Music Style punk/hardcore

Musical Influences Gorilla Biscuits, Minor Threat, Forstella Ford, You & I, Boy Sets Fire, Alkaline Trio, Poison the Well

Artist History Systematic Denial is a group of four kids from Orange County, NY, that play a blend of punk, hardcore, and whatever the hell else they feel like playing.\ Formed in February 2001 after months of being put off by Mike, Andrew, and Brizz, the drummerless band known as Elf Trauma enlisted their newfound friend Dave (who thought the band was just a gag... little did he know...). From here, the four picked up a rhythm guitarist in Chuck and rounded out their horn section with Tim on trumpet (Mike was on alto sax at the time), all in hopes of creating a skacore band the likes of which had never been seen in Orange County. It took a few weeks to get all six of them in the same place at the same time, but when it finally did happen, the result wasn't pretty. After about three or four full practices over the course of the bands first three months in existence, Mike made the switch to vocals, and it was then that Elf Trauma wrote their first original song, "You Don't Know Me" (aka "Way You Do!"). In May, the four core members made the decision to go in an entirely new direction and parted ways with Chuck, who was displaying a lack of dedication (he was planning on leaving anyway). At this time, Tim agreed to take his leave from the band because he realized his role would be extremely minimal, leaving the lineup as: Mike on the mic (har har), Andrew on bass, Brizz on guitar, and Dave on drums. From here, the band's progress was surprising to all involved. They took Valley Central High School by storm on May 11 after performing "You Don't Know Me" and their Alkaline Trio cover at the talent show, and started churning out songs like there was no tomorrow. In June, the band was forced to change its name after legal threats by a modern rock cover "band" from Houston, TX, whose name just happened to be Elf Trauma, were made. This day was the birth of Systematic Denial. After writing and practicing relentlessly for four months after the name change, Systematic Denial hit the stage at Club Crannell St. on October 2 with Long Distance Runner, Pro Monroe, and the Reunion Show. Two songs (and one cover) and almost two months later, they tore up Club Crannell again with Flipside, Slugworth, and the Chase Scene. Unfortunately, it was not too long after this show that the band was forced to go on a two-month hiatus, and, at the end of this hiatus, had to part ways with original drummer Punk Rock Josh. However, Systematic Denial superfan Steve was up to the task and joined forces with the three remaining members, and in April, helped Systematic Denial to be able to play the Valley Central Top Three Music Contest, and consequently, the VC All-Night Grad Party. After about three months of playing with Steve, the opportunity to once again play with Dave as the drummer arose, and the band decided to seize it on account of the band not being the same with Steve. Soon after this, Systematic Denial began practicing again to get reacquainted with playing with Dave and quickly cranked out a new song. In mid-June of 2002, Systematic Denial borrowed the eight-track of a friend of Mike's, and took another stab at this recording thing. Two practices later and two weeks after that, the band released A Prelude to Disaster, a nine song DIY album that was released the night of the high school graduation of Mike, Brizz, and Andrew. The album was also a graduation of sorts for the band, as it displayed the progression Systematic Denial had made since its first appearance in the form of Elf Trauma: the evolution from a half-serious basement band to a group comprised of four kids whose love for punk, hardcore, and the DIY ethic made them a force to be reckoned with in Orange County. Three shows, two months, and one song after this, the band was forced to go on a partial hiatus because Brizz, Mike, and Andrew would all be heading off to college. However, the band remains fairly active, still trying to book shows, as well as planning to record a four- or five-song CDEP/7" (100% DIY, again) over Thanksgiving break. Be on the lookout for Systematic Denial in the near future, as they bring their now high-energy live show to a venue or basement near you!

Group Members Mike - vocals; Brizz - guitar, background vocals; Andrew - bass, background vocals; Dave - drums

Location Walden, New York - USA

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