There are some who say that everything possible has been done with rock music and is now a dead genre of music, leaving its fans with constantly rehashed versions of the same songs. Within seconds of listening to A Scribe Amidst The Lions (ASATL), it becomes obvious that the band has set out to prove this sentiment wrong.

In 2004, Adam Jacobs, Kris Towne and Bob Garrity, all originally from Minnesota, packed their bags and moved to San Diego. Shortly after arriving, they met up with drummer Nate Ball, and formed the band now known as A Scribe Amidst The Lions. Having released only two full-length albums, “Tell” and “Sunken Cities,” and a series of singles on their way, ASATL is slowly becoming one of San Diego’s most engaging bands.
A Scribe Amidst The Lions is not a band for casual listening. Their latest album “Sunken Cities” may not settle in at first, because there is so much to take in. After listening to it multiple times, each song unfolds, allowing you to explore the layers of texture provided by screaming guitars and wandering bass lines.

There is a fine line between what is generally accepted as music and unbearable noise, and A Scribe Amidst The Lions have managed to balance dead center on this line. According to Jacobs (guitar, keyboard, and vocals), the concept of the band is to challenge listeners to expand the boundaries of this line separating music and noise, all the while keeping them coming back for more. Each album is intended to be a journey, keeping the listener on the edge of their seat with unexpected turns and no two songs sounding alike. Songs like “Light Sinks the Moon” and “The Marble Czar” teeter on the brink of chaos, only to step back and slowly release built up tension created by the semi-psychotic guitar soundscapes.

Instead of having one main songwriter, as is common in most bands, each member of ASATL is involved in the song writing process. Each member brings their different influences to the table, resulting in an eclectic sound without being spread too thin. Their music is best described as melodic prog-rock with heavy psychedelic rock, punk rock, and jazz influences. A Scribe Amidst The Lions has a sound similar to that of bands like Muse, Fugazi, Radiohead, and The Mars Volta.

Listeners who are able to devote the attention and patience required for A Scribe Amidst The Lions are in for a challenging yet rewarding musical experience.

Upcomming gigs:
Oct. 24 9 p.m. Canes Bar & Grill
Oct. 31 TBA “Black Friday” Halloween show, location TBA

Visit them on the web:
myspace.com/ascribeamidstthelions
ascribeamidstthelions.com

“Tell” and “Sunken Cities” available for purchase
on iTunes, Rhapsody, and CD Baby.

Are you in a band or know of any local bands that you would like to see in Ear to the Ground? Let us know by sending an email to MesaPressFeatures@gmail.com