Artist description Charcoal Lavage is a power pop trio from North of Boston. They are an original band that enjoys writing, recording and performing their own material. Their style reflects their multitude of influences but with a flair of its own. Performances are high energy and high intensity, offering a diverse yet cohesive explosion of Rock and Roll.

Music Style Rock'n'Roll

Musical Influences Replacements,Face to Face, Social Distortion, The Neighborhoods, The Police, Guided by Voices, The Sex Pistols, Cheap Trick, Bob Mould

Similar Artists See above Influences

Artist History Charcoal Lavage formed over three years ago following the breakup of two of the members bands. Jim Melanson's Band Popgun had broken up. Popgun had recieved considerable support and airplay from WFNX and WBCN, as well as College Radio. Following the breakup of Popgun, Jim did a short stint with Diesel Jerk, featuring Julie Chadwick of WFNX, and bands The American Measles and Helocopter Helicopter. Andrew Browning had just completed a rough stint with a power-funk band attempting to stuff round pegs into square holes, but enjoying writing for the first time. Mark Barton had played with Andrew off and on over the years, and an impromptu meeting in a cold suburban basement formed the basis for Charcoal Lavage. After three months the New Band recorded a four-song demo at Metropolis Studio in Middleton, Ma. Two songs from this Demo appeared on a compilation of unsigned Boston Bands, "The Nor'Easter Compilation Volume one" Following the release of the Demo, Charcoal Lavage concentrated on songwriting and perfecting their live shows, playing at clubs such as The Rat, Mama Kin, The Linewood Grill, Club Bohemia, The Middle East, and the very Charcoal Lavage friendly TT the Bears. In March of 1999 Charcoal Lavage finished their first full lenth album, at Woolley Mammoth Sound in Boston. The Band had been anxious to record with Local Legend David Minehan due to his career with the Neighborhoods, his tour with Paul Westerberg, and with Aerosmith. David recorded, engineered, and produced the album, and also further refined the bands sound. He also made an interesting, spooky Keyboard appearance on the track "Heavy", and did some killer backward guitar work on "Nothing to Lose" The disc was launched at a fun filled CD release Party at TT's on July 8th

Group Members Andrew Browning-Bass and Backup Vocal's song writing partnerMark Barton-DrumsJim Melanson-Vocals, Guitar and song writing partner.Jerry Smith on guitar and backup vocals for live show's

Instruments Guitar, Bass, Drums,& Vocals.

Albums Charcoal Lavage Just Ahead

Press Reviews The North East Performer reviewed the Nor'Easter compilation. They wrote: " Charcoal Lavage's 'Let's Pretend' is a Jam/Buzzcocks style slice of smart, wound up Guitar pop.""The Noise" Wrote in April 2000 " This CD has been kicking around town for the better part of six months and I'm surprised i hadn't heard more about it. In reading the bands literature i see a phrase that really strikes me. They call this style Power Pop. I just love the phrase and as soon as i plug this puppy in it's all i can think about. It's a phrase that suits this music to a "T" Dave Minehan P&E'd this CD and if you have heard his work you know you can expect great listening. One thing to keep in mind with this CD is the Pop side of Power Pop. All of the songs here are pretty safe and that's usually the sign of a band that is trying to keep it's audience's fun factor in mind. What I find so well thought out are the instument voicings. There are these wonderful tone shifts, tempo shifts and emotional outbursts in virtually every song. What songs i don't care for, they still have me listening. Jim Melanson is the man behind the six string and his talent is apparent. This is truly veteran playing. I'm a sucker for that big arena sound and he can really fill the air. You get a real sense of the band's stamina in songs like "Out on my own" and in the real show stopper "She Said" (my personal faves) Kudo's to Andrew Browning on Bass and Mark Barton on drums. They combine to keep this train running on track and on time. The only downside are the lyrics. Again, they are safe and formulated and maybe that's for the best. "Just Ahead" works. At least it does for me. I can't wait to see them live.(Mike Gorman)

Additional Info Four Song Demo-out of print but a few are left availiable

Location Beverly, Ma. - USA

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