So, there is this band opening for Yellowcard, they have kind of a cheesy name, and there are two keyboards set up...big deal, just another new wave band trying to be pop punk. That is what I heard at the first show I saw these guys at. But there is something different about these boys from Ventura, CA. These guys have an energy about them that is almost inexplicable. How has a little band from California turned into a group of guys that not only tours across the nation, but also to countries like Japan?
A few years ago a young man named Chris Jay packed his bags in New Jersey and moved out to California to start a band. He lucked out and met a few guys who were willing to take the risk of becoming a band. Like most bands, AOF hit the road in order to build up their fan base. Initially playing small clubs in the southern and central California regions, their debut CD started to gather popularity and eventually sold over 10,000 copies--almost an unheard number for such a small release. As the sales grew, so did the crowds and venues. AOF started getting bookings on the Warped Tour and playing with bands like AFI, Blink 182, and New Found Glory. Not even the country could contain the rising stars. After releasing the record in Japan, the band was given the opportunity to tour the island nation following the huge success of the album. The six guys who had slept on floors and in run down vans were now getting treated like rock stars, but they are still fairly unknown to most of the US.
You might wonder what these guys sound like and why they are so much different than any other up and coming artist. Well, as they describe their sound it is "keyboard-heavy power-pop". If you aren't quite sure what that is, just think of it as an upbeat, punky sound that has some catchy melodies and a bit of rapping alongside. What sets these guys apart is the pure energy present at the shows. No matter what musical taste you have, you are guaranteed to leave their show with excitement, and a sense of finding a new thrill in life. While the band may have lost one original member, they keep touring, and making the music that makes people happy. With a new album coming out in the states in June, the Army of Freshmen and their following are to find more success in the coming year than they could ever imagine. Always touring, always writing, and always aiming to please, the Army marches on in its quest to find stardom and let their music be heard around the world.
Visit their official site by clicking here
by: John Frank
So, there is this band opening for Yellowcard, they have kind of a cheesy name, and there are two keyboards set up...big deal, just another new wave band trying to be pop punk. That is what I heard at the first show I saw these guys at. But there is something different about these boys from Ventura, CA. These guys have an energy about them that is almost inexplicable. How has a little band from California turned into a group of guys that not only tours across the nation, but also to countries like Japan?
