It would be fair to say that ATTENTION SYSTEM happened by accident. The first time these Atlanta musicians sat down together with their instruments in the summer of 2008, they had one common goal in mind: to write music that would make people dance. It was a simple endeavor – years of playing in every imaginable venue from damp basements to trendy clubs had taught them not to expect too much. But the chemistry among these seasoned musicians on that day was undeniable – and by the end of that first rehearsal, expectations had changed.
With darkwave and punk at their core, Brian Fisher (vocals, keys), Joshua Broughton (guitar, vocals), Jonathan Davis (guitar), Chris Edmonds (bass) and Jason Curtis (drums) were ready for something new. Dabbling in the world of electronics, they've managed to fuse '80s synth pop with their darker undertones – and they've created what they only half-jokingly like to call "a rock band who's mugged an electronica band and is digging through a stolen, dirty pair of pants for extra synth lines."
Their lyrics paint a picture of dystopian futurism – but these guys don't ever take the world's demise too seriously. Themes of paranoia, hi-tech system failures and an inevitable robotic annihilation never seem to spoil the mood. They've been compared to The Faint, The Presets and She Wants Revenge – and while the band certainly counts these among their influences, their music is infused with a brightness that stands out among its darker subtext.
"When we went to see shows, it always seemed like something was missing," says singer Brian Fisher. "People weren't having fun anymore ... everyone just looked a little bored with it all. What we set out to do is entertain, bring back the energy, and show people that it's OK to get out, dance and have a good time again."
Although ATTENTION SYSTEM is a relative newcomer to the Atlanta music scene, they've already made their presence felt. In less than a year, they've gone from just another unknown local band to headlining packed weekend shows in Atlanta's notorious underground rock and dance venues. Their live shows have generated citywide buzz, landing them opening slots for visiting national acts. Local and regional radio airplay, plus a nationally televised commercial for the DIY Network, speaks to a promising future.
So while ATTENTION SYSTEM's sound may have come together by accident – it is certainly an accident that HAS been waiting to happen. |
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