ATP'S ROTY: #2 Algernon Cadwallader - Some Kind of Cadwallader

At Number 2 in my countdown of my Records of the Year is West Philadelphia band Algernon Cadwallader, with their debut full-length "Some Kind of Cadwallader".

A energetic record with a mixture of sweet melodies and raw emotion. The 3-piece have created 10 songs with complex guitar parts; which at times can be calming and at times hectic. The instrumentation on this album is superb and allow the lyrics to take a back seat, as the bands loose and casual playing, leads to giving each song it's own identity with highlights including "Katie's Conscience", "Some Kind of Cadwallader" and "Serial Killer Status".

Whilst it has been heavily noted that the band sound too much like Midwest 90's emo band. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as in day and age the world needs a band like Algernon Cadwallader.

Bassist and Vocalist Peter recently spoke to Alter The Press! about "Some Kind of Cadwallader", being an unsigned band, playing live and the future.

ATP: Who are you and what is your role in the band?
Peter: I am Peter. I play bass and sing the songs.

ATP: For those who are not familiar with your band, tell them about Algernon Cadwallader?
P: Hey, I’m in this band called Algernon Cadwallader. We’re a DIY band from Pennsylvania. We sound like Cap'n Jazz.

ATP: How do you feel about being compared to bands such as Cap'n Jazz and Look Mexico?
Peter: It’s okay but a bit redundant. We definitely welcome some deeper criticism. It’s more likely to start up a stimulating conversation. All I got for "you guys sound like Cap'n Jazz" is "cool! thanks. they're good".

ATP: So this year you released “Some Kind Of Cadwallader”, tell us a bit about whole the album came together?
P: We wrote and recorded our demo sometime within the first year of being a band. Then we were just having fun playing shows as much as we could. We were writing the whole time but we really weren't thinking about what we were going to do with the songs. Eventually we had a good number of songs together so we decided to record them all and put out a full length. Joe, who plays guitar, recorded it. It took a while because he wanted it to be perfect but I like the end result so I guess it's worth the wait.

ATP: Have you been surprised by the attention the record has been given?
P: Yes. I’m glad people like it so much. We go on tour and people are up front singing along. It's pretty great. Thanks mostly to Craig getting our CD everywhere and people being able to download it.

ATP: How would you describe a normal Algernon Cadwallader show?
P: A normal Algernon Cadwallader show. We play lots of basement shows. So I guess a basement setting. We're probably drunk, trying to keep ourselves in check so we can play well. turn up loud. Start playing and all our friends are drunk too, going nuts and singing along. Fair amount of crowd surfing.

ATP: As an unsigned band, you seem to have good distribution throughout the world. How did that come about?
P: We just work with our really good friends and they work really hard for it. We were talking to people before we pressed the LP and our buddy Remi offered to throw in and do a euro version of that. Our friend Craig put out our CD and he is just the most organized and sociable DIY person on the planet. He's to credit for having our CD in distribution in 15 countries or however many it is in. It was something he told me he wanted to do from the start. You don't have to wait for a big label with a recognizable name to do this stuff. There are awesome punk kids with distribution and stores all over the world. they want to hear what kind of music is going on across the globe too. You just have keeping talking to people and get in touch with them and chances are they will be as stoked as you are. I think what Craig did is a testament to that and I’m glad to be a part of it.

ATP: Are there any plans for a label?
P: As long as Craig wants to keep putting out our stuff I can't imagine a better situation.

ATP: Are you going to stay as a three piece?
P: We're not looking to replace anyone so if there's anyone else in the band it will be an old member or someone playing a new instrument.

ATP: With the current worldwide economic problems, is it hard for a band of your status to go out on tour?
P: Not really. Tank (Drummer) broke his ankle in Tampa but I don't think the economic crisis is to blame for that. gas prices really high for a while but we still managed to get by even then. I think it's mostly in your attitude. If you're set out on driving from town to town, playing shows, and having a good time, you will do just that and your tour will be a success.

ATP: What will you remember the year 2008 for?
P: Barack Obama being elected. The Phillies winning the world series.

ATP: What music have you enjoyed this year?
P: Antlers, especially live. the good luck CD. new Stephen Malkmus. new Sinaloa. mountain asleep. Daniel Johnston live. Nana Grizol. Wilco "Sky Blue Sky". man without plan live. meat puppets live. Avril Lavigne.

ATP: What have you got planned for 2009?
P: We have a 3 song 7" that should be out early next year. We're going to do some touring when tank recovers. Re-plan the us tour and we'd like to go to Europe later on. We're also planning on writing and recording a lot. Putting out some splits and another full length. Learn to surf.