Artist description The Art of Self-Defense is a more than apt title for the Stepford Five's latest album. Essentially, it also describes the band's thick skinned, do-it-yourself approach to releasing albums and self-promotion. It seems to be an art-form that they have perfected: looking inward for inspiration, defending themselves amidst an apathetic musical landscape and against outsiders who have tried to pigeonhole their music. "We are just trying to get as far as we can, and we've had to do most of the work on our own. I guess that just makes us take things more seriously than other bands." - Vocalist, guitarist Keith Jenkins.

Music Style GUITAR ROCK!

Musical Influences Catherine Wheel, Afghan Whigs, The Cult, Smashing Pumpkins, Howlin'Maggie, Pretty Mighty Mighty, The Hellacopters, Jeff Buckley, Kiss, Van Halen, The Rolling Stones, Wilco, Radiohead

Similar Artists The Afghan Whigs, Bush, Catherine Wheel, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Cult, , Dinosaur Jr., Shiner, Foo Fighters,

Artist History Formed 1/99. Released CD/LP Mesh 2/00. Released CD/LP The Art of Self-Defense 11/01.

Albums MESH (2/00), The Art of Self-Defense (11/01)

Press Reviews Columbus-based Rock quartet The Stepford Five returns to Cincy in support of their new album, The Art of Self-Defense, the follow-up to last year's fine Mesh. The record is a highly textured affair that features a lot of layering and interesting ornamentation that's hard to pick on a pedestrian listen, because the Five do such of good job of melding everything together into a seamless mix. Guitar Rock is a lost artform, but Stepford Five return it to the Post-Hardcore, Pre-Grunge days of Dinosaur Jr. and My Bloody Valentine, with soaring leads and a wall-of-sound glaze. And, melodically, the group seems to fall into their hooks in an almost lackadaisical manner, which make them all the more effective and intriguing. The bassist and drummer create some cool rhythmic maneuvers, slipping into sturdy syncopation at times, gliding gracefully at others. But refreshingly it doesn't draw too much attention to itself and serves the songs perfectly. While accessible, The Art of Self-Defense is the kind of smartly crafted album that might take a few listens to fully take in all the way. But the rewards are well worth the time spent.

Location Columbus, Ohio - USA

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