Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Relic releases ‘Nothing Sacred’

By Sarah Poulton

After being a part of the local scene for about two years, Relic will be releasing their debut CD, “Nothing Sacred” at The Cellar.

Davo Billock, frontman for Relic said their five-track EP was recorded at Spider Studios in Cleveland over a two-month period. During the recording process, Relic was in transition between guitarists, so Billock ended up recording the guitar tracks for the CD. Their former guitar player, Paco, came from a metal background and their new guitar player, Chris Byerly, coming from a more technical background, has added a unique element to the rock band.

“Chris is bringing a whole new dynamic to everything,” Billock said.

Billock said they’re using this CD to sell to fans, include in press kits and send to label reps. “Nothing Sacred” is the first step to obtaining their ultimate goal of making it big in the industry, he said.

“Ever since we emerged on the scene about two years ago, we’ve been hounded by fans for a CD,” Billock said. “...Hopefully, with enough local and regional support, we’ll be able to release a full album.”

Any Relic fan will recognize the songs on the CD and they’ve all been performed at their shows during the past six months. Each song conveys a unique message, but “Breakthrough” probably has the strongest.

During the hook, Billock sings, “I built these walls to keep you out. I built these walls with anger and doubt. To keep these memories of you from getting in. Now they’re here,” referring to emotional walls built during the ending stages of relationships.

“It’s all about building emotional barriers,” Billock said. “It’s something everyone can relate to.”

Track five, “Here we Go,” is a fun, crowd participation song that is sure to draw attention, whether you’re listening to it on the CD or seeing them perform it live.

The rest of the album is filled with typical characteristics of a good rock album. “Nothing Sacred” consists of powerful lyrics over catchy guitar rifts. Billock sings throughout most of it. He does do some screaming to appeal to the metalheads, but not too much that will deter the average rock fan.

Billock considers Relic to be a little different in terms of traditional rock bands. He said there have been many rock bands that formed in Youngstown, but, even if it’s solely from an entertainment viewpoint, his band is unique.

“We incorporate the piano, synth and samples, but we’re still a rock band,” Billock said. “We’re not a pop band, we’re not a progressive band, we’re not an industrial band, we’re a rock band — straight up.”

Opening for Relic is local band GreyDealer, industrial rock band Denial Stage and Cleveland-based hard rock band D-Rail. After Relic takes the stage around 11, Red Iron King will perform a special acoustic act to wind down the show.

Billock said he’s particularly excited for Denial Stage because this is their first high-profile show: “They’re really eager to play and I was blown away by their enthusiasm.”

As for the other bands, Billock said they’re great guys and great musicians. His goal, when booking this show, was to book bands he felt were good, stand-alone bands, who would draw a crowd.

“I think they’re all excellent musicians,” Billock said. “The show will be remembered more than any specific band.”

Billock said that even though the FurtherMind Music Festival is happening the same day as their release party, he doesn’t think that will hurt attendance because they are two very different shows. His only regret, he said, is that he won’t be able to attend the festival.

“I would have personally liked to go out and support his cause,” Billock said. “I support local musicians and I support their causes.”

“Nothing Sacred” will be sold at this show for $5. Advance tickets to the all-ages event can be purchased in advance for $5 with a $3 up-charge for anyone under the age of 21.