Comber (band)
Comber is an alternative rock band from Rockledge, Florida consisting of members Craig Wildenradt, Gary Schmidt, Chris Baker, and Kevin Mattison II. The group has officially released one full length album to date.
History
Beginnings
Comber was conceptualized in early 2006 by Craig after he independently wrote what would become some of the songs appearing on the band's debut full-length album. After the demos garnered the interest of Peter Martin (who would later co-produce the album), Craig was encouraged to form a band and pursue the project further. Not long after, Craig had called upon longtime friend and former bandmate Chris Baker to play drums. The two had previously played together in the alternative rock band Phat Alburt. Craig also called upon friend Adam Jones to play guitar. Adam's roommate Kevin Mattison II was enlisted to play bass.
Unlike many bands, Comber focused its early efforts on writing and recording a full-length album prior to any live performances. The band spent nearly a full year preparing for the studio and nearly six months afterwards in production time.
Comber (2007)
On August 14, 2007, Comber released its self-titled debut. Prior to the release, Adam Jones left the band to focus on school. Gary Schmidt, also a former Phat Alburt bandmate, joined the band on guitar soon after and the band began performing live in support of the album. In October of 2007, Comber received a Gold Artist Award for their album from UK-based radio station, Radio Gets Wild during an on-air interview.
MusicAL Style and Influences
Comber's sound is characteristic of more musically dense and complex alternative rock acts. Songs are GeneRally guitar and drum driven, with elements of progressive rock, blues rock, and jazz fusion being incorporated frequently. The band is known for covering multiple dynamic ranges, mixing soft and subtle passages with louder, heavier riffing and chord progressions.
Craig Wildenradt, who writes nearly all of the material for the band cites Smashing Pumpkins, Hum, and Radiohead as heavy influences. In album liner notes, Craig also wrote, "Thanks to Billy, Stevie, and Jimi for your influence." It is assumed that he is referring to Billy Corgan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jimi Hendrix as being influences on his playing style. This can be heard in his blues rock influenced leads.
Chris Baker, a jazz trained drummer, cites Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, and Carter Beauford as influences on his playing style. These influences are apparent in his stylistically diverse rock drumming which tends to be more dynamic in nature than most standard contemporaries.
Kevin Mattison II cites Flea, Jaco Pastorius, and Jaga Jazzist as influences among others.
Gary Schmidt cites Dimebag Darrell, Jimi Hendrix, Bill Steer, and Ian MacKaye as influences on his playing style. His guitar playing is more influenced by heavy metal, hardcore, and death metal than standard rock or alternative rock. Aside from playing with Comber, Gary is the lead guitarist and songwriter for the Central Florida based death metal band Ninety Minute Reflex.
Discography
Date of release |
Title |
Record label |
|---|---|---|
Aug 14, 2007 |
Comber |
none -- independent release |