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ARTIST: Still Standing DATE: April 29, 2008 VENUE: Key Club, Hollywood, via Webcastia Broacast REVIEWER: Lynn Malpass
If you can wrap your head around something that's fresh and popular, but isn't emo or thrash, something maybe a little progressive which still has a hint of more popular, mainstream sounds (think, perhaps, of 30 Seconds to Mars, Three Days Grace, Feeder, etc.), you'd probably like the band Still Standing. Hailing originally from the Philadelphia area and now residing in Los Angeles while making their fame and fortune, this is one band that I honestly cannot say enough good things about. They've pretty much got it all in respect to new, rising bands: stage presence, creative talent, a "look" that feeds the popular music-loving masses (without looking gimmicky), and a great sound (am I also allowed to say that besides all that, they're all hot as hell?) They've got good roots and pay attention to what's happening now, without sacrificing their own personal style, and they just play what they want to play. That, from the start, has the makings of a future "great" band, and they're gearing up to show everyone this summer just how great they are.
Still Standing has a decent following for a young band that hasn't quite made its mark yet. I suspect this may be the year that it finally happens for them, though. They've been hard at work on a full-length CD (after having previously released two different EPs, which I'll be god-damned if I can get my hands on), and are now working with the infamous Marti Frederiksen (producer for Aerosmith, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, etc.) for a summer album release. I'd say it's a safe bet that if Marti likes them, they've definitely got something.
I've seen the band twice now, and spoken to them all before. One of the best things about Still Standing is that they're all incredibly personable, likable guys who really appreciate their fans and leave you just craving for more of them and their music. At the time, they were playing only 4- or 5-song sets and that was just not enough! So when the band publicized that they'd be playing at Hollywood's infamous Key Club and I could see them online via a new concert broadcasting idea called Webcastia (check out my article on Webcastia HERE), I took advantage of the chance. Tiding myself over for a little while, this was at least better than not being able to see them till the next time the band managed to get out to the east coast again.
As part of Webcastia's broadcast, viewers were treated to something special: a behind-the-scenes interview with the band. Lead singer/bassist Justin Coppolino, lead guitarist Johnny Coppolino and Drummer Alex Zarzycki discussed what Still Standing has been up to lately. They talked about the progress on their long-awaited album, what it's been like to be recording with Marti Frederiksen, and the band's musical influences, covering everything from Alkaline Trio to Iron Maiden. They also introduced the newest member of the band, guitarist Lonny Paul, and explained that the addition of a fourth member had necessitated a re-do on some of the previously finished recording for the album, hence part of the delay in getting their disc out. I guess we can forgive them for the wait, in that case.
When the band took the stage, I thought to myself, "Wow, it's about time!" I was encouraged by the interview, and it definitely got me anticipating things to come for this band in the near future. They seem geared-up and ready to make their mark, and based on the caliber of the new songs they played, I really cannot wait for the album to come out. I'm hopeful that it will help them explode onto the scene; I'm sure they're going to start getting a lot of notice now. It didn't take long for me to get so into the show as they played a set of seven or eight tunes, most of which were new material from the forthcoming mystery album. For a few minutes I might as well have been there in Los Angels (and boy, I wish I had been.) The Webcastia video was clear, the camera angles were good, and it was nice seeing this 'up close and personal' band like this, even from the other side of the country.
Of course they played "Do You Believe," a favorite that was first introduced about a year ago (and with an impressive video to boot), and another song or two that have been in the set for a while. However, the best part of the concert for me, was the unveiling of some new songs from the album like "Never Be Afraid" and "Leave Me Alone." This was their first time being played live. They also played "Black and White," a new song which was just released as the album's first single (and is now available for download). Bassist Justin C spoke a lot between songs, mostly about what the band had been up to in the past year during their absence from the stage, and how the album was coming, sharing info with those who hadn't seen the interview segment. There was a one-song encore, too, placating the chanting, happy fans unwilling to say good-night so soon and end another great night with one of their new favorite bands live, in concert. And to that end I say again - definitely not enough! A one song encore was not nearly enough, as I feel like I could watch these guys play all night. They're so easy to get into... but oh well and such is life. The show ended, leaving me, along with everyone else I'm sure, anticipating the next time we can catch Still Standing, which won't be nearly soon enough.
With the release of the new album looming, and their transformation taking wing, Still Standing is poised to begin playing more gigs in the LA area. It seems these guys are chomping at the bit and ready to go. So if you missed them at the Key Club the first time, I can just about assure you that you'll have more chances to catch them soon. They're stretching their legs and soon will be gearing up to begin supporting their disc, and I can't wait for it to happen. If you haven't figured it out by now, this is not a band you want to miss if you happen to be in an area where they'll be playing. They'll make you a fan after only the first song, I can just about guarantee it. From here I can only see things getting bigger and better for Still Standing
For more information about Still Standing and when and where they may be playing, check out their official website, www.stillstanding321.com, or their MySpace (where you can now download "Black and White" from the widget in the middle of the page) at www.myspace.com/stillstanding321com.
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