Archives:
Song Premiere: The Scissors – “Jet Black”
It’s been nearly seven years since The Scissors released new music and today, we’re premiering the first single off their upcoming EP. The song is called “Jet Black” and the EP is titled Eulogize. We spoke with singer/guitarist Darren Vorel and talked about why he chose to revive the band and where the inspiration for this EP came from. He explained, “When we parted ways in 2012, I was definitely finished creating songs and performing as The Scissors. We spent so much time recrafting the sound and direction with another vocalist in the lead role. To go forward with another change like that would mean going backwards to me. I think we confused enough of our audience changing it up the first time, so it was better to leave it where we did.”
Continue Reading…
Darren Vorel – “Come Back Girl”
On May 18th, Darren Vorel, (The Scissors, Showoff, TLB) will release his debut solo EP, More Today Than Ever. Written over a period of several years, these songs didn’t necessarily gel with his current band, TLB, so Vorel opted for the solo route. He explained, “I like to make creative goals for myself at the beginning of every year. I knew that Tom and Dave from TLB were going to be busy with their other group in 2018, so I decided to put more focus on writing, with equal attention to TLB and any other outlet I might have to release music. I’ve written a full EP for The Scissors and I’ve written some new songs for another solo release as well. It feels good to have a lot of stuff ready to go.”
Vorel recorded these songs in his Chicago apartment and was responsible for all vocals, as well as guitar, bass and keyboard duties. For drums and percussion, he enlisted the help of his friends Mike Rataj and Chris Mason. When asked about the recording experience, Vorel said “I had to invest in some software and some mics and monitors. I also had to do a ton of research on recording in general. The other half was just recalling what I’ve picked up from watching engineers I’ve worked with over the years. Nothing I have is super fancy, but I think this turned out sounding great for what I had to work with.” He added, “After it was all mixed and ready to go, I still had to master the album. I don’t think I really understood mastering before this experience. I called up my old pal Matt Allison and he came in to help me really put that final glaze over everything to make it real.”
We’re streaming the record’s leadoff track below, “Come Back Girl,” which Vorel described as a good blend of the music he’s created in the past. To celebrate the EP’s release, he’s playing a show at Beat Kitchen on Saturday, May 26th, along with The Cold Mourning, The Hoodie Life, and Daniel Wade. It starts at 7:00 PM, is 17+ and tickets can be purchased here. Joining Vorel onstage that night will be two of his Showoff bandmates, brothers Dan and George Castady. When speaking about playing with them, he said “They can both sing better than I can and are absolute experts when it comes to their craft. I’m really fortunate to have known them this long and I know they’ll be able to give the audience the truest representation of these songs.” Check out “Come Back Girl” now and preorder the record here.
https://soundcloud.com/vorel/darren-vorel-more-today-than-ever-come-back-girl/s-qCX8D
The Scissors – Over Your Dead Body
Self-released – Release Date: 9/28/12
Since the release of their last album in 2010, You Can Make It Dangerous, The Scissors have undergone two significant lineup alterations. Former rhythm guitarist Yvonne Szumski has transitioned to lead singer and newcomer Steve Mast has entered the fold at lead guitar. Both changes are definite positives and have helped bring a fresh sense of energy to the band. Szumski is an exceptionally talented vocalist and for comparison’s sake, her style is similar to that of Pat Benatar. Mast is an accomplished guitarist, capable of impressive solos and well-placed backing vocals. Bassist Ken Fletcher and drummer David Schneider solidify a reliable rhythm section, while Darren Vorel anchors the group with his spirited guitar work and distinct vocal approach. Over Your Dead Body opens with “Skeletons,” which features haunting lyrics, rapid-fire vocals and a soaring chorus. Next up is “Stay Away,” a driving rock ‘n roll tune that was co-written with Plain White T’s singer Tom Higgenson. Other highpoints include the defiant, brooding ballad “Breakout” and the clear-cut, pop punk gem that is the title track. The album concludes with a uniquely cool rendition of Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” and it does a great job of showcasing both Szumski’s vocal abilities and the band’s proficiency. This record signifies a new chapter in the story of The Scissors, one with much promise and the potential for bigger things. It’s recommended for fans of earnest rock music with strong pop sensibilities and dynamic singing.
Atlas Studios
Growing up in a musical family from Rockford, Illinois, Matt Allison began his path to becoming a producer while playing guitar and bass in various high school bands. He later moved to Champaign, Illinois to pursue an English degree, yet his passion for music remained. Allison continued playing in bands, but also took interest in recording demo tapes for his and his friends’ bands alike. “I kind of realized you could really exercise a lot of whatever creative urges you had via recording music, while at the same time making a much better living than you possibly would as a musician,” he said. “In some ways it was like hedging a bet, career-wise, but on the other hand I never have been interested in being a touring musician. Working in a studio is something I really enjoy doing.” Allison and a friend eventually constructed a small studio in the attic of the home where they were living, though it soon became apparent that Champaign was simply overcrowded with studios and under-populated by bands. This revelation is what ultimately led Allison to migrate to Chicago. Continue Reading…
The Scissors
Darren Vorel of The Scissors by Katie Hovland
Since forming in 2002, The Scissors have continually labored to hone their sound and expand their following. In late March of 2010, they released their third album, You Can Make It Dangerous. Recorded by Matt Allison and produced by Grammy-nominee Tom Higgenson, this record is somewhat of a star-studded affair, but most importantly, it’s got the songwriting chops to back it up. Taking more of a pop direction than their previous efforts, You Can Make It Dangerous finds The Scissors experimenting with new sounds, but also maintaining their longstanding punk undertones. The album is further augmented by the group’s most solidified lineup yet, and with any luck The Scissors will soon be one of the biggest names in Chicago punk rock. Continue Reading…
Follow Us
-
