicianship or the lyrics. Whatever it is, it kicks ass. - Michael Allison - THEGLOBALMUSE.COM

Additional Info http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/visuallyimpairedfans

Location Fayetteville, North Carolina - USA

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