ANAVAN 2008 – BACKING UP DANCE PROG AGENDA WITH STRAIGHT TALK: Ravesploitation Not For The Faint Of Heart “’Ravesploitation’ is defined as live dance acts that are confrontational and edgy,” says Dr. Jeremy Lessick, professor of Musicology at University of Alaska, Ketchikan. “In these uncertain times, what we need are dance bands that shred the boundaries between musical genres, stirring up equal parts rock, rave, raunch and ragtime, whacking this nation in the kneecaps with a drunken, sweaty good time." And Anavan fits that bill. For those seeking an intimate face-melting bond with their performers of choice, Anavan is pitch-perfect. Their jagged pulsebeat is a delicious accompaniment to evenings of popping-and-locking with abandon. When asked "Are you comfortable with being known as a 'dance' band," vocalist Aaron Buckley replies "Dancing is the best thing you can do for yourself. The crowds we've seen when we've opened for Chromatics, Glass Candy, Polysics and Out Hud all take that to heart." Having gotten their start with a cassette-only release on the Deathbomb Arc label, the group’s first self-titled CD was released by GSL in 2006, followed by a Japan-only 7” on Escalator Records. “We will continue to respect music fans’ wishes and explore every recorded format,” says bassist Bret Berg. Aaron follows: “Our work represents our diverse interests. We’ve licensed our tracks for both NPR’s ‘Marketplace’ and the Vivid adult video title ‘Girls Lie,’ making our mothers both very proud and deathly ashamed.” On the eve of mounting a nationwide four-week touring campaign in March ’08 filled with blast beats, shimmering synths and syrupy basslines, Anavan has put the finishing touches on their new album, produced by Justin Bates (remixer/producer: Weird Science, Moving Units, Lies In Disguise, "Yo Gabba Gabba"). Drummer Nick Murray, Anavan’s newest member, couldn’t be happier to be cooped up with the band while on-route to their official showcase at SXSW 2008, a gig with Crystal Castles (in the shadow of Super Bowl XLII, in Phoenix, AZ), Excepter's Mar. 28th NYC record release party and beyond. “This is my first jaunt with Anavan, and I’m thrilled," he says. " They have a reputation for dining at truck stop buffets –- and who doesn't love macaroni salad?” Of their long-term strategy, keyboardist Molly Williams puts it best: “If mankind can make it past 2012, then it’s all gravy.”
http://2008.sxsw.com/music/showcases/band/4466.html
