LOS ANGELES, CA – New Jersey artist, Socratic will release their sophomore full-length, Spread the Rumors on May 6th 2008. Produced by Mark Hoppus (Blink 182, +44), Spread the Rumors is the full-length follow-up to 2005’s Lunch For The Sky.
Socratic envisioned recording an album with the same impact as blink 182’s Enema of the State, where every song is a single. Imagine their excitement when Mark Hoppus not only liked their demos, but also agreed to produce Spread the Rumors. Duane Okun, Socratic’s lead singer says, “Although we’re kind of at opposite ends of the musical spectrum from Blink 182, we have the same pop sensibilities, and Mark is amazing at bringing those out.” The finishing mixing touches were handled by none other than Mark Trombino (blink 182, Jimmy Eat World, Rilo Kiley).
Spread the Rumors features Socratic’s trademark mix of clever lyrics, spangled melodies and engaging arrangements. The album begins with the righteously catchy but deeply dark “Boy In A Magazine.” “May I Bum a Smoke” is a cheery anti-love song while “Long Distance Calls,” written by the band’s Vincent D’Amico, adapts a nursery rhyme-like melody to a vulgar tale of an American family flameout. The title track picks up that theme in a touching slow rocker, while “Constant Apology” is a funny and unapologetically pop gem (” I used to think that my mind was wasted/But now I can’t recall”).
Spence Nicholson, protégé of legendary video director Wayne Isham, recently shot a video for the single “Boy In a Magazine” in Texas. Nicholson has worked on dozens of music videos for such artists as Cold War Kids and Katy Perry. A spoof of cheezy magazines like Weekly World News and their outlandish claims, the video for “Boy In A Magazine” is the perfect compliment to the album’s cover art, which is a spoof of tabloid headlines featuring pictures of the band members. Look for the “Boy In A Magazine” video to hit airwaves in May.
Being equally ambitious as they are talented, Socratic created a DIY video for the song “May I Bum a Smoke.” Armed with a video camera and unbridled indie spirit, the band created a video with a “loose” interpretation of the song’s lyrics. Filmed on the infamous Venice Beach boardwalk in Los Angeles, the “May I Bum A Smoke” video premiered this week exclusively on powerhouse site Absolute Punk and can be seen at http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=306542. Beginning Monday March 31st, Socratic’s “May I Bum A Smoke” video will be viewable on the Drive-Thru Records’ You Tube channel at www.YouTube.com/drivethrurecords.
In 2006, Socratic self-produced the 5 song EP, Just Turn, which was offered as a free online download and has received over 50k downloads to date. The band’s full-length debut, Lunch For The Sky, was released in 2005. Not only did it sell more than 15K units, Lunch For The Sky garnered excellent press response including accolades from Alternative Press Magazine who stated, “For those eyeing a pop-rock getaway that’s a bit more daring and exotic, Socratic’s just might be the golden ticket.
Socratic is currently preparing an April/May tour with You, Me and Everyone We Know and Say No More (dates to come). Socratic recently performed at Drive-Thru Record’s annual SXSW showcase to a packed house.