On The Rise: Closure In Moscow

When you travel to Melbourne, Australia you are likely to visit the beach, maybe go sight seeing at the scenic downtown view, or visit the great opportunities that the metropolitan area offers. It's very rare that you would go and look for a heavy progressive rock band in such a beautiful and seemingly calming city, but if you would desire to do so, odds are you can find one of the best ones that nobody knows about. Vocalist Chris deCinque had been a drummer in another band and guitarist Michael Barrett had been working at a hair salon until they were brought together by guitarist Mansur Zennelli, bassist Brad Kimber, and drummer Beau McKee to start what would become Closure In Moscow.

Almost immediately after the band was formed and started playing shows, they had a large amount of buzz. When they were still just beginning their touring they were chosen as the supporting act to another buzz worthy band, then Anthony Green led-Saosin. Just a week after that tour the band signed to Australian label, Taperjean Records, which is the home to other bands such as As Tall As Lions and Copeland. Closure In Moscow then set out to record a debut EP, of which they went to extreme lengths to record. Picture the average age of the band to be 21 years. Okay, now picture them quitting their jobs and each of them selling their cars so that the band could record with producer and engineer Kris Crummett. The boys of Moscow decided they wanted that esteemed producer after his work on albums by The Devil Wears Prada, Fear Before The March Of Flames, Dance Gavin Dance, and Drop Dead Gorgeous (keep an eye on this site for them).

It has been reported that American label, Science Records, signed the band on June 26th 2008. Once signed, Closure In Moscow went right to work on their debut full length while simultaneously touring with the now defunct Scary Kids Scaring Kids. After only three weeks on Science Records, the band decided to break off the deal, thinking it was best for both parties involved. During that time, they also relocated to the United States from Australia. In early 2009 they officially signed with Equal Vision Records and enlisted their good friend, Kris Crummett to help them record their first full length, First Temple, which was released on May 5th 2009. The band filmed footage of the move to the U.S. and the recording process, which will be released in the form of a documentary on their website some time. The band is still regarded in high terms in Australia and are hopefully going to be held in the same esteem State-side. Just as a small testament to this band's growing popularity; band members Michael Barrett, Mansur Zennelli, and Christopher de Cinque served as session musicians on Jonny Craig's album A Dream Is A Question You Don't Know How To Answer.

Closure In Moscow has been quoted as saying that their sound is "...combining the melodies that make bands like Saosin so popular with some off-time breakdowns and samples, taking little time to win over the crowd." It can easily be said that their heavier sound progresses and transforms through beautiful movements to not only provide them with a more diverse array of sounds, but a more surreal sound-scape. Early in their days in Australia, they were compared with Aussie legends AC/DC. But the band shunned the comparisons and insisted that they are more like Rush, Chiodos, and Tool. When the obvious comparisons to The Mars Volta are brought up, guitarist Micheal Barrett alluded to more of an influence from prog-rock godfathers, King Crimson and Yes. However, he did say that they aren't too terribly different from Mars Volta, but that focus on a more "natural progression".

When talking about the pure sound that Closure In Moscow has, it's true that you really can't escape the Mars Volta comparisons. However, this band captures a more catchy and melodic progressive sound than some other bands I have heard. It is as if they combine a slower progressive environment and a certain kind of sporadic madness with a punk rock attitude. It is something very rare to see the approach that this band has with their music, especially in the age of neon shirts and skinny jeans. Closure In Moscow are a breathe of fresh air in an environment polluted with what is on the radio these days. Australia believes that this band is going to be big, I think it's about time that the United States start following suit.

Recommended Listens:
"Kissing Cousins"
"Sweet#Heart"
"I'm A Ghost Of Twilight"
"Afterbirth"
"Had To Put It In The Soil"

Recommended If You Like:
The Mars Volta
Circa Survive
Tool
The Fall Of Troy
The Flaming Lips