Sleeze ~ The Name Does Not Say It All

The Band

When I first heard about Rockford, IL’s Sleeze from one of our writers in Chicago, I have to admit that I fell victim to pre-judging a book by its cover ~ or in this case, pre-judging a band by its name.  There went my original title of “Sleeze ~ The Name Says It All” ~ because the name, although it may catch the attention of a wider audience that something more indicative of the talent that lies behind it, is misleading…both in terms of the band members’ dedication to their music and to the music itself. As lead vocalist and band founder Isaac Hare shared, “People often overlook the serious heart that is put into this band.” 

I don’t for a minute doubt Hare’s words.  So I’m going to start this article with a somewhat backwards compliment to the band (Hare on lead vocals, Micah Watz on lead guitar, Bruce Eklove on bass guitar, and Josh Huston on drums and percussion ~ and this is not the original line-up, as Hare took two years to meticulously choose musicians who shared his vision and level of skill):  guys, I get the name and the reasons you chose it, but it does you a tremendous disservice because it undermines the serious musicianship, intense but level-minded ambition, and mature work ethic that you possess (but let me assure our readers, there’s no question that this foursome appreciates sleaze…just check out their FB pages and the [good-natured] pix of bondage, nipples, smoking nuns, up-skirt shots, etc.).

Now don’t get me wrong, Sleeze, signed to Criminal Records, is a blast to see live and sound great recorded, too ~ they take their music seriously, but not at the cost of losing the loud, fuck you, in your face, ass-kicking quality that no doubt will continue to increase the number of people (both in the industry and not) who take notice of their stage presence and musical chops. In other words, this band has what it takes to keep rockin’ that thin line between relishing accolades for their current sound and becoming stagnant, between maintaining a strong identity and continuing to mature and evolve.  About the band’s determination and evolution, Hare says, “The steps we have taken to get to this point in our careers have been enjoyable and arduous, simultaneously, over the last four years. During this time, Sleeze started carving its name into the Rockford underground music scene, with our evolving sound and image.”  Their hard-earned place in that underground music scene has won them airplay on internet and radio stations in the US and internationally, too, and their reputation has grown beyond just the underground scene.

The Music

Like I said, you’d be hard-pressed to find a band who throws more of itself into its performances than does Sleeze.  There is list of established, big name bands who could take a lesson or two from these guys (Oh, and did I forget to mention that the members of Sleeze range in age from 19 – 21?)…speaking of established, big name bands, here’s the point in the article where I should do the “If you like…” or “Their influences are…” mentions ~ but, as Hare says, “How do you describe Sleeze? Well, that’s impossible, my friend.”  They’re…Rock/ Sleeze/Grunge/Groove/Heavy Metal and a host of other styles that may not even be recognized genres yet.  Listen to their debut self-titled album and you’ll know that the band has absorbed the music of Marilyn Manson, Rise Against, Dope, Coal Chamber, Sabbath, Nirvana, Zeppelin, Pantera, and others, but that they’ve also listened to and learned from a wider variety of music from across the decades than most people two or three times their age.  And this is just a personal preference on my part, but no matter how heavy the song or fast and loud the guitars, the vocals are…intelligible.  Hare sings, he doesn’t just scream, and there’s no sense that anyone in the band is trying to steal the spotlight ~ especially with that cheapest of tricks, volume.

But enough description, time for you to hear Sleeze for yourself ~ so head HERE to listen to the entire first album, Sleeze.

The tracklisting is:

They Saved Hitler’s Brain

Identical Twins

Hail To The Thief

So High

For Gypsys

Bite the Hand

Morphine Queen

Techno Liquid

Love to Hate

Now check out their official YouTube page to fully appreciate what Sleeze brings to their live shows. 

 

The Press

Check out a Sleeze live show or visit one of their Facebook pages (listed below) and it’s obvious that their audiences love them…but an adoring fan base doesn’t always equal even the slightest approving nod from the press…but in Sleeze’s case, they’re turning the heads of industry types, too.

Here’s just a sample:

“I was so impressed with the sound, stage show and fire these guys brought. I know they woke the neighborhood up and they all LOVED IT!! All original, totally new and fresh while remembering the class of heavies they were inspired by… AWESOME!” ~ Larry Goone, Chicago Sex Con/BornABabe.com

“These guys put the Rock in Rockford. They have a unique sound, channeling Sabbath, Nirvana, Zeppelin, and Pantera, but creating something totally fresh in the process.” ~ Anthony Montalto, Sirius Radio Staff

“Sleeze’s  raw energy and stage performance is a soon-to-be classic in the alternative hard rock world!!” ~ Erik Virgin, Beyond Threshold vocalist and Director of Marketing at Ardent Entertainment

“A youthful and ambitious kick in the balls to the old age and treachery of their influences AND they kick harder with every show!!!” ~ Unkle Chris,  815 Local Jive/ Rockford Local Page

 

The Plans

Sleeze is just about finished with their second album, For Gypsies, which the band calls “…more diverse than our first.  Josh Huston contributes back-up vocals and it’s very melodic. It still has the gritty, grungy vibe to it, but more on the lines of psychedelic groove metal.” With a deal to work with Chicago based production company T-Minus Ten, they’re in the process of planning a locally-based music festival called “Sleezefest,” and are working towards slots on Lollapalooza, Warped Tour, and Riot Fest. They’re in the process of expanding their stock of available merchandise ~ Tshirts, hoodies, hats, thongs, buttons, and more ~ and hope to be able to offer Sleeze, and then For Gypsies, on vinyl.  And they’re going to keep playing live every chance they get and creating material for album #3, all while constantly re-evaluating and adding to their sound and stage show. “Our plans within the next couple years include an American Tour [and] writing better and more thought out material. We want to get better quality and more reliable equipment to improve our performing abilities, and not just musical gear, but also props to increase the theatrics of our overall live shows.”  

Given what Sleeze has created already, I can only imagine the level they’ll be at in a year or two.  I just hope that when they get that first national tour, they’ll be playing a show in our neck of the woods (and yes, I’ve already subtly hinted that a preview copy of For Gypsies would be greatly appreciated).

Sleeze has a major online presence with 2 ~ that’s right, 2 ~ Facebook pages full of great live shots, random pix of weird creatures and strange scenes, twisted ads, the aforementioned all-in-good-fun sleaze, collections of posts of some amazing custom artwork contributed by their fans, and updates on radio play/appearance dates.  Make sure to check out all the links below often.

Official Facebook 1  

Official Facebook 2  

ReverbNation    

YouTube

 

And here’s one final tidbit I intentionally saved for the very end of this piece ~ frontman Hare is the son of none other than former Misfits and current Doyle guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein. Maybe that’s one of the reasons music and theatricality come so naturally to Hare…and why he wants to surround himself with musicians who appreciate what both new and classic bands can offer.