A Neon Rush to the Head

Photo courtesy of RYO Records

Inspiration is everywhere. It’s in the sheer determination of our winter Olympians (U.S.A!); it’s in the hearts of our neighbors who lend a hand to those crossing icy streets or digging out snow-buried cars; it’s in the talents of our musicians and artists that keep us smiling or dancing when the weather outside is frightful. Recently, I was inspired by the young, yet incredibly talented musicians of The Neon Rush—a rock band that exudes promise and makes me kick myself for quitting those piano lessons in high school.

The Neon Rush is composed of Andy Andrade (Lead Guitar, 18 years old), Mark Andrade (Bass/Backing Vocals, 16 years old), Daniel Mears (Drums, 17 years old), and Collin Peterson (Rhythm Guitar/Lead Vocals, 18 years old). They hail from Kensington, Maryland and most of them have only been playing music for a few years before forming their band. In fact, Mears began playing drums only a few months before the band (then known as Metrophish) was formed in December 2007. But don’t let these stats fool you. They may be the same age as most MTV reality show “celebrities,” but they have the talent of music veterans that have been playing twice as long as they have been alive.

The band lists musicians such as Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Radiohead, The Flaming Lips, and other legendary bands as their influences, but they don’t limit themselves. Quite simply put, lead singer Collin Peterson says that they are “always finding something new to get an idea from.” Their openness to influence and willingness to experiment has allowed the band to create a sound that is reminiscent of early 90’s pop grunge mixed with today’s alt rock. However, the band is able to maintain a sound that’s distinctively their own. Their music shines each time the melody pauses for an incredible guitar solo and Peterson belts lyrics so full of raw emotion you could swear he’s lived life three times over.  

After being discovered at a Battle of the Bands concert, the band signed with RYO Records and released its first full length album, Lines and Blurs, in the summer of 2009. The humble Peterson says “I’m not saying it’s the best thing since sliced bread, but I feel that a few of the tracks are relevant. It sounds like a band with something going on. It sounds like we are finding our feet after 2 years.”

A great break-out effort, Lines and Blurs showcases the pure talent of these young men and sets the stage for a bright future. Says Peterson, “Our musical dream is to show up in a random city we’ve never been to, unload our gear at the venue, chill in a hotel room, do whatever, have a drink, then show time. Walk out onto that stage, the place is packed with people that want to see us and that know our stuff. I’m not talking tens of thousands, I’m talking about a couple hundred people. That’s the dream, maybe one day it’ll be a reality, who knows, it just takes the perfect storm.”  

Check out The Neon Rush at http://theneonrush.com/ and/or download Lines and Blurs through iTunes.