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About Popular Dissent
Product Description Popular Dissent by Epigene About the Artist Epigene is a word used to describe a formation occurring just under the surface of the earth; like a crystal found in bedrock. Epigene can also describe the music and lyrics of Seattle based songwriter Sean Bigler. His songs contain a lyrical depth and melodic sophistication rarely found among today's modern rock/pop contemporaries. In 2002, All Music Guide gave the bands debut album, One Bright Sign a four-star review and wrote: " Epigenes ability to marry their more modern rock impulses with an uncanny sense of R&B makes for an invigorating listening significantly, (Sean) Bigler has a knack for writing story songs with a personal bent that nonetheless express universal truths." Epigene was originally formed by Sean and Bonnie Lykes (keyboards, harmony vocals) in 1999, and the band released their self-titled debut EP the same year. The band played many local shows before playing an MP3.com/Angelcity showcase in LA. Following this experience, Epigene went into hibernation for a while but not before laying down drum & bass tracks for a new album. Several months of painstaking home recordings followed and after mixing and mastering the songs at Rainstorm studios, in Seattle, "One Bright Sign" was completed in November 2001. The album's 14 immaculately arranged songs covered a lot of ground both emotionally and musically, from the frantic melodic punk of "Night Rally" (think pre-orchestral XTC) to the languid, trance-like "Sleeptime." The song "Troubled Man," inspired by the film Five Easy Pieces, was a finalist in the 2002 American Songwriting Contest. In the spring of 2002, new bassist James Burkman and drummer Steven Harris joined Epigene and the band became a four-piece with a highly dynamic live sound. The band also hired The Planetary Group for national radio & press promotion and over 55 college stations added One Bright Sign to their playlists. Epigene recorded their 2nd LP, entitled Popular Dissent in their home studio during the summer and fall of 2003. Inspired by recent events and loosely a concept album, Popular Dissent is an attempt to reflect popular concerns by everyday people living in 21st century society. Issues such as empty consumerism (Generica), political leadership (New Voltaire), loneliness/infidelity (Sugarwater), war (Power & Glory) and spiritual/psychological angst (Inner Figure, New Bethany) are explored with a vulnerability and razor-sharp insight. Musically, Popular Dissent is more focused and aggressive than One Bright Sign, combining the propulsive rhythmic energy of post punk with adventurous, art-rock arrangements. The album has a similar feel to albums from UK bands such as: Manic Street Preachers, Pulps Different Class, Supergrass and Blurs Parklife. It also sits well next to the political punk/pop of The Clashs London Calling. Popular Dissent is a major musical statement and Epigene are poised to make a significant impact in 2004. Stay tuned!
