Artist description Colorado Springs, Colorado’s Laymen Terms are a punk inspired rock band taking musical inspiration from bands such as Hum, Jimmy Eat World, Alkaline Trio, Jawbreaker, and Samiam, but Laymen Terms heavy guitar sound mixed with infectious hooks and melodic harmonies gives the band a sound all their own

Music Style emo, punk, indie

Musical Influences Hum, Jimmy Eat World, Alkaline Trio, Jawbreaker, Samiam

Similar Artists Sunny Day Real Estate, Thursday, Brand New, Jawbreaker, Jimmy Eat World, Hum

Artist History With unsuspecting places like Omaha, NE and Suburban Illinois having spawned some of today’s most inspirational and compelling bands, is it any wonder that another great band could pop up out of another obscure, middle-of-nowhere place like Colorado Springs, CO? Many great bands have proven they can come from anywhere in the country and Laymen Terms are here to prove that phenomenon once again. Laymen Terms began in 1998 as most do, playing melodic punk songs to kids at house parties, pizza places and anywhere else they could play a show. After building a small fan base and fine-tuning a set of songs, the band self-released it’s first CDEP, “An Introduction”. The CDEP came to the attention of the people at Soda Jerk Records, who loved what they heard, and signed the band on for 2 records. But, before the bands debut LP would hit the streets, Soda Jerk wanted to re-release “An Introduction” nationally. The record was re-mixed, re-mastered and re-packaged making it suitable for broader distribution. The reaction from the fans was amazing and the press loved what they heard. By the time the EP came out, Laymen Terms already had a full set of new songs and were ready to record their debut full-length, “Since Last December”. “Since Last December” is the record where one can begin to see the band coming into their own and finding their sound. The songs are somewhat paradoxical in the sense that they are dark and melancholy, but yet, upbeat and catchy at the same time. The guitar work is magnificent in that the tones are heavy and layered, while the surface is swimming with enough catchy hooks to grab the listener and make them pay attention. The rhythm section on this record is nothing short of amazing. To listen to Jameson Becker play drums is one thing, but to see him play live is entirely another. You will not be the only one at a Laymen Terms show focused and trying to comprehend what a fantastic drummer Jameson is. Lastly, and without a doubt, the heart of the bands sound and appeal lies in Andy Tanner’s brilliant song writing and smoky but smooth vocal style. Andy captivates the audience with his powerful voice and his heartfelt songs. He will draw you in and make you listen as he pours out his heart and soul the only way he knows how. Andy is truly one of the great vocalists on the scene today. “Since Last December” received rave reviews from the press, and the band’s fan base continued to grow. After the release and their apparent rise in popularity, Laymen Terms began getting the nod to open for larger shows all over Colorado including Sugarcult, The Riddlin’ Kids, and Taking Back Sunday to name a few. Thanks to large word of mouth, and opening slots on bigger shows, Laymen Terms have consequently built a strong draw performing on their own. They recently co-headlined a sold out show at Tulagi’s in Boulder selling 500 tickets, and headlined another show in their hometown of Colorado Springs that sold over 800 tickets. With this momentum behind them, the band has begun to tour regionally with runs to Salt Lake City where they played a sold out show with Unwritten Law and another sold-out show with Sum 41. A lot of good things have been happening for Laymen Terms. They’re happy with their sound, with the direction they’re headed and they’re driven to continue to mature as a band. With everything in place, and an ever growing, fan base, the band is looking to take the next step. They have focused on touring the west coast and the mid-west, (having made a couple trips there already) and began work on both a new single and a new album, to be released in early 2004. The immediate goal is to use everything they have already accomplished to help them expand their fan base outside of the Rocky Mountain region. The band continues to be smart by taking things one-step at a time and trying not to bite off more than they can chew. With this philosophy and their brilliant song-writing ability, it shouldn’t be long before Laymen Terms have a lot of success to chew on.

Group Members Justin Blair (Bass & Vocals) Jameson Becker (Drums) Seth Thompson (Guitar) Andrew Tanner (Vocals & Guitar)

Instruments guitar, bass, drums, vocals

Albums Since Last December, An Introduction

Press Reviews Kaffeinebuzz.com: Laymen Terms’ debut album for Soda Jerk Records, titled An Introduction, is a testament to their hardcore with hooks sensibility while exposing a somber side without letting the band’s guard down. In the process, Laymen Terms have evolved into pure pop but manage to retain their punk edge. An Introduction’s songs can’t be pinned down, no matter how familiar the formula. The album’s opener, Tony’s Girl, catapults the listener into a seven song opus that displays strong musicianship, ringing chords, harmonizing vocals, and ragged emotion that give Laymen Terms a cohesive first release. With a thundering rhythm section, melodic harmonies, thick guitar riffs, and catchy pop hooks, Laymen Terms draws on influences such as Jawbreaker and Samiam to craft emotional hardcore similar to the Alkaline Trio and Thursday. The band was formed in Colorado Springs, CO, in 2000 by guitarist Devon Bryant and bassist Chris Sutherland of File 4, vocalist and guitarist Andrew Tanner of Lights Out, and drummer Jameson Becker of Blah. Their debut EP, An Introduction, released on Soda Jerk Records in 2001, captured an anthemic 7 Seconds style of punk rock, but fails to sound cohesive. The cohesive dynamics continued on their studio full-length Since Last December, issued in spring 2002. ~ Charles Spano, All Music Guide Hide full biographyLatest Album When I first popped Since Last December into my car, I was rockin' all the way downtown, just listening to the first track over and over again. They have a hard, rhythmic sensibility that I would liken to Hum (one of the greatest bands ever, in my opinion) that gets shoved up against punk rhythms to create some pretty fuckin' strong music. The guitars are really well done, if a bit too pronounced. You can just imagine these guys thrashing around on stage, loving every minute of it. Everyone in the band shares the vocals, but the lead singer has a voice that’s comparable to Bob Mould (of Sugar fame) and Bad Religion’s Greg Graffin -- quite an eclectic mix, I know. This is a phenomenal debut album, and it’s obvious that these guys work really hard at what they do. I’m a sucker for anything remotely close to Hum or good punk, and these guys seem to blend the two extremely well. Definitely check this album out -- if you can find it, that is. -James / Agouti Music Comparisons to Jawbreaker are thrown around too loosely when describing bands like Laymen Terms. This is especially true with a sound unique as this. The combination of overwhelming guitars, tight skins, and soft vocals provide a sound unlike a lot of bands today. It's odd because if you replace those thunderous guitars you'd end up with something on soft rock radio. This immediately brings Jimmy Eat World to mind but Laymen Terms keep a slower, deeper pace. But then they suddenly punch in a faster, poppier song and your whole view on the band changes again. This awesome full-length follows on the heels of their debut EP, and it's as an impressive as a debut LP as you'll find this year. "Hold On, Hold Tight" showed the pop side of the band with a quicker, catchier harmony that quickly gave the pop punk stereotype. But then the haunting "Tired Minds" ushers in with a slow, bone-chilling sound complete with emo overtones. Songs like "17" that features more of a hardcore stance riddled with deep vocals also pop up from time to time. After conquering the state of Colorado, the band is looking to expand its territory and spread its name. I don't see any forthcoming problems with this. - Poppunk.com

Location Colorado Springs, Colorado - USA

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