Saboteur

Band History

Saboteur harkens back to a day in the not too distant past when lyrical intelligence and musical proficiency was not the exception in punk rock. They blend the existing facets of their other musical projects with tough guy pop punk and socio-political lyrics. The songs are loud, well crafted and instantly quotable.

Saboteur began as a two-piece rock outfit writing songs in a Dallas loft in 2003. Angular punk rhythms barreling underneath melodies about the socio-economic state of the times filled the bomb shelter turned rehearsal space. Justin Wilson, singer and songwriting guru for rock beast Red Animal War, and Steve Visneau, drummer and spirit of punk-speedsters Slowride, were fresh off European tours that shared dates. After bouncing more than a few ideas off each other one night in Amsterdam, songs poured forth. The groups were far beyond the mark of "brother bands," booking tours and local shows together since their conception and releasing a split EP on Deep Elm Records in 2002.

Early in 2004, the songs took shape. Rob Marchant, the bassist and logic of Slowride, enlisted himself to lay down the bass carpet and tighten the band's structure. The band recorded seven songs with Deedle LaCour, who had produced both Slowride and Red Animal War before. End Sounds, an Austin label headed by Jonathan Gill, heard the songs and asked to be the party responsible for giving Saboteur its first official release. Saboteur takes the rage and lyrical vision of Red Animal War and fuses it with the streamlined power of Slowride for a release packed with explosive songs and well-crafted artwork to match. To fully present the songs as they are recorded on the album, Gray Wilcox jumped on board on guitar and back-up vocals.

Information from the band's site

Members

• Justin Wilson guitar, lead vocals, vocals
• Rob Marchant bass, vocals
• Steve Visneau drums
• Gray Wilcox guitar, vocals

Sound Description

A powerful punk sound with intelligently crafted lyrics

Influences

The Clash, The Ramones, Elvis Costello, Danko Jones, Green Day, Gang of Four, Black Flag, Alkaline Trio, Propaghandi, The Bronx, Interpol, Descendents, Riverboat Gamblers, Hot Snakes, Rocket From The Crypt, Foo Fighters, Jawbox, Blink, Boxcar Racer

Albums by this artist

Saboteur Released 2005