finetune artist: Longwave

Most late 90s rock bands that emerged from the New York, USA underground tended to sound like their CBGB's forefathers, but Longwave is an exception, as they sound almost like a European new wave outfit from MTV's early 80s glory days (Modern English, the Psychedelic Furs and early U2 being obvious reference points). Although based in New York City, most of the band's members originally come from locales outside of the area. Vocalist/guitarist Steve Schlitz and drummer Mike James hailed from Rochester, New York, guitarist Shannon Ferguson from California, while bass player Dave Marchese was the only long-time NYC resident, coming from the borough of Queens. Meeting through advertisements, Longwave formed during summer 1999, and since Ferguson had already set up a small recording studio in New York, the newly formed band had a place to record demos. They decided to issue a collection of these aforementioned early recordings as a self-released debut, 2000's Endsongs. The album helped Longwave grab the attention of Strokes manager Jim Merlis, that eventually led to a recording contract with RCA Records. Employing producer David Fridmann (as a result of the band being big fans of his work on the Flaming Lips' The Soft Bulletin), Longwave issued their major label debut in 2003, The Strangest Things.

Listen to Longwave at Finetune.

Wake Me When It's Over
Everywhere You Turn
Tidal Wave
Here It Comes
Pool Song