by Jessica Nguyen
Normally after speaking to a band and reviewing my notes, I pick my brain to incorporate a catchy, original title for the final product. I don’t need to do this with A Crucifying Feeling. Their name is original enough, like their music, to grab your attention. They are an original band formed out of Philadelphia and if you like listening to local music, I suggest you check out this local band. Lead singer Paris Kalamaras and bass player Jeff Steinmentz took a few minutes to talk about some exciting things they having going on, including the upcoming release of their LP on December 18th.
So, first question. Will their be a release party for the LP? Right now, the band is working on where to have it. They mentioned the possibility of somewhere in Fish Town. Put me on that guest list!
The first single off the new LP is “The Pumpkin Method” and the inspiration behind it (and the song’s music video) clearly has a Halloween theme to it. “I was in a thrift store and I saw Halloween coupons for Penn Hurst Asylum,” says Kalamaras. Though Penn Hurst seems to be a great place for this band to put on a show, it wasn’t a likely option. Since ACF is a local band, Steinmentz told me that their favorite venue to play in the area is “Lickity Split on South Street. It’s small but it’s a really cool venue to play,” he says. “Also any show at any dive bar we get to play in Philly.” Kalamaras adds that a successful show at a venue also “depends on the mood and vibe of the crowd.”
The band is a huge fan of the Preston and Steve Show. So much so that ACF wrote a song about those guys. “I am a die-hard fan” says Kalamaras. “I listen to them every day and I knew them somewhat so I sent them an e-mail and asked them if I could make a song about the show. The video was shot in one day and we shot it on our phones.”
From Dust to Life, the upcoming LP, “is a metaphor for how God created man from dirt and made life. It’s how we create music,” says Kalamaras. The band’s best experience while bringing the new LP to life was the excitement of being able to film the video for “The Pumpkin Method”. Steinmentz says “Getting to film at Penn Hurst Asylum was an unexpected thing that came our way.” Kalamaras quickly agreed with that.
Kalamaras also says ACF is focusing on working on the album for now, but if given the chance they would love to open for a major act one day- Stone Temple or Soundgarden to name a few. Steinmentz also agreed that playing festivals across the country this summer would also be a goal of the band.
Until you have a chance to check out ACF playing live in Philly, make sure you keep yourself updated by visiting their website and hopefully we can all head out to the album release party. I have a feeling once you get the chance to hear A Crucifying Feeling’s music, you won’t stop paying attention to these guys.
