Interview with Seemless
Seemless are former members of Shadows Fall and Killswitch Engage branching out into a fuzzier-rock genre. Their music kicks some serious ass, and the band has been featured on MTV2 and the Sirius Radio Network. AvoidPeril caught up with guitar player Pete Cortese to talk about his favorite Boston bands, Seemless’ sound, and the band’s plans for world domination.
1. Many reviewers have dubbed Seemless’ sound as ‘stoner fuzz-rock,’ and have compared the band to Queens of the Stone Age, Corrosion of Conformity, and even Soundgarden. Do you think this is an accurate label? Do any of your influences come directly from these bands?
I think labels suck, but that one is pretty close to what were doing. Those are three of our favorite bands, but were also influenced by a lot of older bands like Sabbath, Zeppelin, Cactus, Allman Brothers, I could go on forever.
2. The combined resumes of the band read like a who’s who of Boston’s metal scene. What made you decide to leave your former bands and form Seemless? Besides the change in the style of music, what makes this band different?
I left Killswitch because I was getting ready to become a father and I really wanted to focus on that. Now he’s almost four, so he can pretty much take care of himself. Derek (drums) and I always wanted to play this type of music, we were in between bands and the timing was right so we got together. I think the music we play is the biggest thing that sets us apart from our old bands, it sure ain’t death metal, or metalcore, or whatever the hell the kids are calling it these days.
3. Who are some of your favorite local bands?
Waltham, Septic Youth Command, Jetfuel, Dear Leader – to name a few. There are a lot of great bands in MA these days. And even more crappy ones.
4. Do you have any plans to begin recording a follow-up to Seemless’s self-titled debut?
We don’t have any immediate plans yet, were still trying to promote the hell out of our first album (IN STORES NOW !!!!!!!!) But are writing new songs when we have time, we have four new songs that we play live. I wouldn’t be surprised if were in the studio before the end of the year working on # 2 though….
5. What was the best show Seemless played in 2004?
We played a ton of great shows, but the one that stands out the most was the Unearth record release show at the Palladium in Worcester. The place was packed, and the vibe was so cool. All of the other bands were killer and so psyched to be there. All That Remains was also on the bill, another great band I forgot to include above.
6. Have you gotten the chance to meet any of your influences?
One of our favorite bands is Only Living Witness (RIP), and we just played a show with Jonah’s (the singer) new band Septic Youth Command. I still haven’t met Tony Iommi yet, he won’t return my calls.
7. Give AvoidPeril’s readers three good reasons to come see Seemless on March 25 at the Paradise.
1. We try to put a lot of thought into what bands we play with, to make sure the whole show kicks ass, not just us. 2. Sometimes I wear an adult diaper on stage. Nothing else. 3. We friggin’ rock dude!
8. 2005 has kicked off excellently for Seemless – does the band have any big plans for the rest of the year?
We’re doing SXSW in March, and we’re playing all over the Northeast over the next couple of months. We’ll be hitting the road as soon as we get rid of these pesky day jobs.
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