User:Concepticons

Overview

Concepticons is an American rock band based in Lansing, Michigan consisting of Chris Hansen (vocals and guitar), Tony Rodebaugh (drums and vocals), and Nick Kressler (bass and vocals). The band has had the same line-up since 2005 and released a 79 minute double album in November of 2011 titled "Fourteen and Slapstick".<1>

Fourteen and Slapstick

Fourteen is a rock opera where all of the songs are written as 14 line ten syllable poems known as sonnets with different rhyme schemes. It is the first and only known album in this format. Each song builds on the previous song as it tells a story of a midwestern young adult. Fourteen was recorded in 2006. Slapstick contains 14 songs that are meant to be comedic. Slapstick was recorded in 2009. Both albums were recorded in Rodebaugh's home. Hansen has stated that he wrote and rewrote over 100 songs for the albums before the band decided on the final content.<2>

Critical Response

Reception and reviews have generally been positive with online comments calling the album a "creative triumph". <3>

Sound and Influences

Hansen cites Foo Fighters, Weezer, Nirvana, and Bob Dylan as major influences. The band incorporates open chords coupled with half chord power chords with thick distortion to create its unique sound.

1. www.cdbaby.com 2. Interview with Hansen in Lansing City Pulse 3. www.pitchforkmedia.com