Deep-rooted in the spirit of DIY, Algernon Cadwallader is a band of three friends from Philadelphia whose raw energy -- complex, frenzied and melodic -- conjures up the pioneers of ‘90s emo.
Algernon Cadwallader is Tank Bergman, Peter Helmis and Joe Reinhart, three friends from Philadelphia that grew up playing loud, sloppy, fun music. They’ve all played together in different bands, with different people, but this line-up seemed to stick.
“We like to do things ourselves. Pete makes the t-shirt designs. We print all the shirts in our warehouse. Joe records and mixes all the music in his studio. We book our own tours. Tank likes drums.”
What’s been in heavy rotation lately? Parquet Courts new unreleased album, the Queers, The new Sidekicks album, new Delay, Wanda Jackson and always R Kelly.
What artist or band consistently blows you away with their artwork? Daniel Johnston, Dinosaur Jr., Lightning Bolt (Brian Chippendale), Jeffrey Lewis, Raymond Pittibon, of Montreal (David Barnes).
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at WMC Fest? Hop Along, Annabel, Dowsing… I’ll stop there before I just name every band.
“Algernon Cadwallader cultivate a sloppiness that has been meticulously arranged, characterized by raw, emotive vocal yelps and chaotic, overlapping guitar lines that can tumble right past you if you fail to strap yourself in and roll along with them. However, Algernon’s approach to the genre has always been less delicate and more consistently upbeat – pumping out rhythms within which calmness and calamity wrestle for dominance, and they have certainly stuck with this on ‘Parrot Flies’.” – After the Press!
What’s your dream collaboration? Sun Ra Arkestra, Brian Wilson and Frank Sinatra.
If you could have any super power, what would it be? To disappear and then reappear two feet away with a case of beer.
What’s your favorite guilty pleasure song (or band!)? Avril Lavigne.
If you could perform one place, where would it be? The original Cavern Club.
3 tour essentials? Cooler, frisbee, shades.
What’s the best part about playing in Cleveland? Melt.
Give ‘em a listen:
Follow Algernon Cadwallader on Twitter, check ‘em out on the web + Bandcamp and keep up with the band on Facebook! They’ll be playing inside the Saigon Plaza Saturday, June 9 from 11:35pm – 12:20am!
Click here to order your tickets to WMC Fest today. If you’re interested in joining us as a sponsor for as little as $50, there are numerous packages available here.
*Photos pulled from Algernon Cadwallader’s Facebook.
Preview more of this year’s line-up by downloading the free 22-track
WMC Fest 2012 Music Sampler!
