Saosin
Saosin is an American rock band formed in 2003 in Orange County, California. The group originally consisted of Beau Burchell, Justin Shekoski, Zach Kennedy and Anthony Green. Their debut EP, Translating the Name, was released in the same year. However, Green departed from the band due to personal reasons, leading to Cove Reber joining as vocalist in 2004. With Reber, the band released their self-titled debut album in 2006 under Capitol Records.
Saosin
2003–2010, 2012–present
- Alex Rodriguez
- Beau Burchell
- Chris Sorenson
- Cove Reber
- Phil Sgrosso
- Anthony Green
- Justin Shekoski
- Zach Kennedy
Their second studio album, In Search of Solid Ground, was released in 2009 under Virgin Records, featuring re-recorded tracks from their previous EP, The Grey EP. Reber left the band in 2010, prompting a hiatus. Saosin reunited in 2013 with all original members except Kennedy, and began touring again. In 2016, they released their third studio album, Along the Shadow, marking the return of Green to the lineup. The album was released through Epitaph Records.
Saosin's musical style is often associated with the emo and post-hardcore genres, known for their harmonizing vocals and distinctive lead guitar techniques, such as delays and natural harmonics. Despite several lineup changes over the years, Burchell has remained the only consistent member of the band since its inception.[2]
History[edit]
Formation and Translating the Name (2003–2004)[edit]
The original lineup of Saosin, comprising Burchell, Shekoski, Kennedy, and Green, came together during the summer of 2003. The band's name, "Saosin", was initially proposed by Green. According to AllMusic, the name comes from the Chinese phrase that translates to "small heart", which expresses caution or a warning.[3] On June 18, 2023, during their 20th-anniversary show in Garden Grove, California, Chris revealed that Beau had initially proposed naming the band "The Gift". On June 17, the band unveiled their debut commercial production, the EP titled Translating the Name.[4] This release met immediate success and gained significant popularity on various online forums and music websites.
Saosin initially gained recognition through the power of the internet, cultivating a distinctive musical identity even before the release of their first full-length studio album. They became well-known on social networking platforms and music-sharing sites, most notably MySpace. It's estimated that the EP sold approximately 62,000 copies.[5]
During the recording of the Translating the Name EP, bassist Zach Kennedy later opted to depart the band early on to pursue a career in art, leading to his replacement by Chris Sorenson. Additionally, Pat Magrath, who had previously served as a drum technician for Slayer, was hired to record drums for the EP. The drum compositions were largely crafted by Burchell. Alex Rodriguez, initially unable to participate in the EP recording due to prior commitments with the band Open Hand, was temporarily substituted by Danny King for live performances until Rodriguez could transition to a full-time role in Saosin after fulfilling his obligations with Open Hand.[6] Following the release of "Translating the Name", Saosin embarked on a U.S. tour alongside fellow bands Boys Night Out and Anatomy of a Ghost.
In February 2004, the band faced a significant change when their vocalist, Anthony Green, departed from Saosin and later went on to form the band Circa Survive. Green cited homesickness, depression,[7] and his desire to be closer to his family as factors contributing to his departure. He also expressed discontent with Saosin's creative direction and his exclusion from the songwriting process.[7] To fulfill their remaining obligations for the Warped Tour, Story of the Year's Philip Sneed temporarily took over vocal duties. Subsequently, a public, nationwide audition was conducted to find a replacement for Green.
Translating the Name was recognized for pushing the boundaries of the post-hardcore genre and reshaping the music landscape.[8] Alternative Press noted that with the release of this EP, Saosin made waves in the underground music scene, attracting considerable attention from record labels.[9]
Introduction of Cove Reber and the Saosin EP (2004–2006)[edit]
After an exhaustive audition process and a brief period of using guest vocalists for demos, the band introduced a new lead singer, 19-year-old Cove Reber. Reber came into the fold after submitting an acoustic demo tape titled "Mookie's Last Christmas".
In an interview with Euphonia Online, Reber expressed his admiration for his new bandmates, saying, "Everyone I've played with wants to make music their lives. ... Saosin is a band on a completely different level. All these dudes are freaks about music."[10]
Saosin embarked on their inaugural Taste of Chaos tour that winter, sharing stages with notable bands such as the Used, My Chemical Romance, Killswitch Engage, Senses Fail, and A Static Lullaby.[11] In March, the band signed with Capitol Records and participated in the United States' Warped Tour once again. During that summer, they released the Saosin EP. Originally intended as a free sampler, Capitol Records opted to release it as an EP instead. The EP featured demo versions of songs that would later appear on their debut full-length album. A music video for their new single, "Bury Your Head", was filmed during this tour. Throughout 2005, the band continued to tour extensively, opening for acts such as Avenged Sevenfold and Coheed and Cambria.
Saosin LP and Come Close (2006–2008)[edit]
After a respite from touring between February and June, the Warped Tour 2006 and numerous demos and compilation appearances, Saosin released their first full-length album Saosin on September 26, 2006. The well-known music producer Howard Benson was hired for the production of the album. Benson had worked with several major rock bands such as My Chemical Romance and Blindside. The guitar riffs on the album were listed on Alternative Press's "Best Guitar Riffs of 2000s Rock".[12] The first single, "Voices" was listed on the Top 46 post-hardcore songs of the 2000s, and the second single "You're Not Alone" was listed on the Top 10 Essential Emo Power Ballads by the Alternative Press.[13]
During the rest of 2006, Saosin toured on the International Taste of Chaos Tour, playing their first shows outside of America. They also toured the United States with Bleeding Through and Senses Fail. They kept on touring for the whole year of 2007, beginning with a tour with Senses Fail, Alexisonfire, the Sleeping and Drop Dead, Gorgeous. Saosin also invited the non-profit organization Invisible Children for a portion of the tour. In February they joined the Taste of Chaos 2007 tour. Between April and June they toured in Europe, Australia, Japan and Indonesia.
Studio albums