Static of the Gods constructs pop rock gems gilded with a punk and noise edge to create their patented chanteuse-pop / indie rock blend. The Boston-based trio crafts melodic hooks while fusing high-energy rock with a special "heart on your sleeve" honesty.
Static of the Gods' first EP, titled "The Nature of the Wave," was released in 2005 to rave reviews, and they are currently out and about making their mark on the crowded East Coast music scene sifting through traditional rock, punk, and pop to create their futuristic chanteuse-indie rock.
Recent performances include a spot on the WFNX New England Product concert series, and recent press includes a feature in the Northeast Performer. Their music is steadily gaining airplay in the Boston market, with plays on WFNX, WBCN, WFMO, and numerous internet radio stations and podcasts.
Check out some "sneak preview" tracks from their first full-length record due out in October 2006 in the audio section now!
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Northeastern University News
Static of the Gods describes itself as pop-like with a touch of indie rock. The band is creative with their use of guitar feedback below the melodic voice of Johnson. Comparable to other pop bands such as Tool and Evanescence, Static of the Gods creates an inviting atmosphere with its enticing lyrics and intensity.
Avoidperil.com Review
A chemical reaction occurs in my brain whenever I hear a catchy, guitar-driven rock song. My eyes glaze over and I become helplessly euphoric. Baptized by The Beatles and communion-ized by Weezer, I’ve always been at the mercy of a good pop song.
Static of the Gods is a new yet accomplished four-piece from Boston, and they play that very type of sugary music that always brings a smile to my face. Their debut EP, The Nature of the Wave, is seventeen minutes of pure ear candy. Recorded in Allston, MA, the EP boasts a surprisingly robust sound for local disc. All five tracks are killer and the played with conviction. Singer/songwriter Jen Johnson has a charming voice and keen ear for a good melody. The jaunty “Aphelion” is likely to become etched in one’s brain after a single listen while the moody “Trophy” benefits from some tasty bass playing. It’s on the towering final track, however, that the band really cuts loose, with Johnson shredding her vocal chords on the chorus, sounding eerily similar to Heart’s Ann Wilson.
Static of the Gods play a fun and unpretentious type of rock seen far too seldom in the always-uptight Boston local scene.
The Noise #254 Review
This Girl Can Really Sing
The Noise, September (#254)
Despite the steady chugging of all that fuzzy distortion, Jen Johnson's soothing voice keeps this EP a cathartic event. Yeah, Static of the Gods is alternative rock, but there's this maternal vibe here that somehow makes the disc real special. On the other hand, there's a few claws. Songs like "Trophy" eloquently tear both old boyfriends and Alanis Morrisette's nice tries to shreds. This girl can really sing.
I would say that the "hit" would certainly be the 'Small Molecules,' which has a lot of shoe gazer elements as well as beautiful harmonies. I must admit however, as a dude, that the overwhelming sincerity forces emotional cripples like me to categorize this as a guilty pleasure. Big deal; you don't really want to sing Bjork songs out the window either, but you certainly would alone in your room.
Indie-Music.com Review
Static Of The Gods’ sound comes through loud and clear during this short, sharp shot of recorded music. Its new EP opens with a track called “Supergenious,” which may just lead you to believe that this four-piece is comprised of at least a few science geeks. The track “Aphelion,” for instance, refers to the path of a celestial body (as a planet) that is farthest from the sun. This brainy little number is then followed up by the science class-ready “Small Molecules.” But S.O.T.G doesn’t so much blind you with its science as much as it illuminates its love songs with a few instances of scientific terminology.
Jen Johnson sings these five songs with plenty of spunk. During “Trophy,” for instance, she includes a touch of Gwen Stefani-ish vocal swagger when emoting, “Don’t you forget, I am the one that loves you best.” On “Small Molecules,” which steadily marches to a Joshua Tree-era U2 groove, she soothes, “Don’t worry, everything will be alright.” “Slide” is the only occasion here where Johnson strains to be heard above the group's strummy electric guitars and pounding drums.
Carl Sagan might indeed be proud of these science-centered song titles and the satellite reaching out to the heavens on this CD cover. But you don’t need to be a physics major to appreciate what this Boston band has laid down. With The Nature Of The Wave, Static Of The Gods is only doing what comes natural here.
Review from Northeast Performer
Static of the Gods debut EP, The Nature of the Wave, is a well-crafted
collection of indie pop songs. Their sound is initially reminiscent of
Velocity Girl, with a similar layering of sweet-sounding female vocals over
a noisy rock rhythm section. That is not to say that singer Jen Johnson is
out of place; her vocal work is confident and blends with the rhythm section
quite well.
The Nature of the Wave is immediately catchy, being front-loaded with hooky
pop songs "Supergenius" and "Aphelion." Both tracks highlight Johnson's
vocal work with memorable melodies while the rhythm section remains
comfortably in the background providing drive and direction.
Having introduced the basic components of their sound, Static of the Gods
moves on to the well-crafted ballad "Small Molecules." Another hooky song,
it also sees the rhythm section moving towards a noisier, more distorted and
feedback-laden sound. The production quality is excellent, and the rhythm
section is allowed to flex its muscles without eclipsing Johnson's vocals.
"Trophy" continues the trend of "Small Molecules" in a more upbeat setting.
Again, the rhythm section drives this song forward with Johnson remaining
firmly in the foreground, continuing to provide hooky vocal melodies.
The Nature of the Wave concludes with the hard-rocking, self-indulgent
"Slide." Everyone cuts loose here as the rhythm section indulges all the
hard rock urges that its been hinting at throughout the EP, and Johnson
breaks out of the sweet, pop mold with an aggressive screaming chorus. By
this point, Static of the Gods have sufficiently demonstrated the different
components that even this seemingly out-of-place song fits quite well on the
disc
The Nature of the Wave definitely makes a journey from its innocent pop
opening tracks to the hard-rocking finale. The songs are well-written
throughout, and the production is top notch, resulting in an impressive
whole. (Del Verano Records)
Contact: www.staticofthegods.com
-Brian McGrath
Northeast In-Tune Review
Hailing from Boston , Static of the Gods doesn’t have the traditional “Boston Sound.” Personally, although a Boston area native myself, my music business experience across the country makes me believe, though very popular for club acts in the Boston area, the “Boston Sound” isn’t really marketable on a massive scale across the country (except of course for those few Boston area bands (who also didn’t have the Boston Sound) who made a successful career in music). So, I feel this is a good thing as it opens this band up to a wider scope and potential fan base.
Static of the Gods is: Jen Johnson - vocals, guitar, Sam Smith – guitar, Chuck Young- bass, and Mike Latulippe – Drums. Their original sound is both catchy appealing. Jen’s vocals are very melodic, understandable and have a sweet, yet powerful sound. Their music isn’t over written and intense, but it is straight forward alterna-pop/rock and great WFNX play list material. I feel, given a chance at some decent airplay, Static of the Gods would do quite will and draw well at shows. In an off hand kind of way, Static of the Gods slightly reminded me of a more “alternative” version of The Juliet Dagger; so fans of theirs would more than likely enjoy this band as well.
Formed in the fall of 2004, only 1 year ago, they’ve already developed their own sound and seemed to have pulled their music together with some great, tight writing and performing. At the time of their EPK submission to us they were waiting for their debut EP, “The Nature of the Wave” to be released. It was due out in early August and I can’t wait to get a copy to check out the entire release.
The 2 songs on their EPK, “Supergenius” and “SmallMolecules” were both very enjoyable to listen to. Great song structure and a perfect mix of instrumentation and appealing, clear vocals. Great material! Send me the CD if you’re reading this! Love to interview or Feature you for an upcoming issue!