Audio-file

This way out

The Exit puts its message before money

By Candace Pacheco
cpache17@mscd.edu

Looking for a way outside the norm? Then head for The Exit, an eclectic New York band that strives to execute the unexpected.

A base of classic and punk rock is accented with dashes of folk and reggae to create a unique sound without boundaries. Ben Brewer's guitar playing is gritty and rough, but triggers the irresistible urge to move. His riffs sound like they are going in circles, bouncing across the strings like a kid on a water slide. Gunnar's drumming is a monstrous force, like thunder warning the world of a coming storm. Vocalist Jeff DaRosa brings a refreshing voice that rings hard and strong, like a call from the wild, beckoning everyone to listen up. The result is a brilliant live show and a solid album sound.

Photo by Ebet Roberts _ Courtesy of Wind-up Records
Show me the way to The Exit. From left: Ben Brewer (guitar/vocals), Gunnar (drums), Jeff DaRosa (bass/vocals).

The band recently switched from Some Records, where they released two albums, to Wind-up Records. The switch to a larger label should improve their chances of being heard and give their talent room to expand. "We felt like we had sung all we could for Some Records," Brewer said.

Their initial release for Wind-up will be a re-recorded version of their second album, Home For An Island. According to Brewer, the new recording, released Oct. 11, has a more courageous and raw sound compared to its previous release. With the new album, the band stopped trying to create the perfect lyric and concentrated on what correlated with their style. "(The second album's lyrics) are more ranty and weird. We got deeper and more jammy," Brewer said.

The Exit works hard to be heard. On tour practically year round, they can barely find time to do their laundry. Traveling so much, the guys have to write while on the road, but Brewer says he thinks there is a bit of an advantage to it. "There is a loneliness that happens only on the road," he said.

The band's political views and agendas about the world help shape their message. They write about issues that may be socially and politically taboo, such as the war, all the sadness and hatred going on in the world, and how society influences the way one lives his or her life. This social conscience gives them depth and a way for their audience to relate.

The title track of the new album expresses the relief that music brings from the sorrow over what is happening in America. "Back To The Rebels," is about trying to escape social and political pressures and finding a middle ground. "Soldier," an acoustic folk song with a crying harmonica, is about the reality and pain of those fighting in the war.

The Exit isn't about making a sack-load of money and spending their days on the beaches of Maui, as much as they might enjoy that. Their goal is for fans to get something out of their music. They measure success by how well they accomplish that. "(We want to) get a solid message out there," Brewer said. "If the band does do well, it will be cool; we can get our message out."

To get more info, go to theexitrock.com or winduprecords.com. For more info on the issues the band has written about, go to energyaction.com.