There are few bands who have the ability to perform with such intensity so as to bring the music to a new level yet maintain the intimacy of a well-composed song.
Push Down & Turn is one such band with just such an ability.
The Indianapolis-based quintet will be performing at 10 pm this Friday, Sept. 10 in Slayter Auditorium.
The foundation of the band was laid in 1 993 when a group of communication majors met at DePaul University in Greencastle, Ind. The group consists of Jason Barth on keyboards, Tay Bourquein on bass, Jason Brown with lead vocals, Matt DeVore on drums and Sam King on guitar.
Shortly after meeting, the group set up shop in a five-bedroom house at 202 Spring Street. Then, the band recorded and released its first self-titled CD.
In April of that year, the band took to the road and began to showcase its grassroots blend of rock music throughout the clubs in the Midwest.
Just as the band began to regularly sell out clubs, the band entered the studio to record its sophomore effort.
On April 12, 1995, the band released 12 Days in April, which included the concert favorites “November Girl” as well as the album’s title track.
In January 1997, the band released a four-track EP to distribute to clubs and record label representatives.
During the same time, two of the band’s songs, “Chicken Little” and “Smooth,” appeared on nationally released compilations. Alongside such acts as Blues Traveler, Dar Williams and the Freedy Jones Band, the group’s distinctive sound was heard by music aficionados across the nation.
Later that year, the group joined the H.O.R.D.E. tour performing shows in Indiana, Illinois and New Jersey. The band had the opportunity of performing with the Ben Folds Five, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Neil Young. Now, fans were able to catch a glimpse at what they were previously only able to hear on CD.
The group culminated the year by opening for the Freddy Jones Band and the Counting Crows, thus spreading their music to a larger audience nationwide.
In 1998, the band released its third full-length album, The Medicine Sessions. The album contained the group’s two latest singles, “Chicken Little” and “Smooth,” as well as 13 other songs.
Most recently, the group has continued its touring as well as working in the studio finishing up the final touches to several songs. In addition, the group has made available for download its latest song, “T-Top Queen,” in a sound file format on its website.
For more information, connect to the band’s website at http://www.pdtrock.com.