Relapse Records recording artists, 27 come to J.C. March 22.

[Carnage]

Monday night, March 22, FTK Entertainment in association with Mayhem Productions and Heather's Hideaway present internationally-acclaimed band and Relapse Records recording artists, 27. 27 have been getting rave reviews all over the world, as well as having one of the most unique sounds in all of rock music. With a female singer, who puts most others to shame, this is a welcome breath of fresh air to the rock industry. The show will be at Heather's Hideaway, located at 235 E. Main St. in Johnson City, TN. Showtime is 9:00 p.m., and admission is a paltry $6, with anyone over 18 being allowed.

27 is a 4-piece band based out of Boston, Massachusetts that uses sample loops, rock instruments and sultry vocals to create dark pop songs with a broad range of emotions and textures. The instrumentation ranges from gently sparse to lushly full, revolving around the alluring and captivating vocals. The more experimental tracks with electronic loops and landscape elements often create a tripped-out vibe, while other songs explore a more simple and direct rock approach. The music has hushed moments, but remains extremely dynamic. 27 has been described as a cross between Portishead and Neil Young; the band has also been compared to PJ Harvey, Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple, and Fleetwood Mac.

Among 27's accomplishments are 2 full United States tours, as well as many numerous smaller tours. The band has been featured in many magazines, such as Kerrang! and Rock Sound, as well as over 20 underground 'zines. The band toured Europe in the spring of 2003, opening for Hydrahead Records recording artists, Isis. Speaking of acts 27 has shared the stage with, they include: Neurosis, Mastodon, Low, Denali, Karate, Elliot and Himsa. The band also played the 2003 Relapse Contamination Festival alongside such acts as: Alabama Thunderpussy, Cephalic Carnage, Pig Destroyer, Burnt by the Sun, Today is the Day, High on Fire, Zeke, and Dillinger Escape Plan.

27 has also worked with many record labels in their career. They have an E.P. and single to be released in 2004 on Hydrahead Records featuring guest appearances by Aaron Turned and Jeff Caxide of Isis, who are on Mike Patton of Faith No More/Mr. Bungle's Ipecac label, as well as the E.P. featuring artwork by Aaron Turner. In September of 2003, 27's album "Animal Life" saw a European release, through Undergroove Records, as well as a full Europen tour, in support of the release. An "Animal Life" picture disc 12" vinyl was released in the U.S. through Escape Artists Records in April of 2003. The band also released "Songs from the Edge of the Wing" in May of 2001 through Relapse Records/Release Entertainment. Members of 27 appeard on the 2003 release by Isis, "Oceanic." In May, 2002, the United States version of "Animal Life" was released through Kimchee Records with outstanding reviews in prominent music publications including CMJ, Kerrang!, Rock Sound, and many more, and reached number 75 on the CMJ Top 200. 27 have had many compilation appearances, including "Contaminated V" and "Contaminated VI," both available through Relapse Records, and a track on the "Lounge Beatz Volume 2" compilation, available through BMG Germany, which featured a track by the renowed Jill Scott.

27 have garnered a bit of press as well, during their career, earning rave reviews. Of their live show, James Sherry, wrote in the March 2003 issue of Kerrang!: "27 wow the already heaving audience with a delicate set of beautiful post-rock melodies and moods. Singer and guitarist Maria Christopher is an enchanting presence on stage, coming across like a more willfully obscure Polly Harvey as she croons and subtly strums her guitar to drummer Neil Coulon and guitarist Ayal Naor's hypnotic grooves, complex melodies and soaring harmonies. Simply exquisite."
Meanwhile, in the December 2002 issue of Rock Sound Magazine, Jonathan Long wrote: "Subtle melodies mixed with Maria Christopher's warm and sultry vocals do an emotive album make. Imagine Neil Young getting it on with Portishead - if you dare - and you'll get an idea of where they're coming from. [guitarist] Ayal Naor and Christopher recently guested on Isis' epic 'Oceanic' album, something that will no doubt do their profile the world of good. In fact, The Used's Bert McCracken can even be seen sporting thier t-shirts. The sounds of the underground never sounded better. 27 is the magic number, discover for yourself."

David Greenberger wrote in the August 2002 issue of Pulse, "27 is playful with its songs and arrangements. Like some sort of futurist cabaret, the band lands somewhere between the minimalist landscapes of Low and the Euro-art songs of the under-heralded Art Bears. 'Animal Life' is full of mystery, but of a powerfully inviting sort." And, in the June 2002 CMJ New Music Report, Brad Filicky wrote of the band: "The Boston three-piece aims below the belt with a quiet bullet of pure sensuality. Even when the band does turn up the guitars on songs like 'Heat Sink,' Maria Christopher's sultry vocals wrap the songs in a sexy velvet grip. Put this record on at your next party and hold on tight." Justin Kownacki, of Splendid Magazine wrote, in May of 2002, "If I, and not SPIN, had the power to proclaim instant modern classics, I would dub Animal Life the first widely accessible, no-assembly-required hit album of the year. 'For An Exchange' is about the catchiest song Jill Sobule never wrote, and 'Cavalla' makes its living from a bird call, as near as I can tell. Don't wait until they're shoving 27 down your throat - though you could be forced to swallow worse things. 27 hangs its hat on Maria Christopher's voice. Breathy, dusky, couched in dark corners, Christopher is not the kind of girl you need to hug, help or protect. She's the kind of girl you meet at a bar, who could potentially outdrink you and still drive you home. She's a femme fatale, wreathed in smoke and face half cast in shadow. In short, she's an original, and likely to inspire comparisons to everyone from Esthero to Beth Orton. But - you might do better by comparing future songstresses to her."


Do not miss this show, you'll definitely regret it.

For more information on 27, visit:

http://www.27.vg
http://www.undergroove.co.uk
http://www.hydrahead.com
http://www.conspiracyrecords.com
http://www.escapeartistrecords.com
http://www.releaseentertainment.com
http://www.kimcheerecords.com
http://www.relapse.com

Opening act information will be announced in the coming days.