Among the new albums I’ve been spinning lately is the excellent sophomore effort by heavy rockers Audiotopsy. “The Real Now”, which was released on Nov. 2, is a refreshing album stocked with crunchy, piercing, groove-laden riffs and rhythms, urgent vocals, and big choruses.
Highlights are numerous, include album-opening battle cry, “War”; the emotionally powerful “Hurt Down”; the questioning howl of “What I Am”; and closing crusher, “A Death Benefit.” There are also some surprises, such the piano and clean vocal work that closes “Panic on the Airwaves.”
Audiotopsy has an impressive pedigree. The band includes Mudvayne men Greg Tribbett on guitar and Matt McDonough on drums; and singer Billy Keeton (ex-Skrape) and bassist Perry Stern. Tribbett has also played with Hellyeah.
We recently spoke with Tribbett.
How does Audiotopsy provide an outlet for you to do things different musically from your other bands?
I think it’s another outlet for me to do something different. It doesn’t sound like Mudvayne or Hellyeah. It’s a different style of music.
What’s the meaning behind the album title, “The Real Now”?
The concept is to live in the now and not worry about the past or future. Our new single “War” is about everyday living and fighting a war against things, whether it be depression or cancer or addiction. Our songs are about real life and life’s journey.
How would you say Audiotopsy has evolved since its debut, “Natural Causes” (2014)?
We all just all matured a little more. Since the first album we’ve done a few tours and that’s allowed us to grow together as bandmates and songwriters.
“Panic on the Airwaves” has a piano outro. How did that come about?
I wrote that on the spot. I heard something at the end of the song and said let me mess around with the piano and Billy wrote that little melody.
Tell me what each of your bandmates brought to “The Real Now”.
Matt, our drummer, is the math guy. He brings the intricacy. He’s not your typical drummer. It kills him to play in a straight time signature. Billy has an amazing voice and writes great melodies. Perry is a great bass player. He really knows what’s going on rhythmically.
Tell me about reactions to the band. Audiotopsy is definitely its own entity, and you’d hope Mudvayne fans would come to it with open minds and open ears. Is that the case?
We’ve been getting a lot of positive responses. Of course there’s all the haters out there but we’re beyond that.
