Press
"Back to Blonde captures the decade’s sound with good songwriting and
musicality. In a musical environment that is characterized by cerebral
madness, Back to Blonde infuses their music with a toxic dose of emotion
making it stand out among the rest."
- Deli Magazine read full review
"Among the many positives found in NYC-based trio Back to Blonde’s arsenal is a brand new CD, Swim West, produced by Adam Lasus (of Juliana Hatfield, Yo La Tengo, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah fame), a native Buffalonian drummer (Christian Linsey), and a temperamental (but never tragic) sound. The band’s music is in the tried-and-true indie form, with lots of sweet, sonic sounds and intricate, reflective lyrics."
- "Art Voice" (Buffalo, NY)
"Dreary local indie about being overwhelmed."
- Chuck Eddy, "Village Voice" (New York, NY)
"This NYC band has been flying under the radar for a spell and are now coming up for air with their mid-tempo emotive rock. Their fine debut recording, Swim West, is a moody jazz, melodic rock affair."
- Samir Shulka, "Creative Loafing" (Charlotte, NC)
"This indie alternative band hailing from the heart of NYC has been making noise locally as well as nationwide. If you are looking for passionate and intense music performed at its best, then Back to Blonde is the band for you."
- Peter Kakouriotis, "The Aquarian" (New Jersey)
"'Avalanche Song' is more like a reflecting pool. Nice. Your blood
pressure's down. Then things ramp up a little by the second or third
track. Leaves you a little pleasantly shaken. Then things get more
stable. You think you've found your ambiance record. But it's a lie! It
starts fucking with you again (and by 'you,' I mean 'me') and leaves you
on shaky ground. You're pretty sure you like it, though. I mean, why
wouldn't you? Just because you have problems with alcohol doesn't mean
you can't handle this record. Man. Some people.."
- "The Deli Magazine" Jan. 2006 (New York, NY)
"The use of the word "boy" when combined with a clear and powerful voice of an articulate young man really helps to set the stage for the paradox which ultimately haunts the album...the track order on Swim West is impressive, perhaps mostly because the moods and music maintain a sense of non-resolution without erasing hope..."
- Bruce Matthes breakingtime.net; (San Diego, CA)
"The first thing that comes to mind when I listen to Back to Blonde's CD
"Swim West" is simply amazing. This is one band that will go far...If
you're a fan of indie and alternative music then this will be a favorite
of yours."
- "The Crusader" Catholic Central High School
(Albany, NY)
read full article
"...winning original cuts pervading their delectable self-released debut, Swim West (Silence Breaks)...Rogers heaves desperate wounded sentiments in a manner derivative of Eddie Vedder, utilizing the same bewitching moans, deep-throated crest-fallen croak, and chilling baritone groans to emotionally heightened effect."
- John Fortunato, "The Aquarian" (New Jersey)
"This is classic NYC indie rock - kinda messy, but precise...they've
certainly got that grungy drive to them that seems to be so hot right now."
- "Origivation Magazine" Nov. 2005 (Philadelphia)
"...melodic power-rock in the vein of Third Eye Blind and Our Lady Peace."
- "Press and Sun Bulletin" (Binghamton, NY)
"...I couldn't help but scream out in approval."
- "Space Junkies Magazine" (Albany, NY)
"...possessing the poise and precision of a band beyond its years and experience."
- "Pipe Dream" (Binghamton, NY)
