Most bands build from their hometowns out; they stick close to home, month after month, trying to establish a small following. After some time, they release a demo,make some stickers, and hope for a big break. Last Days of August work backwards ­but they like it that way.

Formed two years ago when guitarists Josh Chaplinsky and Phil Capone were looking to find a way to vent their rockstar tendencies, Last Days of August started playing all over the United States before the people in their home scene even had a chance to bitch about them. They already had several 7 inches, splits and compilations under their belts when they were approached by Fadeaway records, who released their self titled full length debut this past July. At home, they met with many of the things that drove them out across the country to begin with ­ the apathy and complacency of a scene that fails to support anyone these days. This only served to push them that much harder. After touring tirelessly to support the record though, the momentum they were gainingbecame sidetracked slightly when they parted ways with their original drummer in April of 1999. "He needed to get his life together," Chaplinsky said, "so we put up flyers, and tried out some really bad people. Joe Corbo saved the day." Complete with Corbo, bassist Mario Leston and singer Salvatore Montemaggiore, the band has been pushing themselves full speed towards something that goes beyond the basic rock formula that's boring kids around the world and turning them towards Puff Daddy.

"A lot of bands fall into a problem where every song sounds the same," Chaplinsky says, "you'll like the music but you can't really tell which song is which. We try to be really diverse and distinctive. We try a lot of different styles, so each song stands out. We never adhere to a strict type of music."

One of Last Days of August's major strengths comes in their live show; something that the band sees as one of the most important parts of making music. As tight as a metalhead's pants and as energetic as a herd of four-year-olds with giant pixy sticks, they captivate audiences with blasts of pure rock. It's the live intensity that they hope will push them towards something a little bigger ­ while still keeping with their DIY upbringing.

"The arena tour thing is a goal for some people, and I guess everyone wants that on a certain level,² said Corbo, "but we come from something different. We'd be happy just being able to do what we want with no pressure. Overall what I'd really want though is a tour bus and a driver. I don't need champagne, just a bus and a bed." The Last Days of August are planning several tours in the coming year, including a full U.S. tour in the summer, as well as a couple of newer releases with new addition Corbo on the drums. They're hoping that continuing to take their brand of intense and melodic post-hardcore across the country will show the kids that there's more out there than just Matchbox 20.

Guitarist Phil Capone can sum up his direction though, in true rock and roll fashion: "I just want to get a girl out of this whole thing.² That's rock Œn fuckin' roll. Guns 'N Roses have nothing on these guys.

Fadeaway Records, 1999

www.fadeawayrecords.com

Contact: Mike Dubin — mike@fadeawayrecords.com