If there is any rising band in the music scene that I can truly say has grown and developed in some new way with each release they put out, I'd have to say that band is Set It Off. I stumbled upon the band around the time that vocalist Cody Carson had begun the band over YouTube, taking inspiration from very early All Time Low after getting a chance to perform with the band in Ohio when they played the AP Tour (yep. THAT long ago.) But with every EP, every album, every step that the band has taken in the progression of their career, something musically changes, and it's always for the better. Symphonic and classical music elements have been added to the mix in recent years, creating an incredible amalgamation of sound that has been absent from the rock scene for quite some time. It's unique, it's daring, and it's Set It Off.
The band will be co-headlining Slims in San Francisco, CA this Sunday with Tonight Alive. Join us as we take a look back at the band's collective discography thus far in their career.
Baby, You Don't Tripijaharda
Released: October 31, 2008
abel: Self-released
I think it's important to always look back at where a band got their start (guys, if you are reading this, I know you hate this EP, so please don't kill me...). The first offering from Set It Off was released on Halloween in 2008 in the form of a GarageBand EP called Baby, You Don't Tripijaharda. The tracks are incredibly rough in production, sounding more like a demo than an official. But it got the band started and moving towards getting studio time. It garnered a bit of attention from new fans along the way, paving the way for them to REALLY get things started with their next EP.
Calm Before The Storm EP
Released: May 16, 2009
Label: Self-released
This EP, no matter how big or progressive Set It Off becomes in the future, will always remain one of my favorite releases from them, hands down. There's sentimental value attached to it, but it's the first real glimpse into who these guys become. By the time you're invested in the first track "143", you can tell what direction the band is going in: wholesome pop-punk with a new kind of flair. The EP was self-produced and released by the band in 2009, and it helped lead to their signing at Equal Vision Records.
Horrible Kids EP
Released: August 31, 2011
Label: Self-released, then re-released through Equal Vision Records
The band had finally found themselves a label and a new place to call home. On July 19, 2011, the band announced that they had signed to Equal Vision Records, and would be re-releasing a remastered version of their EP Horrible Kids later that year. While Calm Before The Storm gave fans a taste of what to expect, Horrible Kids started to bridge the gap between first-generation SIO and the next-generation of SIO. There were hints of classical and orchestral instrumentation in this EP. Nothing too crazy, but just enough of a hint to tell that when the day came for the world to hear their debut full-length, it was going to be a bit different than anticipated.
Cinematics
Released: 2012
Label: Equal Vision Records
Fast forward to 2012, and we have the release of Set It Off's first true, "this is who we are" release: Cinematics. The band had abandoned the traditional pop-punk stylings in pursuit of something more theatrical. The orchestral string section in the introduction track gives the listener a pretty good indication of what to expect before launching into Tim Burton fever dream style tracks like "Nightmare", "Plastic Promises" and "Freak Show". It's important to note that both Dan Clermont and Cody Carson have a background in classical music training, so that played a big part in the creation of each of these tracks. The album was produced, mixed, and engineered by both Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount at ZK Productions. The album debuted at #174 on the Billboard 200, #4 on the Top Heatseekers Chart, and #38 on the Independent Albums Chart.
Duality
Released: October 14, 2014
Label: Equal Vision Records
Two years later, and the band announce their best effort to date, Duality. It's the band's most experimental record to date, but it has created some of the best songs they've ever written as a collective group. "Why Worry" is a personal favorite. Imagine a punk band meets the Backstreet Boys, and then they meet a classical music composer. Put that together, and you have a three and a half minute track that seamlessly meshes all of those elements into something beautiful. The band recorded the album in Los Angeles with several different producers including John Feldmann, Brandon Paddock, Tommy English, and Matt Appleton. Duality peaked at #86 on the Billboard 200, and the band have been touring in support of the record ever since.
At this point, a new album should be on the horizon, as the band just dropped a brand new track entitled "Uncontainable". You can view the new music video for the track below. One thing is for sure though: Set It Off have shown absolutely no sign of slowing down at any time soon. With their theatrical wit and impressive songwriting, it's clear that the show will go on, and in a brilliant way.
For more information, music, and tour dates from Set It Off, visit www.setitoffband.com.
This has been another Shameless Promotion.