figure8

figure8 was originally constructed by front man Toad, during 1999 along the coastal shore of Huntington Beach, California. figure8 restores traditional elements of rock and roll by presenting an underlying simplistic base of raw guitar driven music which has been compared to Creed and Mission UK. Much of the overall style of the band can be attributed to Toad who provides brazen baritone vocals reminiscent of the early 1990's grunge scene as well as intense lyrical content. Toad says "Music has been the perfect avenue for me to express myself and bring my poetry alive."That is not to say, however, that musical intricacies within figure8 do not exist. Various influences and subtle interplay between the musicians of the band lends itself to interesting dynamics. EJ (drums and percussion) provides a solid and increasingly energetic rhythmic element through a heavy influence of electronic music, such as Chemical Brothers and Prodigy. Matt, formally trained, presents characteristics of jazz and progressive rock within his guitar playing, being influenced by bands such as Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Dream Theater, and Tool. The Gouvernoure, also trained, provides steady bass lines as well as open and melodic ones to the music and is influenced by the neo-folk movement which includes such groups as The Crash Test Dummies and Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians.Numerous venues throughout Southern California have housed performances by figure8. The Grove Theater, The Coach House, The Whiskey A Go-Go and The Viper Room mark just a few of the past shows. In addition, the band has several recordings including a 3 song recording done in 2002 entitled "Foreverlong", a 6 song EP in 2004 entitled "Sanctified" as well as a live recording which was done in 2004 at The Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana.