As the dust settled on an impressive list of former endeavors, it was an unlikely series of human connections that sparked the inception of Assertion. After years of self-described music industry PTSD and disenchantment, drummer William Goldsmith (Sunny Day Real Estate, The Fire Theft, Foo Fighters), guitarist/vocalist Justin Tamminga (Blind Guides, Dying Trades), bassist Bryan Gorder united through a series of serendipitous events. Best described adjectively, the band's debut LP, Intermission, is real, propulsive, and earnest -- a cathartic experience that proudly does not nestle nicely alongside current bands -- or really many releases at all from the last couple decades. “Intermission" conjures more connections to the heady grit and soaring grind of the 90's.
Driving guitars anchored by a frenetic rhythm section. A haunting vocal delivery concealing a heartfelt sentiment. Track-by-track, the record builds into a dark and heavy crescendo but unpredictably retreats into delicate and fragile moments in masterful ways.
Shopping in the US? You can pick up the LP from Spartan Records US store here - https://spr.tn/intermission
Track listing:
1. Down Into The Depths
2. The Lamb To The Slaughter Pulls A Knife
3. Defeated
4. This Dream Does Not Work
5. Pushed To The Limit
6. Deeper In The Shallow
7. This Lonely Choir
8. Supervised Suffering
9. Set Fire
First pressing limited to 300 copies:
• Black/Orange/Black Stripe (200)
• Transparent Orange and Black Swirl (100)
Full color jacket printed on reverse board stock with full-color uncoated innersleeve.
Third pressing limited to 300 copies:
• Orange / Milky Clear Swirl with Ultra Clear Splatter (100)
• Orange and Black Swirl (100)
• Transparent Orange with Black & White Twist (100)
Full color jacket printed on reverseboard stock with full-color uncoated innersleeve.
