 |
|
press what people are saying about the complaints!
The Complaints- Trade Up (Single Release) Since their fierce entry in 1997 on both the Providence, Rhode Island and New England music scenes the Complaints thanks to impassioned lyrics, inflamed musical energy, and a rabid live following have been able to supersede relevance in both studio and live settings. Even during the economic downturn the Complaints will often perform one hundred fifty to two hundred live gigs per year. Dean Petrella (singer, songwriter, and guitarist), Chris Cruz (bassist), and Anthony Marotti (drums) encompass the band. They have recorded three full length CD’s “Fear” from 1999, “Criminal Mind” released in 2003, and “Sunday Morning Radio” which saw the light of day in 2009. It’s an injustice to pigeon-hole the group as only Modern Rock or Indie sounding. While they have been on the same bill as Collective Soul, Nickleback, Train, and 3 Doors Down (to name only a few) they also have shared the stage with Dave Davies (the Kinks) and the Tubes. While there is the modern sound in the song structures you can also hear Flamin’ Groovies, Joe Jackson, Willie Nile, Graham Parker, and even some Rolling Stones (from the 1990’s and 2000’s). “Trade Up” extends the level of consistency set in motion from the previous output. The first listen makes it simplistic to ascertain the group continues upward mobility with no fear of freefall. The single is well crafted with the guitar, bass, and drums establishing their turf with a perfect thirteen second intro. When the vocals arrive it’s an immediate knockout blow. The production is stupendous. The vocals are never drowned out and there isn’t a competition between guitar, bass, and drums, but a harmonious exploration. “Sometimes you gotta trade up”, not with the Complaints. They have already achieved their purpose. To learn more about the band and to purchase their music head over to: http://thecomplaints.com/ Craig Fenton Biographer: Jefferson Airplane
MusicBusinessMonthly.com reviews Trade Up Everyone can remember a song that immediately lures you into its inescapable groove. The Complaints, a powerful three-piece rock 'n' roll band from Rhode Island, accomplish just that with their latest single "Trade Up." Singer-songwriter Dean Petrella conveys authentic urban streetlife in his gritty voice; even his "hey hey hey's" shout through the asphalt jungle. It's impossible to exaggerate the kinetic beat laid down by bassist Chris Cruz and drummer Anthony Marotti; rhythmic and sinewy yes, but also subtle and unpredictable. "Trade Up" is topped with Petrella's sensational power chords, his beautifully sustained string-bending lead notes, and some monstrous closing feedback. -Joe Tortelli
Online Review of Trade Up from TMRZoo.com
Once again Dean Petrella is Male Vocalist of the Year!!
Deal Petrella - Male Vocalist of the Year!
Speaking of hard-working groups, our local boys The Complaints have been at it somewhere pretty much every night for more than a decade now, and their latest disc, Sunday Morning Radio, is a winning collection of tough, smart and tuneful rock (not surprisingly, if you know the band's oeuvre; it's got two songs inspired by Journal reporter Mike Stanton's book The Prince of Providence). They celebrate its release Sunday night at The Hi-Hat, 3 Davol Square, Providence. It's at 6 and it's free! Call (401) 453-6500.
This October marks 10 big years for Dean Petrella and The Complaints. "I can't believe it's been that long and we're still here! We were just boys when we started this whole thing." The trio is finishing its third full-length record. "It's been pretty slow going because of our busy schedule and we spent a lot of time and money putting together our own studio." You can sample a bit of their new work with a free download of "New Face" at (www.thecomplaints.com). Though reluctant to explain too much, Petrella says he wrote about his Dad's recent passing and the mixed emotions that went along with it. "I was inspired by some of my heroes like Elvis Costello, Neil Young, John Lennon, to try and take a sad subject and marry it to and upbeat pop-rock setting." You can catch The Complaints every Wednesday at the Escada Bar, at 1174 Douglas Avenue in North Providence. Call 401.353.8008 for details, but I'll tell you right now there's no cover and the band kicks in at 10 pm.
The service and food are top notch, yet the Complaints at Ri-Ra are still coming in. Double-check that capital C, grammar guardians, and you'll notice it's a proper noun were referring to. If the Complaints don't register with you, it's time to start registering with the Complaints. Do that by swinging into the famed Ri-Ra Irish Pub on Friday, Oct. 7 or Saturday, Oct. 8. Better yet, swing in on the 7th and the 8th to double your fun.
Audience reactions to the band have run contradictory to their moniker, as fans have been enjoying their gigs up and down the East Coast for more than five years. These steadfast performers have been maintaining a rigorous touring schedule, performing upwards of 200 gigs per year. Thats more than your average tinker, tailor or toiler works combined.
Straightforward trio rock can be some powerful stuff-be it Husker Du or Iodine, it's amazing how thick and dangerous just guitar, bass and drums can be. The Complaints certainly have that edge. On Criminal Mind, they play intense, scowling rock with a mean left hook. It rocks, it's smart and singer Dean Petrella can sing one heck of an anthemic chorus. Even in their more mellow and playful moments like the intro to "No," The Complaints seem to be just barely restraining the urge to bang the hell out of their instruments. Throughout Criminal Mind they play straight-up, thoroughly enjoyable rock. . |
