New Jersey, NJ. (Top40 Charts/ Immortal Red) - For the New Jersey based rock band The Finals, 2006 proved to be a pivotal year. With the release of their first full-length album, 'Plan Your Getaway,' on Immortal Records, the band was in full swing.
The press raved:
'This is a band with a ton of promise to make an impact on a few different scenes."-All Ages Zine
'There's an occasional twangy guitar or country-fried riff (particularly on "Plague Escapade") that suggest The Finals have a few unexpected tricks up their sleeves for albums to come.'-Spin Magazine
'Once 'Plan Your Getaway' makes its way onto your stereo, you'll have a very hard time wanting to switch it off. -Black Velvet (UK)'
"Difficult to put this CD down once you hit the play button... Reminds me of The Living End and Alkaline Trio." -Euro Punk
But while the band extensively toured the U.S. in support of the album,singer/bassist Matt Reilly faced a life changing decision. After a few months on the road, Reilly decided to leave the band.
Left without a singer, the remaining members (Jason Sazer - Guitar/Vocals, Lou Bottone - guitar, Joshua Sazer - drums, Christian Kisala - keyboards) were unsure of their future. Bottone reveals, 'I was relieved and worried at the same time. I knew we would continue to be a band, but with a new record out and no singer I wasn't sure how we'd recover.' After meeting with management, the band made the decision to move forward by posting anonymous ads online in search of a replacement.
Andrew Seagle, a musician from North Carolina whose band had just broken up, saw one of the posts. Coaxed by his girlfriend, Seagle responded to the ad. With nothing holding him back, Seagle hopped on a plane and headed to New Jersey. Well armed with the four tunes the band requested, he immediately impressed the group, and was offered the position after just a few hours. 'He was more than we could have hoped for,' states Kisala. 'He's the total package, musician wise, and more importantly... personality wise.'
'Upon the first song, first note, even first greeting, it's felt like I'm finally doing the right thing,' says Seagle. 'I'm dealing with professionals with the same goals. I've received nothing but respect and courtesy. It's a unit in which I'm proud to be a part. Even outside of the music, I couldn't ask for more genuine guys to be around.'
The band is currently writing new material for their follow-up to the Heath Saraceno (Midtown) produced and John Naclerio (Brand New, My Chemical Romance, Senses Fail) engineered 'Plan You Getaway.' Collectively inspired by a diverse array of artists such as The Beatles and The Cars, to Metallica and Alkaline Trio, The Finals draw from their influences, while making solid and distinct records.
The formula has been successful thus far: The Finals have been featured as Band of The Day on Spin.com and in November 2006, 'Plan Your Getaway' was released in Japan via Kick Rock Music. The band has fine tuned their live show into a 'powerful and explosive experience,' as Sazer likes to put it, and has been chosen to play with The Ataris, Koufax, The Matches, Midtown and more.
Continuing to tour in support of 'Plan Your Getaway,' Seagle reveals, 'I know we're heading out to do something important, something meaningful, and I honestly can't wait to see things through.' Sazer explains, 'We're all confident and comfortable with the fact that Andrew joining the band is going to help take us to the 'next level.' We're all excited to write new songs, and tour as a wiser, more unified band.'
For interview and show review opportunites, please contact
[email protected].
THE FINALS Spring Tour:
04/05/07: Maxwells- Hoboken, NJ
w/ Monument & New London Fire
Dates with I Am The Pilot:
04/06/07: Bogota VFW Hall- Bogota, NJ
04/11/07: New Brookland Tavern- West Columbia, SC
04/12/07: Cumberland's – Charleston, SC
04/13/07: The Capitol- Ocala, FL
04/14/07: Uncle Sam's Music- Lauderhill, FL
04/17/07: Swayze's- Marieta, GA
04/20/07: The Waterfall- Dayton, OH
04/21/07: Hartland Performing Arts Center- Howell, MI
04/22/07: GS360- Warren, MI
04/26/07: The Tree- Claremore, OK
04/27/07: The Hangout- Edinboro, PA
