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The Active Set

Rank #219 Los Angeles, CA Rock / Indie / Post-punk

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About

Members: Matthew Stolarz, Wayne Russell, Francis Ramsden, Damien Stolarz

Sounds Like: Bloc Party, The Appleseed Cast, The Bravery, The Police, XTC

Bio: Brit moves to U.S.
Meets L.A. Anglophile.
Music begins.
Nice guy answers want ad.
Eventually cuts hair.
Drummer leaves for too long.
New drummer saves the day, comes to Austin.
Morale is high.
Band is good.

More Info

Status

: New band: The Smiffs

Press

"On the Active Set's debut full-length, "11," the group bristles with cymbal-heavy rhythms and dagger-sharp lead guitars. Of the band's post-punk influences, L.A.-obsessed Brits the Wedding Present have given the most generously; with their sour vocals, respective frontmen Matthew Stolarz and David Gedge could be dissatisfied distant cousins. But the album showcases an array of styles across its 11 tracks, offering glacial intensity on slow-motion anthem "Sea Legs" and of-the-moment electronic drums and synthesizers on "Counting Out Your Life." "

— David Greenwald, L.A. Unheard (L.A. Times)

“Their debut also consists of 11 tracks which offer a diverse sound palette that will please fans of new wave and ’80s post-punk (albeit sometimes tinted by some tropical rhythms). Matthew Stolarz, Wayne Russell, Francis Ramsden, and Michael Castro also dabble in a bit of electronica as synthesizers weave in and out of guitar riffs on songs such as “Best Summer Ever.” However, “Sea Legs” is the standout track as it embraces heavier rock at its core with dueling guitars that roar and gently subside only a few measures from the end. As Stolarz sings “So far / I’m still looking to the land,” one can’t help but think how it foils Frightened Rabbit’s “Swim Until You Can’t See Land.” Nonetheless, there is a familiar yearning for some place else. The Active Set is a sharp contrast from Stolarz’s days in the Briggs, but the punk undertones should imply that his past isn’t too far behind him when former fellow band member Jason LaRocca has lent a hand in production ”

— Seraphina Lotkhamnga, Buzz Bands LA

"...Putting aside their plush, arpeggio-happy arrangements for a moment, what helps usher them into a field of their own is frontman/songsmithMatthew Stolarz, a budding popmeister whose wry takes on romance, sex, ambition, and even the open road are relatable, if not amusing. In fact, I have to wonder how Stolarz would employ the Occupy Movement as songwriting fodder, but I digress. "Counting Out Your Life" and "Best Summer Ever" are as lyrically considered as they are sonically intoxicating, and so goes much of the remainder of the album, enabling it to stimulate as consistently as it does. Not exactly one louder, 11 is still pretty golden, but don't be surprised if the Active Set surpass it in years to come."

— Willfully Obscure

"...The Active Set, has served up a batch of alt-rock tunes that are as fun as they are smart on their debut 11. Quirky percussion, bouncy bass lines, hooky guitar riffs and pained vocals filtered through a none-too-serious lens leads to equal parts shoegaze indie and beer driven alternative that is tough to categorize, but easy to appreciate. Singer/bassist Matthew Stolarz, drummer Michael Castro and guitarists Wayne Russell and Francis Ramsden have collectively created a sound that takes the wind out of the supreme seriousness inherent in traditional indie/hipsterism. If these gents teach us nothing else, at the very least they allow for some sunshine into otherwise irony-laden, dour days..."

— Enter The Shell

“Los Angeles post-punk rockers The Active Set have managed to generate quite a buzz in Southern California...”

— Wildy, Wildy's World

“Cool punchy guitar pop/rock. These guys' direct approach reminds us of some of the early recordings by Joe Jackson and Elvis Costello. The tunes on this self-titled EP feature throbbing distinct rhythms, charging guitars, and vocals that are appropriately up front in the mix. Six hard hitting pop tracks here including "Escape Act," "Mindless," "Truth Hurts," and "Better Brigade." Nice smart modern pop with an edge.”

— ?, LMNOP

“The Active Set are another one of those bands who’ve had a track sitting in my inbox for a fair old while, and made me regret it once I’ve listened to them. ‘Sea Legs’ is a slow-building beast drawing on elements of The National (epic, dark, full of drums), early Bloc Party, Echo & The Bunnymen and god knows what else. It’s a long track at over five minutes, but the band pack so much action into that time that it could easily be twice as long and still sound full. What centres it all is Matthew Stolarz’ mournful vocals that flicker between British inflections and the LA punk that he once was, saying very little, but saying it well. ‘So far I’m still looking to the land, I haven’t found my sea legs/And so far I haven’t got a plan, I’m set adrift upon these troubled waters’ is a beautiful refrain and one that frames the bulk of the song, letting it evolve into something far louder before joining in and making it seem almost transcendent. Beautiful, heartwrenching ”

— ?, Music From A Green Window

“The Active Set`s subtly poetic new wave focus, a trip free from emulation gently allowing plenty of guitar-pop principles to be smashed to pieces. I`m pleased a trait is forming, they seem moodier and quietly superior compared to the bouncy 90`s sub-pop influences of the previous release.”

— Andy, Mojophenia

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Famous For Dying

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Valley Born

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Sea Legs

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Let The Games Begin

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It Multiplies

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Mon
Jun 3

TRiP
Santa Monica, CA, US | 8:00pm
TRiP
Santa Monica, CA, US
Mon Jun 03 8:00pm
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June is busting out all over...
Wed
Jun 5

The Slidebar
Fullerton, CA, US | 8:00pm
The Slidebar
Fullerton, CA, US
Wed Jun 05 8:00pm
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June is busting out all over...
Sat
Jun 8

Vista Murrieta High Sch…
Murrieta, CA, US | 6:00pm
Vista Murrieta High School
Murrieta, CA, US
Sat Jun 08 6:00pm
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Skarred Kage
Love what you're doing here! If you have time listen to my music and fan me back. Thanks! Alex Skarred Kage
Mod Fiction
F'n Great guitar sounds. really digging "Let The Games Begin"