Lead singer and guitarist Michael Gossard of ACIDIC, the hottest new Los Angeles alternative/rock band talks music and pets with House Of Dog.

HOD: When did your interest in pets/animals begin and how long have you been a pet owner
MG: I've been a pet owner as long as I have been alive and have grown up with them and have come to appreciate them as dependent and loving beings.

HOD:What kind of dogs/cats do you have?
MG: All of our animals are rescues and are combinations of many different breeds. Our dog Goldie seems to be a shepherd dominant mix with some lab and who knows what else, and our cats are plain domestic short-hairs. And we also have a goldfish I got at my school carnival when I was really little. The fish was about the length of my little finger. That was at least ten years ago, I think. That fish is now almost a foot long! Really! And he's still going - or swimming - strong! I named him Matthew after one of my friends.

HOD: How old are your pets? How would you describe their personality?
MG: Our dog Goldie is about five and is loyal to the point of annoyance and she has a bubbly personality. Our cats are all very provincial and act as though they own the world. Db is 10, Onyx is 3, Betty and Barney are both 1. I can't remember how old Matthew the fish is but he's our oldest pet.

HOD: LA is well-known as a great place for dog lovers-what are your favorite activities to do with your pets?
MG: I love going on walks with Goldie as she is so trustworthy and is always willing to run endlessly. I also love sitting and reading while the cats roam and scramble all over the place as well as giving all the cats a thorough dose of catnip and watching the ensuing calamity.

HOD: What animal charities are you involved in?
MG: My band ACIDIC started a charity called Help Us Help™ which chose as its first beneficiary the volunteers at the East Valley Animal Shelter. They were overloaded last winter because of the Sylmar Fire and also the foreclosure crisis that hit at the same time. You had a big influx of homeless animals there - whose families couldn't keep them anymore. Our dog trainer friend Jacqueline Gaillard told us how strapped the volunteers were and how there was no money for all the extra supplies they needed now because of such an increased demand. So we thought if we shared the money from our CD sales, it might help them.

HOD: Do you plan any plans to work with an animals, or star with any animals soon?
MG: As far as working with or starring with any animals, we haven't made plans as of yet, but I'm sure we will be involved with them later on in our career.

HOD:What are you working on now? (animal related or not)
MG: At this moment I am sitting in the studio writing on my Blackberry while we're simultaneously recording tracks for our new album due in January. We're being produced by the Wizardz Of Oz, a very well known, award-winning Australian production team who've worked with artists like Jason Mraz, Avril Lavigne, the Pussycat Dolls, and Britney Spears!

http://blog.houseofdog.com/celebrity-interviews/

By Belinda Thomas
December 15, 2009

Belinda Thomas

Up-and-coming Los Angeles based alternative-rock band ACIDIC, described as "the youthful exuberance of Green Day with Coldplay sensitivity" is currently touring in conjunction with the release of their debut CD, "Ironic Dreams." The band recently bought their live show to the Whisky A Go Go.

ACIDIC consists of lead singer and guitarist Michael Gossard, bassist Ted Dubrawski, guitarist Michael Thompson and drummer Matt Whitaker.

The band played a 35 minute set yet still put together a lengthy eight song set list highlighting their best work. They kicked off the show with "Come Together", they classic song by The Beatles. They then went into a new song "Liar". From the rock song "Break Away" to the melodic sounds of "Closer To The Sun" the foursome effortlessly showed all sides of their multi-faceted sound.

Michael Gossard who is the band's lead singer, principal songwriter and guitarist, gives of a positive energetic feel reminiscing of a young " Billie Joe Armstrong" from the band Green Day. His powerful voice combine with catchy lyrics made their closing new song " No Name' and instant fan favorite with lead guitarist Michael Thompson rocking memorable licks bringing out the power of the song. Matt Whitaker's powerful drum style mixed with bassist Ted Dubrawski thumping sounds was the perfect blend to add to the style and the tight sound of the band.

ACIDIC rocked the enthusiastic the crowd that consists of all age ranges. This is one talented young band that should not be missed live in concert and on record.

Set List:

"Come Together"
"Liar" (new)
"Black Box"
"Move On"
"Strata Red"
"Retrograde" (new)
"Let Me Take You Away" (new)
"Closer to the Sun" (new)
"No Name" (new)

L.A. Music Examiner

By Amy Sommer  
December 3, 2009

Their name sprang from a bored band member reading the ingredients on a Coke can - and they haven't stopped creating art from the ordinary since. Band members, Ted Dubrawski, Mike Thompson, Matt Whitaker and Michael Gossard sat down with WT to share some insights about their music making.

Acidic has several local dates lined up -- see their site, www.AcidicBand.com or WT's Calendar section for details - and is self producing their work at the moment... but will likely secure a label deal in 2010.

TED DUBRAWSKI
WT: When did you know that music was your passion?
Ted: I can't even remember, music has always been in my life. I have always loved just being able to sit in a room and listen to a record start to end. Playing music became a passion of mine when I started working with bands at age 14. Records are great but no album I've ever heard has reached the level of emotion that live shows carry.

WT: What causes the most musical disagreements between the three of you?
Ted: Song rights, by far having to figure out percentage wise who get what.

WT: Do your parents get al
3/4 of ACIDIC ong with each other? If so, is this a good thing or a bad thing? If not, is this a good thing or a bad thing?
Ted: I'd rather not answer that one.

WT: Who writes most of the lyrics? Music? Do you do so collaboratively?
Ted: Mike does most of the writing, with a few exceptions. Initially Mike would bring in a song, then Matt and I would write the bass and drum parts. So we all put something into each song. Some more than others. "Strata Red" was the first song that I had a large part in writing. Mike had this rolling bass line that you hear in the verses and I had a a surf-inspired progression that became the chorus.

WT:What do you plan to major in at The Music Institute?
I'm going to be certified as a luthier, or guitar craftsman.

MIKE THOMPSON Q&A
WT: When did you know that music wa
ACIDIC with their Mascot, Goldie s your passion?

When I was leaving my first concert, having my mind blown for the first time.

WT: What causes the most musical disagreements between the four of you?

The most arguments usually come from music arrangements.

WT: Do your parents get along with each other? If so, is this a good thing or a bad thing? If not, is this a good thing or a bad thing?

No. It doesn't really affect me.

WT: Who writes most of the lyrics? Music? Do you do so collaboratively?

Mike will usually bring a song with arrangement in mind, and we'll just play along and till it feels right, then sit down and fine tweak some stuff.

MATT WHITAKER
WT: What do you plan to major in at LMU?
Matt: Right now I am undecided. I started off as a Biology Major but quickly realized that Science and all that stuff was not my forte, music was. So I'm hoping to start the Music Major Here Soon.

WT: How is your health?
Matt: My health is good. I have been done with treatment for cancer for 12 years now and I am in better health. Once every year I get blood drawn to make sure I don't have any traces of cancer and so far it's been all clear.

WT: What advice do you have for other cancer patients?
Matt: Honestly my advice is to never stop trying. I personally don't remember a lot of it because I was so little but what I do remember I know now that I would have wanted to give up because it hurt so much. So all I can say is there is a better life awaiting when you get through all the b-s.

WT: When did you know that music was your passion?
Matt: I have always been the friend in my group of friends who loves music the most. I always showed them new music and I would play piano for fun. But my first passion is drums now. I had a kit when I was little and played it often but then I stopped for a bit and started doing sports. But then randomly one day I started drumming again and since then I have not taken one look back.

WT: What causes the most musical disagreements between the four of you?
Matt: I would have to say style/arrangement. All of us come from different musical backgrounds so we all have certain styles or nuances that we really want to hear and that can sometimes cause a strife in the creative process.

WT: Do your parents get along with each other? If so, is this a good thing or a bad thing? If not, is this a good thing or a bad thing?
Matt: My parents do get along but I think that this is a pretty personal question so all I'm going to say is yes.
WT: Who writes most of the lyrics? Music? Do you do so collaboratively?

Matt: Mike writes most of the songs and lyrics but we are usually always able to add in our two cents about what we feel for the song. It starts off solo but ends up being collective.

MICHAEL GOSSARD
WT: When did you know that music was your passion?
I've been aware that music was something I was passionate about since I've been aware at all. It has been an all-inclusive part of my life and has been the object of my dedication and affection since before I can remember. I picked up a guitar at age three and have never so much as glanced backwards.

WT: What causes the most musical disagreements between the four of you?
Song percentages can cause some personal strife between us, simply because we're close in a familial manner and our comfort level with each other can lead to confrontation.

WT: Do your parents get along with each other? If so, is this a good thing or a bad thing? If not, is this a good thing or a bad thing?

Everything's cool, but I agree with Ted and Matt. I'd rather not discuss it.

WT: Who writes most of the lyrics? Music? Do you do so collaboratively?
So far, I have been responsible for a good majority of all the original material. Not to say that the others don't have input, it's just worked out that way.

WT: What is the best part of being the lead singer? The worst?
The best part of being the lead singer of a band like ACIDIC is obtaining the coalescent feeling of leading both the crowd and the band simultaneously on stage, it is an unparalleled sensation. The worst part? There is no worst part.

WT: Do you plan to go to college?
As of this moment, my plans for college include applying to LMU and Musicians Institute, I intend to earn some sort of degree involving either business and administration or music business, but for now I'm just working hard to maintain my eligibility.

WestsideToday.com

By Daniel Lees, Contributor

Published:  Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Updated:  Tuesday, November 3, 2009

A sudden B minor chord crashes in, resonates for just a moment and the bass begins to thump. These are the sounds that one hears in the initial moments of "Ironic Dreams," the first full-length album coming from Los Angeles' own Acidic. Once front man Michael Gossard chimes into the mix, backed by a set of chunky power chords, it becomes clear why the band receives constant comparisons to early Green Day.

While the sound lies low for the verse of the opening track, "Her Walls Are Coming Down," it serves as the perfect build up to show listeners Acidic's well-respected, clean, high-energy music that becomes much more apparent once the chorus hits.

"Break Me Down" exemplifies these same values with a fun, catchy chorus that makes it a crowd favorite. The more edgy "Strata Red" aims to catch the attention of the female listeners with built-up passion derived from the increasingly seductive lyrics throughout the song.

Listeners are able to pine over the sorrows of a rough break up in a number of the tracks, notably the album's ballad, "Move On." A bright acoustic guitar plays unaccompanied to start the song, and is followed by constantly increasing potency through the addition of new instruments in each chorus. This intensity then culminates in the song's breakdown, which is easily the most impressive moment of the entire album in terms of musical ability. 

Each member of the band brings his own set of talents to this section to make a tight composite explosion of music that rises above the more typical sounds of the rest of the album. 

In all actuality, the vigor that one witnesses in listening to "Ironic Dreams" is no match for the exhilaration that resonates off of the band in a live setting, as confirmed by the plethora of quotes on the band's Web site from various booking agents, sponsors, magazines and newspapers referring to their "magnetic" and "energetic" stage presence.

The true sound of Acidic cannot be heard by simply listening to this album; these artists are known to flourish once they can break out of studio walls. That being said, "Ironic Dreams" serves as the perfect teaser that leaves listeners anxious to witness the vitality this band is capable of producing onstage. "Ironic Dreams" lays the groundwork for the potential that this band will undoubtedly explore in the future.

According to drummer Matt Whitaker, an LMU sophomore, traces of Dave Matthews Band and Coldplay are expected to come out in the next album (planned for release in early 2010), which will certainly make less room for Green Day comparisons to continue to dominate their reputation.

www.LALoyolan.com

LMU student drums for L.A.-based band
Student Q&A

By Willie Nedrow

Published:  Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Updated:  Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Sophomore Matt Whitaker, bottom right, drums for the L.A.-based band Acidic. Inspired by Whitaker's survival of leukemia at age 4, the band members have played at Leukemia and Lymphoma fundraising events all over southern California.

Last week in the KXLU studios, I sat down with Matt Whitaker, an undeclared sophomore at LMU and drummer of L.A. band Acidic. We discussed the band's sound, their future and their upcoming show at the Whiskey A-Go-Go, which is a huge step towards the development of the promising rock quartet.

WN: Many of your songs on your album "Ironic Dreams" seem to be about relationships. So let me ask you, what does "love" mean to you?

MW: Love is when you can be happy with someone and not really care much about anything else.

WN: That's the relationship side of love, but what about love for a passion? Do you love your songs? Is that a different kind of love that you feel?

MW: Yeah definitely. It's really something you can't describe. I love playing every song because it's special every time. So yeah, I guess it's a different kind of appreciation.

WN: Do you feel this the most in the studio or on stage?

MW: It's such a different kind of thing. In the studio, it's love and hate, because everyone hates the studio. It's such a tedious process. But you love it because you're making what you want to do, you know, your art. But on stage having everyone listen to you and watch you, its indescribable.

WN: What's the best live show Acidic has played as a collective thus far?

MW: Oh, definitely Bamboozle Left this past April. We opened on the main stage. We were the first band on that stage, and I don't even remember playing to be honest. It was so exciting. In front of 2,000 people, we started the day off, and just having that many people watching us, it's overwhelming; it was amazing.

WN: So you guys are getting more accustomed to playing in front of large crowds, playing in bigger name venues and having more publicity and promotions. How did you guys get hooked up with management and other representation to get your name out there?

MW: Actually everyone that helps is family and friends pretty much. Our lead singer's mom has been managing us so far, and it's great because it's free. We got lucky. She does so much for us. She was a DJ on a major radio station back in the day so she has lots of old friends with many connections. It is definitely a key part to how we are getting these shows and publicity. It really helps networking in the music industry.

WN: Speaking of the music industry, could you see yourself doing this for the rest of your life?

MW: Yeah, I definitely could. We are in the process of talking to producers to record our next album. Again, it's super important to network in this industry and these guys have worked with big names, like Avril Lavigne and The Killers, and would shop the record to labels. They're definitely reputable. We're hoping we can make something out of it.

WN: Sounds impressive - it's definitely good to have yourself under the umbrella of someone who has already had success or knows how to achieve success. But in terms of Acidic's sounds, where do you draw your influences?

MW: Our last album "Ironic Dreams" was very rocking and punchy. A lot of people compare us to the old Green Day sound because of our style and our lead singer Mike Gossard's voice is very reminiscent of Billie Joe Armstrong's. On that album we weren't in an immature stage, but we were younger and had only been a band for a little while. On this next album we are definitely concentrating more on the arrangements, groove oriented songs and keeping a mellow vibe. Our songs are becoming more complex and our style is taking a new direction.

WN: Now you guys have a show at the Whiskey A-Go-Go on Nov. 7. What is the audience going to see or hear that will display this new side of Acidic besides just being groovier and having a more mature sound?

MW: They will definitely see more chemistry, that's for sure, because we have been playing so much lately and have been a band for that much longer so our performance will be super cohesive. We've only been a band for about a year, and most bands have more experience than that. We were kind of thrown into this all and have learned so much from experience. As a band, and even individual musicians, we're learning by doing. Now, it's much more natural. Now it's really just Acidic (laughs).

WN: So now you must love the band you're in: playing shows, recording, even doing interviews. I can hear the passion in your answers.

MW: Yeah it's definitely a love of music and also for the people in the band. Not to mention our audience and listeners, too.

www.LALoyolan.com

"Help Us Help" ACIDIC's Young Musicians Make a Difference

What happens when a young up and coming band in California decides to help animals? You have an interesting phenomenon that could serve as a lightening rod for others.

ACIDIC Lead Singer and Guitarist, Michael Goassard, started the band in early 2007 when he was a freshman in high school. About 15 months ago ACIDIC took its current form when drummer Matt Whitaker and bass player Ted Dubrawski joined the band.

What makes these young men stand out from others is that they started "Help Us Help," before Christmas 2008.

"There was a really bad brush fire in Sylmar," Michael recalls. "The fire burned a lot of people out of their homes. We heard from volunteers at the East Valley Animal Shelter that everything there was getting really stressed. Animals lost their homes too and people who were burned out couldn't keep their pets. Those pets wound up at the East Valley Animal Shelter. Lots of people donate dog toys and blankets and stuff but nobody thinks about how the volunteers need other supplies, and they run short of money for vaccinations and other things. They were dreading kitten season because they'd have to provide foster care themselves for the animals and cover all the expenses out of their own pockets. And then there was a foreclosure crisis at that time with lots of people losing their homes because of money trouble. That was bad for pets, too. We thought we might be able to help because we all have pets and they're rescues. So we thought if we split the money from CD sales with the volunteers with that shelter, our fans and friends could "Help Us Help." Seemed like a good idea," he recalls.

Their charitable efforts started there but didn't end there. These young musicians are serious about continuing "Help Us Help." The charities they support usually are something meaningful to them on a personal level, starting with animal shelters.

"Ted's a surfer so he cares about the ocean and Heal the Bay. We're all into environmental protection and preservation. And Matt's a cancer survivor. He had childhood leukemia. He's been active in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society that helps sick kids and their families," Gossard explains. "We've played at a lot of their events and we'll do more for them whenever they ask. There's this place in San Pedro called Beacon House - it's a rehab center that helps a lot of people conquer addictions and alcoholism. They invited us to play at their Summer Block Party two years ago - it was one of our first gigs ever. Then they kept inviting us back, like for Halloween and the next summer. We just played our third straight Summer Block Party a few weeks ago. We love those guys! They had faith in us even before we did! We'll go down there and play for them forever! They really make a difference," he enthuses.

"And there's one more. We heard about the horrible car accident that Deftones bass player Chi Cheng was in last November. He's still in a coma and his family didn't have health insurance. There was a fundraiser on Ebay last spring and we raised the most money for him. They were able to get him some treatments they couldn't afford before. What we got in return was the chance to play Main Stage at Bamboozle Left at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater last April! That was THE BEST!!!!"

How many charities they will help will depend upon what their fan base and other compassionate people could support. "And how much strength and how many gigs and other opportunities we have and how little sleep we need," Gossard adds. "We'll help whoever we can - however we can, and whenever we can. Life's been pretty good to us. We want to give back - kind of like saying a big thank you to the cosmos.."

They're always open to new charities, "Whatever pulls at our hearts. There's an awful lot of need out there. It's a way we can say thank you for everything nice that's happened to us - by giving back. And hey, people need the help. I was in another band last year that put on a concert for my high school. We raised 5,000 dollars!" he adds. "But we won't forget our favorites!"

When asked what he wants people to know about ACIDIC, Gossard says, "I'd LOVthem to know that ACIDIC is a band definitely worth their knowing and their time. We work harder onstage than you can believe! We figured each of us probably loses two or three pounds after every show. Our drummer, Matt, had to go to First Aid right after we finished our set at Bamboozle, and have his hands all bandaged up. I'm told our tunes are good to drive to, also. And don't forget - if you support us, you're probably going to be supporting one of the charities we care about, too. Like I mentioned earlier - you'll be helping us help. And thank you for asking! Please check us out - www.acidicband.com - which will take you everywhere like Myspace and Facebook and YouTube. Check out our video - "Ironic Dreams," too, and also - there's a link on our home page where you can join our mailing list and find out what we're doing. We'd really appreciate that a lot!"

ACIDIC has been described as "the youthful exuberance of Green Day with Coldplay sensitivity" is currently touring in conjunction with the release of their debut CD, "Ironic Dreams."

It's nice to know that they understand that there's more to life and they use their music to make a difference.

http://perpetuallyspeaking.blogspot.com/

ACIDIC: Local teen rock band makes waves in music; plays over 50 gigs a year
By Ani Okkasian

"Here. You're going to need these," says a salt-and-pepper haired band manager, Mary Lyon, as she hands out orange ear plugs, "we get real loud in here," she boasts.

In a closet-like rehearsal space at the end of an oddly-scented hallway complete with brown shag carpet and asylum like fluorescent lighting, the exuberant bandmates of ACIDIC can be heard quoting the mockumentary, Spinal Tap, and having all-night jam sessions. Sandwiched between other bands renting rooms in the Culver City commercial space, ACIDIC finds themselves trying to compete with their neighbors: an all-girl Goth screamo band and a Michael Jackson enthusiast.

(L-R) ACIDIC bandmembers: Drummer Matt Whitaker, lead singer/guitarist Mike Gossard, bassist bassist Ted Dubrawski.

"The walls are about this thin," gestures 19-year-old bassist Ted Dubrawski, "but luckily, we go up to 11," he laughs. Along with their 11 point speakers their rehearsal space houses racks of guitars, loose wires, spray painted decor and haphazard blue painter's tape securing sketches, lyrics, set lists etc., to the gray walls.

Huddled in a circle with their instruments 17-year- old lead singer, guitarist and main song writer, Mike Gossard, guides his band into rehearsal with a lively rendition of The Beatles' "Come Together," subconsciously attempting to prove their legitimacy as a young band.

Drummer Matt Whitaker, a Loyola Marymount student and oldest of the group at 19, executes the song with such precision and strength it's hard to imagine the tenacious teen battling childhood leukemia , which left him relying on his miniature custom drum kit for a much-needed distraction.

Crespi Carmelite senior, Mike Gossard, is the lead singer, guitarist and song writer for ACIDIC. Photo: Ani Okkasian

Gossard , who is currently a senior at Crespi Carmelite High School in Tarzana, also got an early start in music. "He picked up a guitar at the age of 3 and did this weird Pete Townshend, Elvis thing," chuckles manager/mother Mary Lyon, "Sometimes you just see talent manifest itself." Since then Gossard grew up making music his primary focus: getting involved in music videos, musical theater, and even opening up for the Misfits and Blue Oyster Cult while playing in various bands before ACIDIC.

Dubrawski, a recent Crespi  graduate,  also had a musical career before their current band playing bass with a death metal group performing at Whisky a Go Go and the Knitting Factory. When not on stage, or rehearsing barefoot, you can find the tattoo-clad, platinum blonde surfer catching some waves before he starts his semester at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood this fall. Their musical background is evident in their live performances.

Mike Thompson, a sweet-tempered 19-year-old guitarist trying out with the band to become a possible fourth member can see it, "They are 3 of the most talented musicians I've played with and I've played with some older musicians before." The jury is still out on if Thompson is cut out for a band that practices every single night for the past year and a half straight. "There have been 14 people in this band and three of them ended up in rehab," Whitaker amuses himself. "As the songs get tighter you give yourself license to develop your stage presence," says a wise beyond his years Gossard.

ACIDIC drummer Matt Whitaker is a Loyola Marymount student. Photo: Ani Okkasian

After 51 live shows in the last 52 weeks or so, they have perfected a high energy performance style that they affectionately refer to as "seizure tactics."

"When I'm on stage I don't remember anything," explains Dubrawski, "I only remember when I mess up and when I get on and off." Though they get a good response from their audience, the members of ACIDIC are far more critical of their performance, "there's only been two times where I thought we had a great show," the bassist states. Even in a near perfect rehearsal set earlier in the evening, which included a bold attempt on a Beatles classic, ACIDIC lost steam and botched one of their own songs reminding the audience that they are still a young band.

ACIDIC bassist Ted Dubrawski is a recent Crespi Carmelite graduate and will be attending the Musician's Institute in Hollywood. Photo: Ani Okkasian

Despite their young age, the bandmates are well aware of what it takes to make it in the business and are willing to put in the work and then some. ACIDIC shows their soft side by playing at leukemia charity events and also donated half the proceeds from their debut album, "Ironic Dreams" to the East Valley Animal Shelter which took in animals from the Sylmar fire.

In a short time, ACIDIC has built a rapidly growing fan base, while crafting a reputation of a band needed to be seen live. Their singles "Break me Down" and "Strata Red" can be heard on radio stations across the country. To catch them live, check out the Cobalt Cafe in Canoga Park on September 5th and the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills on September 6th.

MyDailyFind.com

LA-BASED ALT-ROCKERS ACIDIC TO PLAY THE CANYON CLUB , AGOURA HILLS, SEPTEMBER 6TH

L.A. based alt-rock band ACIDIC will perform at The Canyon Club, 28912 Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills on Sunday, September 6th. The show starts at 8 pm. Admission to the show is $10, and tickets can be purchased at the door or through Ticketmaster.

The band, consisting of lead singer and guitarist Michael Gossard, bassist Ted Dubrawski and drummer Matt Whitaker, continue to tour California in conjunction with the release of their debut CD, "Ironic Dreams," on sale now at Amazon.com and through their website.

Future Rock Stars of America said "The instrumentals are very upbeat and have an old school rock tone to them.this young group sounds like a band on the rise." Campus Circle Magazine said "ACIDIC is a good band with a lot of energy. They are professionals with a clean style who are able to achieve an energetic stage presence while still appearing like three very approachable guys. their solid rock songs and jovial, happy stage demeanor left me feeling cheerful and optimistic." Music Connection Magazine said of ACIDIC's music: "No Name', 'Strata Red' and 'Ironic Dreams' all suggest solid rock power and sensitivity..."

CultureMob

By Derek Wood

Derek Wood

Acidic is an LA based alt/rock band reminiscent of the late 90s music scene. They channel a pre-American Idiot Green Day with a tiny splash of Saves the Day (mostly in the vocal area) and add a little bit more of their own heaviness for good measure. Along with their CD, available now - see the Acidic website for details, they have produced a music video for the song Ironic Dreams. It resembles a Rolling Stones video in that it's four guys standing in front of a green screen. It's nothing breathtaking and it's hard to figure out if there's actually any storyline...it basically boils down to a performance video - which is always a safe route to go, though it doesn't seem to be perfectly synced sometimes...and youtube audio quality is just awful (obviously that's not THEIR fault). It's also the easiest way to see the Green Day of yore. Aside from sounding like Green Day, they also act like Green Day. You might even swear it's a 17 year old Billy Joe Armstrong fronting the band. Which actually brings up a fairly impressive point. Acidic is nothing more than a bunch of 17-19 year olds which makes their cohesiveness pretty astonishing. They aren't perfect - nobody is - but they're far from a teenage band. They seem to have the alternative rock thing down to a science already. Which is kind of scary. They have an opportunity to do what Green Day never did...stick with what they're good at and make it better. Hopefully they choose to do that rather than turn into old men playing sappy pop songs (nothing against present day Green Day. If it pays the bills, go for it).

If you're hankering for a blast from the past (you know, when music was still tolerable) check out their video, or go see them live. You can check their website for show dates, cd info and all that jazz. But to save you a few seconds, their nearest approaching show is at the Cobalt Cafe at 11pm this Saturday, September 5th.

Examiner.com

ACIDIC has performed at a number of legendary places like Whisky A Go-Go on Saturday nights, The House of Blues on the Sunset Strip, The Knitting Factory, The Palmer Room and many more. They have opened for L.A. Guns, Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple and Led Zepagain. “ACIDIC Unplugged” is the title of their acoustic performances of their original music. Their single “Break Me Down” was the most requested song of 2009 on Sheena Metal’s internet radio show, “Music Highway.”

ACIDIC is active with charities. Whitaker is a cancer survivor who had beaten leukemia at the age of seven and now the band plays at fundraising events in Southern California for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They have raised money for the “One Love for Chi” foundation that helps the medical expenses of Deftones bass player Chi Cheng who suffered from serious injuries as a result of a car accident in November 2008.

They started their own charity “Help Us Help” which half of their online CD profits go to their favorite causes including the East Valley Animal Shelter. The shelter helps abandoned animals that survived during the Sylmar Fires and foreclosure crisis. Their album “Ironic Dreams” can be purchased on their website www.acidicband.com.