Saosin

Posted in MusicWorld on July 3, 2007 by Bruce Britt

They named themselves after a Chinese phrase meaning “small heart,” then proceeded to forge a reputation as one of the world’s most creative post-hardcore bands. From their 2003 inception right up to their recently released Capitol Records debut album, Saosin has cultivated a mystical image that has only grown more fascinating with time. As the website Absolute Punk noted in a recent CD review: “Amazingly enough, for a band that is on the tip of everyone’s tongue, there is still a lot on Saosin that is either unknown or undecided.”

Complete with suitable-for-framing cover art, Saosin’s self-titled CD showcases the soaring vocals of Cove Reber, the slash-and-burn guitars of Beau Burchell and Justin Shekoski, and the punk-inspired rhythms of bassist Chris Sorenson and drummer Alex Rodriguez. On tracks like “It’s Far Better To Learn” and “Voices,” the band erects an enormous wall of sound notable for its brutal beauty. Citing songs like “It’s So Simple” and “Come Close,” Rolling Stone hailed Saosin’s “spidery, riff-rocking attack” and their “brawny and nuanced” sounds.

Saosin hails from Newport Beach, California. Formed by guitarists Burchell and Shekoski, the duo recruited vocalist Anthony Green and recorded the songs “Seven Years” and “Translating the Name,” the first two tracks featured on the band’s independently produced EP.

Fueled by Internet word-of-mouth, the Translating the Name EP sparked a music industry bidding war, with the spoils going to Capitol Records. In the wake of Green’s surprising departure, new vocalist Cove Reber stepped in following a nationwide talent search.

The pronunciation of Saosin’s name remains a point of friendly contention. The band reportedly pronounces it “Say-Oh-Sin,” while some fans prefer “say-ocean.” Though the name may be open to dispute, there’s no denying the appeal of Saosin’s music. The band has been selected to perform on the Taste of Chaos tour, alongside The Used, 30 Seconds to Mars and Vaeda. The international jaunt will see Saosin performing before thousands of fans, and should serve to enhance the band’s shadowy mystique.

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